Skip to content
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST & ENTER OUR FREE PRIZE DRAW

Vertical Jig Fishing Rodrigues on the famous Hawkins bank

Solo Traveller Weeks Available - We have normal and solo traveller weeks available
Customer Rating 89%
Tour Code ROD001

One Of The Best Jigging Destinations

This fishing adventure is like no other out there! Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, our Rodrigues Island fishing trip offers anglers a unique opportunity to fish for some incredible species. The fishing style used is down to you. You can tailor the itinerary to suit exactly how you wish to fish and the species you want to target. In addition to this, we have some excellent tackle packages waiting onboard for you to use completely free of charge. However, if you wish to bring your own equipment, we will supply you with a very detailed list of gear to take with you.

The fishing off Rodrigues Island is not for the faint-hearted, it’s extreme fishing in pretty harsh conditions, but if you are aware of this and it still appeals to you, you will be in for a treat. The fishing, both around the island and offshore at Hawkins bank, offers jig fishing anglers some of the best fishing opportunities the world has to offer.

Even though this could well be the best place for a chance of a serious Dogtooth Tuna, there are many more species to catch, like the supercharged Yellowfin Tuna, lots of Sailfish, many different Snappers and Groupers, plus the odd giant Marlin.

Where is Rodrigues

Rodrigues Island is a 108 square-kilometre Island and is part of Mauritius’s Republic in the Indian Ocean. They located roughly 350 miles east of Mauritius. Rodrigues is part of the Mascarene Islands, which built up of Rodrigues and Réunion Islands. The islands are of volcanic origin and surrounded by some fantastic coral reefs. However, an area you must visit is the West Hawkins Bank. This location is world-famous for giant Dogtooth Tuna and monster GT’s. With our boats, this journey does not take long. Visit our YouTube channel to see for yourself what fishing off Rodrigues Island is all about.

Rodrigues Island Fishing

The waters around Rodrigues are teeming with many different species; in the morning, you could be popper fishing for GT’s. In the afternoon, you could be trolling for giant Black Marlin and then in the evening could be vertical jig fishing for Dogtooth Tuna. There’s something here for every angler and more.

The Dogtooth Tuna is the main pull to this area as they get enormous, with a fish over 200lb being possible. Another very prolific species is the Yellowfin Tuna; now these get big off Rodrigues Island, and if you want to tick one of these Tuna off your list, then this is the place.

As previously mentioned, this is mainly a jigging holiday; however, on your inshore days, it will be possible to do a little popper fishing for the GT’s in the shallower waters. GT’s around 20KG get caught regular around the island, so ensure your drags set as these fish will charge to the deeper water to cut you off.

When you visit Hawkins bank, the 65-hour trip, the main fishing methods will be jigging and a little trolling either with artificial lures or baits. All these methods will work and catch a lot of fish.

All we ask you to bring is your terminal tackle, poppers, jigs, stick baits, trolling lures, hooks, weights and mono hook lengths. The fishing here never seems to disappoint our customers. Make sure to read the reviews above to see for yourself.

Rodrigues Big Game Boat

The boat was built in Mauritius from a proven mould to fish the Indian Ocean. It is a vessel designed to combine performance, safety, and comfort. Making it a go-to vessel for fishing around Rodrigues Island. Its equipped to spend up to 20 days on the ocean. Below you can find the technical information:

  • Model – D’Unienville 53 feet (16.16m x 4.70m)
  • Engine – 2 x 500 CV Yanmar Inboard
  • Weight – 20 tons
  • Draft – 1.20 meters
  • Freshwater Tank – 3000 litres
  • Diesel tanks – 5000 litres (2 x 2500 litres)
  • Autonomy – 1000 nautical miles

Comfort onboard:

  • Fully equipped kitchen – (sink, gas fire, oven, integrated cooler)
  • Living area – with table and ample seating area
  • Three individual ventilated cabins (10 beds in total) Bed linen and towels provided
  • 1 Bathroom – with shower, sink and toilet
  • Spacious rear deck – fighting chair, large rear platform to move around during fight and enough space for five people to jig fish side by side.

Boat security:

  • Insurance – Mauritius Union Co LTD (Mauritius)
  • Distress beacon KANNAD
  • IRIDIUM satellite phone
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Life rafts
  • Lifejackets

Rodrigues Fishing Guides

At the helm of the boat is the best skipper on Rodrigues Island fishing, running his boat very successfully since 2008. He has already set the world on fire with some record catches of many different species. This skipper knows the waters like the back of his hand. His fishing knowledge of Rodrigues Island is second to none. Along with his team, who he has worked with for a long time, you will be in the very best of hands as you patrol the waters around Rodrigues Island.

HOW DEMANDING IS JIG FISHING

The jig fishing around Rodrigues Island fishing is suited to physically fit anglers as the fishing out on the Hawkins bank is demanding, and jigging all day can be tiring. If you need a rest from the intense jigging, then the captain will troll for a little while. The boat’s sleeping conditions can be reasonably cramped as this is a big game boat, but after a days jig fishing catching some considerable fish should see you in good stead for full night sleep.

The knowledge of jig fishing is a massive advantage as this will be the main style of fishing. This style of fishing can be pretty tiring so making each drop count is essential. The deckhands will help show you the best methods for any given species, whether it is slow jigging or the higher intense speed jigging.

Accommodation

Cocotiers Hotel located on the northeastern beaches of the stunning tropical island of Rodrigues Island is home to the Rodrigues Island fishing holiday. The beach fronted Cocotiers hotel rated as a 3-star hotel that offers excellent value for travellers either looking for a romantic getaway, family holiday, business travel or a memorable family holiday. This very charming hotel is a haven of peace and tranquillity nestled amongst beautifully landscaped gardens which make way for white sandy beaches just waiting for you to stroll along and soak up the atmosphere of Rodrigues Island.

The Hotel

All the rooms at the Cocotiers Hotel recently renovated to a very charming standard. All rooms come complete with air-conditioning and come as standard with a flat-screen TV offering a satellite package so you can keep up to date with what’s going on around the world.

There are 42 fully renovated rooms, with terraces or balconies. These rooms divided into two suites, 30 superior rooms with sea views, and ten standard rooms decorated with charming local art but still look very modern. Each room comes with an electric kettle and minibar. 

Each of the rooms comes with a private bathroom fitted with a very roomy shower cubicle and other modern amenities and cleaned daily. There is a daily laundry service that is an extra cost, but you can pay on your holiday. The reception also offers currency exchange at the front desk and can also arrange many tours around the Island.

Food & Drink

The charming little restaurant seats up to 90 guests whilst still providing your little piece of privacy. The restaurant will allow you to discover the treasures of culinary delights of Rodrigues and Mauritius.

Breakfast served from 7:30 am to 10:00 am and is a buffet-style arrangement; however, if you are going out fishing early, an early breakfast can be arranged.

Lunch served from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It is A la carte with some lovely local dishes made from local produce. A picnic basket can be arranged if you would like a day out.

Dinner served between 7:30 am to 10:00 pm and consists of a themed buffet or a fixed menu. All the meals constructed by some very skilled local chefs and only use local produce.

If you fancy kicking back in the evening sipping a few cocktails, there is a cocktail bar called Le Ti Limon Bar at the hotel serving freshly made cocktails. We highly recommend the famous ‘ti punch’ made with the famous local lemons of Rodrigues. The bar is open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, and each Saturday evening, there is a beautiful local Jazz band that likes to entertain the guests, a must for anyone looking for some local experiences.

Book with confidence

We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible. If you are quoted a lower price we will endeavour to beat it.
>
We take the stress out of the holiday planning process. All of our holidays include flights, transfer and accommodation making booking a holiday simple.
All our destinations our meticulously researched by our expert team, who take pride in planning and tailoring your holiday to your exact needs.
We are ATOL protected. This means you have the financial security on your holiday when booking through Sportquest Holidays.
When your trip benefits others, you gain too. All our trips support communities and preserve nature - which helps you get closer to both. So when you travel with us, everyone wins.
Covid-19 Promise
We recognise that flexibility is important when booking a holiday. Our Covid-19 promise provides an unprecedented level of flexibility.

Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

Day 1:

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Arrive Paris (CDG) Depart Paris

Day 2

Arrive Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Intl (MRU)

Depart Mauritius Arrive Rodrigues Island (RRG)

On arrival, you will be met by a hotel representative, who will then transfer you to your accommodation. Once you have checked in to your hotel and been shown to your room, you are free to relax and around the hotel, or why not have a walk around.

Overnight accommodation: Cocotiers Boutik Hotel (Twin room) H/B

Days 3 & 4: FISHING DAYS

At a pre-arranged time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred the short drive to meet your boat at the marina. On this day, you will target the inshore species that can be found around Rodrigues Island. Please make the captain of the boat aware of the style of fishing you wish to perform. He will then take you to certain areas so you can fish as hard as you like. There will be opportunities to fish for large GT’s and Dogtooth Tuna that patrol the reef edges. Please make sure you have strong tackle as most of these fish will try their hardest to reef you.

Overnight accommodation: Cocotiers Boutik Hotel (Twin room) H/B

Day 5: FISHING DAY (WEST HAWKINS BANK 65HR TRIP 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

The pick up for the Hawkins Bank trip is at 3:30 pm from your hotel. You will then be transferred to the marina, where you will board your big game boat to start your journey out to the Banks. This journey is around 100 nautical miles from the Island, weather, and time permitting, you will do some trolling on the way out. You will be on the boat for 65 hours in total over the 4 days and 3 nights.

On arrival at the Banks, it will be time to sleep and ready yourself for the next couple of days of intense fishing.

Overnight accommodation: Big Game Boat (Twin Room) F/B

Days 6 & 7: FISHING DAYS (WEST HAWKINS BANK 65HR TRIP 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Whilst out on the Hawkins bank, there will be many different opportunities to fish for such species as huge Yellowfin Tuna, the dirty fighting Dogtooth tuna and of course, many different Billfish. The most productive fishing method is to jig fish; all the group must perform jig fishing as it will entice the predators to feed as they will think that your jigs are a small shoal of prey. Alternatively, you can discuss some trolling to break the day up or even baitfish, which can be productive with your captain. The fishing hours are normally between 7 am – 6 pm, then your evening meal will be served along with cold non-alcoholic drinks. The captain and deckhands will then retire for the evening around 9 pm, so they are well rested for the following days fishing.

After your second days fishing and after your evening meal, the captain and deckhands will ready the boat for the journey back to the Island, trolling on the way, weather and time permitting.

Overnight accommodation: Big Game Boat (Twin Room) F/B

DAY 8:

You will arrive at the Island around 10 am, where you will then be free to go back to your hotel to rest after your extreme adventure or book an excursion around the Island.

The rest of the day is free to relax and unwind.

Overnight accommodation: Cocotiers Boutik Hotel (Twin room) H/B

DAY 9:

Free day to relax around the island.

Overnight accommodation: Cocotiers Boutik Hotel (Twin room) H/B

Day 10:

Later in the day, you will be transferred to Rodrigues airport for your return flights back to the UK.

Depart Rodrigues Island (RRG)

Arrive Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Intl (MRU) Depart Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Intl (MRU)

Day 11:

Arrive Paris (CDG) Depart Paris (CDG)

Arrive Home

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Satisfaction Score 89%

View all reviews

FISHING Seasons

The season runs from All Year.

Blue Marlin

Season: November to May
Peak: January to March
Weight: 200lb to 1000lb
Average Weight: 400lb

Black Marlin

Season: All Year
Peak: November to May
Weight: 200lb to 1000lb
Average Weight: 400lb

Giant Travelly

Season: All Year
Peak: October to December
Weight: 10lb to 130lb
Average Weight: 45lb

Dogtooth Tuna

Season: All Year
Peak: December to February
Weight: 10lb to 220lb
Average Weight: 70lb

Yellowfin Tuna

Season: All Year
Peak: December to February
Weight: 5lb to 200lb
Average Weight: 50lb

Wahoo

Season: All Year
Peak: November to March
Weight: 20lb to 130lb
Average Weight: 40lb

Dorado

Season: All Year
Peak: Sept to Nov & May & June
Weight: 5lb to 80lb
Average Weight: 25lb

Dusky Grouper

Season: All Year
Peak: All Year
Weight: 5lb to 200lb
Average Weight: 60lb

Bluefin Travelly

Season: All Year
Peak: October to December
Weight: 5lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 8lb

Moon Tail Sea Bass

Season: All Year
Peak: October to December
Weight: 6lb to 16lb
Average Weight: 8lb

Black Jack

Season: All Year
Peak: October to December
Weight: 10lb to 130lb
Average Weight: 25lb

Package Details

Prices from
£4,296
per person

Included

  • International flights
  • Internal flights
  • Rodrigues Airport to Hotel return transfers
  • 2 Day fishing around the Island
  • 4 Day / 3 nights Hawkins Bank experience (65 hours)
  • All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary half board
  • All trolling equipment
  • Jig fishing equipment
  • All food whilst staying on the big game boat
  • Hotel to Marina transfers

Excluded

  • Lunch whilst at the resort
  • Insurance
  • Drinks at the resort
  • Tips for the boat crew and the hotel staff

Optional extras

  • The following equipment is on board for you to use:
  • Jig Fishing Equipment:
  • 5 Rods JIG WREX Shimano
  • 2 reels Shimano Stella 18000SW loaded with 80lb braid
  • 2 reels Shimano Stella 20000SW loaded with 80lb braid
  • Trolling Equipment:
  • 2 reels Shimano Tiagra 30lbs plus braid
  • 2 reels Shimano Tiagra 50lbs plus braid
  • 2 reels Shimano Tiagra 80lbs plus braid
  • 2 rods International Penn 30lbs Stand up
  • 2 rods Pro File Trolling 50lbs
  • 2 rods Pro File Trolling 80lbs
  • Fighting chair
  • Popper Fishing Equipment:
  • 1 Furrary Machine Tenryu
  • 3 rods Shimano Aspire
  • 1 reel Shimano Stella 10000SW, braid 80lbs
  • 2 reels Shimano Saragosa 14000, braid 80lbs
  • Accessories:
  • 5 fight belts
  • 1 shoulder harness BLACK MAGIC XL
  • 1 shoulder harness SureCatch
  • 1 harness Normic
  • 2 outriggers
  • 2 gaffs
  • 2 tuna tubes (Livewell)
  • 2 electric downriggers and deep-sea winches.
  • It is advisable to bring all the perishable material such as hooks, swivels, jigs, lures, shock leaders and poppers. The boat does carry speed jigs with assist hooks pre-attached (€30 each)
  • Upon request, we will provide you with a list of appropriate materials. You can bring your own equipment, in which case we will advise you on preparing your "fishing suitcase."

Price Supplements

If your group size is smaller than the standard 4 anglers, please contact a member of the Sportquest Holidays team who will advise of the supplements

View Latest Availability

Dates, Prices & Availability

Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

From To Duration Price Availability
01/12/2024 31/12/2024 11 £4,296 Enquire Now
01/01/2025 31/01/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/02/2025 28/02/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/03/2025 31/03/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
30/03/2025 10/04/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
Exclusive Sportquest Solo Week Exclusive Sportquest Solo Week
01/04/2025 30/04/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/05/2025 31/05/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/06/2025 30/06/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/07/2025 31/07/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/08/2025 31/08/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/09/2025 30/09/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/10/2025 31/10/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/11/2025 30/11/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
01/12/2025 31/12/2025 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
03/02/2026 13/02/2026 11 £4,381 Enquire Now
Exclusive Sportquest Solo Week Exclusive Sportquest Solo Week

Price Notes

Prices are based on four adults sharing transfers, a big game boat and a twin room for accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct when going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

Make an Enquiry

To speak to an expert or receive more information about when is the best time to travel? What can you expect from your holiday? Who are the tour guides? Will someone be there to meet me? Plus, many more questions. Either call our offices, e-mail us or fill in the form, and we will get back to you asap.
+44 (0)1603 407596
sales@sportquestholidays.com
16 Alston Road
Hellesdon Park
Norwich
Norfolk
NR6 5DS

Reviews

Steven

I genuinely cannot thank everyone enough, keeping in mind how complex it is to travel to Rodrigues Island everything, from the moment I left home, to the moment I returned ran incredibly smoothly. Words cannot describe just how fantastic and exciting the fishing is either, you need to experience it to believe it.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Paul

Rodrigues Island is a true bucket-list destination! It might take three days to travel there, but it was worth every minute of travelling time as the fishing was simply out of this world. The Hawkins bank must be one of the most productive fishing spots found anywhere in the world, it was truly sensational.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Justin

This is a once in a lifetime trip that you need to do more than once! It was a true adventure and surely one of the best fishing experiences on the planet. When you lower your baits, lures or jigs down to the bottom you generally have no idea what you'll catch next. All you know is whatever takes your bait, will be BIG!

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

John

The trip to fish Rodrigues island is certainly a trip for hardcore anglers. The 3 flights with stopovers were something we were aware of but nonetheless very tiring.

The 12-hour boat journey to and from the Hawkins bank was not pleasant. But having said that, the fishing on the Hawkins bank was brilliant with well over 100 Yellowfin Tuna up to around 40kg, 4 Dogtoothed Tuna up to 25kg, 20 large Wahoo up to 40kg, GT's, Dorado and assorted other fish plus 1 Sailfish landed and released and 2 lost large Marlin.

Lots of sharks around the boat did attack a number of hooked fish, especially when jigging.

Accommodation on the boat was cramped but that is understandable. The captain and the crew were very good. The captain took lots of photos, but unfortunately, something went wrong, and he told us he had lost a lot of them which was disappointing.

It was disappointing that we had to cancel the days fishing around the island due to the weather. The hotel accommodation, staff and food was good.

Overall a awful lot of travelling for 2 full days fishing but 2 very good days. Not a trip I would repeat but one I am glad I experienced.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Thomas

The trip was expertly organised by Paul Stevens and staff at Sportquest Holidays who had to work for this one due to the many delays from COVID etc but everything went very smoothly and to plan. Thanks Paul Stevens.

We were fishing with Cyril Faure / L' Oiseau Des iles II and his first mates Dranny and Stephano whilst on board and taken care of for all the shore side activities and freshly prepared, very tasty food on board by Charline Cesar.
This is one top quality professional team that you cannot fault. Cyril Faure is an ex professional motorcyclist who runs his fishing outfit like a pit grid team. Everything was set up immaculately and nothing was too much trouble for them.
Everything from the cleanliness of the boat, tackle, information on what they were doing was always very clear and they also provided instructions and advice to make your technique better and improve results. If you ever decide to go, I strongly advise that you listen to them if you want to catch out there because these guys certainly know what they are doing. Thanks guys.

The fishing itself was mainly speed jigging and I mean speed with trolling between marks and when conditions weren’t favourable. This is hard work in the heat and at times high seas but very rewarding when it all comes together as the results certainly speak for themselves.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Thank you for your great feedback.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Alternative destinations

Pomene Reserve Mozambique

Pomene Reserve is self-proclaimed as the Giant Trevally capital of Mozambique, offering some unrivalled sport from both the boat and shore. Based on just four anglers per week, this wild and remote destination is one of the most secluded and beautiful spots in the country, offering an intimate and extraordinary experience in a pristine setting.

Bluewater Fishing Panama

Bluewater Fishing Panama offers travelling anglers the chance to enjoy a fantastic week of mixed fishing for an array of hard-fighting species. Fishing the rich waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, an area responsible for over 50 IGFA World Records, you'll wet a line in some of the most famous fishing marks on the planet.

Popper & Jig Fishing Liveaboard Maldives

The Maldives Liveaboard trip allows travelling rods to experience some of the most exciting and explosive bluewater fishing in the world, casting poppers and jigs to some of the most remote areas of the Laamu Atoll. Situated in the rich waters of the Indian Ocean, it's home to over 1,100 fish species, from small reef dwellers to giant pelagics.

Popper & Jig Fishing Maldives

The Maldives is one of the top five names that appear on anglers' bucket lists worldwide. Home to over 1,100 fish species, from small reef dwellers to giant pelagics, it offers travelling rods the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest bluewater popper and jig fishing found anywhere on the planet.

Hosted Popper Fishing Madagascar

This exciting new hosted popper and jig fishing trip is hosted by our guide Ross Johnson and will give you the opportunity to fish the rich waters off the coastline of Madagascar and Nosy Be, for a vast array of blue water species including Giant Trevally, huge Dogtooth Tuna, Grouper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Black Marlin, and Sailfish, to mention just a few.

Latest Reports

Rodrigues Island Hosted Fishing Report – 2023

Rodrigues Island Hosted Trip - Day One Learning The Ropes… For our first day on the boat, it was decided with our skipper, Cyril Faure, that we would head east to try a mix of...

Rodrigues Island Hosted Fishing Report – 2022

Well what can I say, as I sit here reflecting on a trip that quite honestly blew my mind.  It's been over 48 hours since my line was last in the water and yet the...

Rodrigues Island Fishing Report – November 2022

So finally it was time for us to start our journey out to Hawkins Bank. The night out to the bank is a 12-hour ride through the night and after the guys on the boat...
Enquire