Big fish season starts early in Seychelles. I love the private boat feel for a small group, and I love that equipment and bait are handled for you. The main thing to consider is weather, because the trip needs good conditions and plans can shift.

This is a full-on day at sea, with fishing times running roughly 4–8 hours depending on what you book. You’ll be working the Indian Ocean for catches like red snapper, amberjacks, groupers, and more, plus there’s lunch and non-alcoholic drinks onboard.

Pickup is offered and you’ll use a mobile ticket, with confirmation at booking. If you’re aiming for the best chances, plan around the peak season from October to May.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private boat, small group of up to 4: less waiting, more fishing time, and more control over the pace.
• Trolling plus bottom fishing: you’re not stuck doing just one method the whole trip.
• Gear and bait included: fewer logistical hassles, and less chance of forgetting something costly.
• Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks provided: you stay focused on the water instead of hunting for food.
• Real big-game targets: species can include tuna, kingfish, sailfish, and marlin depending on conditions.
• October–May is prime season: if your dates allow it, this is when fishing tends to be best.

Bottom Fishing and Trolling in Seychelles’ Indian Ocean

Seychelles fishing is one of those trips where you feel the ocean doing the work. One day you’re laying lines and trying your luck at depth, the next you’re running a trolling pattern to cover more water and trigger bites. It’s a nice mix that keeps the morning from turning into the same thing over and over.

The tour is built around two main styles: bottom fishing and trolling. Bottom fishing is all about patience and precision—getting your bait where the fish are holding. Trolling is more about movement and searching. When the sea cooperates, you can often do both in the same outing, which is exactly what you want if you’re paying for a full day.

The other win is the variety of targets. You’re in Indian Ocean waters where catches can include red snapper, amberjacks, groupers, tuna, kingfish, and even more game fish when conditions line up. That variety matters because it raises your odds of having a great trip even if one species is slow that day.

Your Time on the Water: 4 to 8 Hours That Match Your Trip

This experience runs about 8 hours on average, but you choose a shorter or longer window—typically 4–8 hours. That flexibility is practical in Seychelles, where you might also want beach time, island hopping, or a dinner plan that doesn’t involve eating at 9:30 pm.

If you go for an early start, you may see schedules that look like a 5:30 am departure with a drop-off around 7:30 am. That’s not guaranteed every day, but it’s a common approach when you want to get fishing done before the day gets too rough or crowded with changing conditions. Early trips also tend to feel more efficient: you spend daylight fishing, not traveling.

For the way you should think about timing: the longer you’re out, the more chances you have to switch techniques and chase what’s biting. A short trip can still be fun and productive, but if you want the best odds of both trolling and bottom fishing, you’ll usually do better with the longer end of the range.

Private Boat for Up to 4: Why It Changes the Whole Mood

This is a private tour/activity, so your group is the only group on the boat. With up to 4 people in a single party, the experience tends to feel less like a cattle-chute fishing trip and more like a customized fishing session.

That small-group setup matters in real life. You can keep the pace that works for you, follow the guide’s advice quickly, and spend less time waiting your turn. It also helps if you’re new—there’s time to get comfortable with the setup and to learn what matters without feeling rushed.

The boat is also described as clean in the experience you’ll likely see. A comfortable boat is underrated on long fishing days. When you’re out for hours, you want stable seating, easy access to rods and bait, and enough room to move without bumping into each other.

What You’ll Catch, and How the Day’s Fishing Usually Plays Out

You’re fishing for big game species in Indian Ocean waters, and the exact lineup depends on conditions. The list you should expect includes red snapper, amberjacks, groupers, and other species. In at least some outings, catches can include tuna, kingfish, sailfish, and marlin.

Here’s how the day generally feels, method-wise:

First you’ll head out and begin trolling. Trolling is great for covering water and finding active fish. In one described outing, the group managed some nice tuna and kingfish while trolling before moving on to the next stage.

Then you switch to bottom fishing at the drop-off. This is where you slow down and focus on the bottom structure—where fish are likely holding. In that same example, the catch included red snappers and groupers, plus even larger game species when luck and timing were both in your favor.

The key point: when you book a trip like this, you’re not only chasing fish. You’re also getting a plan that uses more than one fishing strategy. That raises your odds and makes the day feel purposeful, even if the bite is patchy.

Included Lunch, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, and Why It’s Better Than You Think

Fishing trips are often where food turns into an afterthought. Here, you don’t have to solve that problem.

You’ll get a tasty lunch plus non-alcoholic drinks provided onboard. That’s not just convenience. It affects how you fish. Hungry anglers make mistakes—poor attention, less patience on the bottom, and a shorter fuse when the sea gets a little choppy. Eating and hydrating helps you stay steady for the full session.

Also, because it’s included, you’re less likely to blow your budget on finding food and drink after the fishing part ends. For a day that’s already priced as a group trip, this kind of inclusion is part of the real value.

Gear and Bait Included: Fewer Hassles, Fewer Doubts

One of the easiest ways to ruin a fishing day is to be missing something. Not the fun kind of missing things. The expensive kind.

This experience includes all fishing equipment and bait. That means you can show up and focus on what you actually came to do. You don’t need to rent rods, track bait, or worry about whether your gear matches the methods you’ll use.

If you’re a first-timer, this matters even more. You’ll likely spend your time learning the rhythm of trolling or getting comfortable with bottom fishing setup, rather than troubleshooting a missing reel or a mismatched line. If you’re returning to fishing after a long break, included gear also means you don’t waste time re-familiarizing yourself with what your setup should be.

Best Season in Seychelles: October Through May

Timing matters here. The best time for fishing is October to May, which lines up with when many Indian Ocean activity patterns are more favorable.

If your Seychelles trip falls outside that window, you might still be able to fish, but you’ll want to be realistic about your chances. In general, you’ll get better results when the conditions match the season rather than fighting them.

A practical planning tip: if you have to pick between fishing and a second half-day activity, lean toward fishing during the peak months. It gives you the highest chance that your day at sea turns into a story you tell for years.

Weather and When the Plan Needs to Change

This is a weather-based activity. The trip requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, the experience may be canceled and you’ll either get offered a different date or a full refund.

Even when the weather doesn’t fully cooperate, the day can still be productive. One described experience notes that due to weather they stayed on inner banks, and still managed enough fish through trolling, finishing with bottom fishing also productive. That’s a big deal for your expectations. Bad weather doesn’t always mean nothing happens, but it does mean flexibility.

So how should you handle it? Think of this as an outdoor day at sea, not a guaranteed fish factory. Your best approach is to pack a calm mindset and trust that the crew will shift strategy when needed.

Pickup, Mobile Ticket, and How to Keep It Smooth

Pickup is offered, which is a big help when you’re trying to coordinate your day around an ocean activity. On tours like this, the less time you spend wrangling transport, the more time you’re actually fishing.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which makes it easier to keep everything in one place. And you’ll get confirmation at booking, so you’re not left guessing right up until the morning of.

One small practical note: since this is a private boat and the trip can be weather-dependent, be ready to adjust your schedule if there’s a change. If you’ve got tight connections or a hard-to-move dinner plan, leave yourself wiggle room.

Price and Value: What $809.24 Per Group Really Means

The price is $809.24 per group (up to 4). That means the cost per person depends entirely on whether you fill those seats.

At a full group of 4, you’re looking at roughly $202 per person. If you go as a couple, it’s more like $404 per person. That difference is why private fishing is best value when you can travel with friends or family.

Now the important part: what’s included. You’re getting the boat, trolling and bottom fishing access, equipment and bait, plus lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. For a Seychelles fishing day, that’s not a small bundle. You’re also paying for a setup that can target multiple species and switch techniques depending on how the bite is behaving.

Another value point is the private nature. You’re not sharing the boat with strangers, which often means more attention and less time spent waiting. When you’re paying for a fishing day, your time on the water is the product. Private time usually buys you more fishing momentum.

If you’re deciding based on money, I’d compare this trip to any alternative that charges you separately for gear, bait, and a guide. If you’re already paying for those things elsewhere, this bundled pricing looks more attractive.

Who This Trip Suits Best (And Who Might Want to Think Twice)

This trip is a strong fit if you:

• want a private boat experience with a small group
• like hands-on fishing, whether you’re new or returning
• want a mix of trolling and bottom fishing instead of only one method
• care about having lunch and drinks handled for you

It may not be your best pick if you need guaranteed calm seas or you hate the idea of schedule shifts due to weather. This is an ocean outing. You’ll get the best day when conditions are right, and you should expect that the crew may adjust where they fish if conditions change.

Should You Book Seychelles Fishing With Ocean Blue Travel Seychelles?

If you want a serious fishing day in Seychelles without the hassle of sourcing gear, bait, and food, I think this is an easy yes. The big reasons are practical: private time for up to 4, equipment and bait included, and a plan that uses more than one fishing style. That combination tends to create better odds and a more satisfying day, even when the bite is slow.

Book it if your dates fit October–May, or if you’re flexible enough to handle weather changes without panic. If you’re traveling with 3 other people, it also becomes much better value than going solo or as a couple.

If you’re mainly hoping for a one-and-done photo moment, you might be happier with something less weather-dependent. But if you’re ready for real fishing—casting, waiting, moving, switching techniques—this is the kind of day you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long is the Seychelles Fishing experience?

It runs about 8 hours on average, with options for shorter trips in the 4 to 8 hour range depending on what you request.

What does the price include?

The experience includes a private boat for your group, fishing equipment, bait, and lunch with non-alcoholic drinks.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What kinds of fish can you target?

You can target species such as red snapper, amberjacks, groupers, and other game fish. Depending on conditions, catches can include tuna, kingfish, sailfish, and marlin.

When is the best time to fish in Seychelles?

The best time for fishing is October to May.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.