2004. Mauritius, a fishing paradise

Welcome to the special section “BAM 35 Years.” We are presenting “cult” articles from the Motor Boats archive, starting in 1990. A journey through time among stories unobtainable today, even in the great sea of the internet! A dive into the world of epic moments in motor boating. Here is one of the stories we were most passionate about.

Mauritius, a fishing paradise

From Motor Boats 2004, no. 1, February, pp. 52-57.

Perfect for those who like to spend their days behind the line, Mauritius is also suitable for those who prefer the beach life or cannot help but engage in sports even on vacation.

Mauritius, an island of volcanic origin, is located east of the coast of Madagascar in theIndian Ocean. The first thing that strikes you upon arriving by plane is the contrasting colors of nature, from the dark line of the coral reef fading into the turquoise ocean, to the emerald green of the island’s rich vegetation, within which branch a large number of rivers, lakes and waterfalls of rare beauty. The journey begins on the island’s southwest coast, which is particularly suitable for deep-sea fishing. Almost all hotel facilities offer the possibility of organizing day trips aboard well-equipped fishermen that allow you to spend wonderful hours of pure sea and fun.

Between rods, lines and bait

As is now well known even by novices, the morning has gold in its mouth. A light breakfast and off to the Paradis Hotel pier. It is 7 a.m., the sun has not yet risen in the sky, and we are already at the wharf where seven fishermen are moored that a dozen or so local guys are arranging for the day. Provisions, fishing rods, lures and waxed lures are stowed on the boats as many as the members of each crew because the weather is not looking good. Ready, we set off slowly toward the reef passe, which in this part of the coast is visible even to the naked eye…the ocean awaits us. The first question asked of the crews is what fish will we try to pull up, with the guys it is really very easy to communicate as they almost all speak at least three languages, French, English and Creole. Rudy, the deckhand, explains that there are so many varieties of fish depending on the season and the passage of the schools. From November to April, for example, it is possible to engage in a close fight with large Blue or Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, and powerful Barracuda. Immediately afterwards, he walks us through the workings of the fishing rods, unlocks the reels and lets the line get lost behind the wake of the boat. The rods are rigged with large, brightly colored fake baits and secured in designated spots, easily accessible and spacious enough to allow for all kinds of movement as we come upon the prey.

The wait is not very long, the engines suddenly stop, the line stretches like a violin string and the fishing rod flexes almost to breaking, a thrill…it’s on! The most coveted spot is of course the middle one, with the special seat with a rod attached to the base like a real deep-sea fisherman, or at least as seen in many movies and documentaries on the subject. The morning goes by quickly and our small hold fills up with different and bigger and bigger fish. Several hours spent running back and forth often without even realizing what was going on, whether the fish was still there or had given up. Only to see it come aboard, wiggle like crazy and be done in no time with the others and off again. Another line, another round. An experience that as newbies we were really thrilled with not only the results but also the professionalism, efficiency, patience and dexterity of the locals who were with us.

And who suffers from the sea?

Mauritius, however, is not only this, given the variety of landscapes, the island, also offers the possibility of splendid catamaran trips and excursions within it. Noteworthy turns out to be an itinerary organized by the Beachcomber Sport & Nature, under the banner of adventure during which one can practice canyoning by abseiling down three different waterfalls, and then get on a mountain bike and ride dirt tracks in the midst of the island’s wilderness and finally reach the banks of the Riviére la Chaux, a river devoid of currents where one can relax for a moment during a stretch of sailing aboard some canoes. Absolutely not to be missed is the spectacle offered by the Charamel Waterfalls, spectacular waterfalls immersed in the island’s verdant vegetation that make a very high drop. Not far away are also the volcanic formations famous for presenting a variety of shades ranging from green to yellow via blue and ochre.

Between rituals, crafts and tea plantations

In Grand Bassin, in the mountainous Savanne district, it is possible to visit one of the most important Hindu temples within which, in a crater, is the Secret Lake. Here, in February or March, the Maha Shivaratree, a Hindu festival, takes place, during which, after a pilgrimage, worshippers bathe to purify themselves. Beware of the monkeys that populate the temple, which in addition to being treated as gods enjoy stealing the tributes that are brought by Hindus to the shores of the lake. Not to be missed, for tea enthusiasts, is a visit to the Bois Cheri factory and its plantation which is normally followed by a tasting of the various types of tea in the beautiful Saint Aubin mansion built in 1819 from which there is a splendid view of the valley below. Together with sugar cane this is the most important product of the island and is exported all over the world. Continuing the tour we come to the town of Curpipe, 20 kilometers from Port Louis, where it is possible to see the island’s largest volcano Trou aux Cerves, which is still active. The town is also famous for the colonial style of the houses and a number of workshops where artisans hand-build wooden boats and sailing ships that can then be purchased at modest prices. Port Louis, located on the west coast, is the capital and also the largest city on the island. Named after King Louis XIV, the French in fact landed there in 1715 and the port became a real strategic point for the spice trade. It cannot be said that Mauritius does not really meet the most diverse needs, although fishing remains the flagship above all, for the satisfaction and fun it gives even to the less experienced.

by Renato Izzo

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