With the start of December the islands experienced the usual tourist void until the holiday season. Quite a shame actually as the weather remained pleasant apart from bits of much needed rain. These pleasant fishing conditions were enjoyed pretty much only by Mervin`s group of not so experienced anglers fishing with him for a week. As they could not jig deep in an admittedly strong current they remained on the shallows where frequency was really good and else trolled in between, tallying numerous good size Dorados and some Sailfish. Sadly the pics are all with the clients and he never got them. Sailfish were plentiful so the very few trolling trips by other boats produced some and Richard from La Digue on his bigger boat topped it all with six in a day. That good abundance triggered Andre, Greg, Phil and me to have a go on fly. Along that morning we raised five of which two were absolutely suicidal playing around for minutes but inexplicably we did not manage to hook up. A few days later the boys had a spinning charter that produced a couple of decent fish. This Bluefin Trevally is really a good one, especially when considering the very light gear.

Later that week we tried once more for Sails on fly determined to do better. But how can you when the protagonists are not cooperative? After 5hrs on a flat calm sea having raised just a few tiny Dorados we called it a day. Christmas came, and along did the holiday tourists. Not hardcore fishermen as these know the weather tends to become erratic which it actually did with some unpleasant and wet days. Still for the occasional anglers there were opportunities to squeeze in full, but more often half days of mixed fishing according to the angler`s particular interests. Inshore spinning and light jigging produced nicely as you can see.

Most trips were for trolling though, thus it was very welcome that the bite around the islands was really good along the last few days. Plenty Wahoos were around, and same is true for Dorados. These tend to be smaller here than in many other places so the ones below are pretty good for our standards, and were common size these days. Very nice also that the Sailfish reappeared in really good numbers. Nearly all the boats going out encountered and often enough caught them. Monday was especially great for Greg`s guests with one of those plus 4 Wahoos and Dorados each.

On top they had a short fight with a good size Marlin jumping around but eventually dropping the lure. So for sure a day to remember while probably highly addictive for beginners on their only second trip ever. It`s really great that it has been working so well for pretty much anyone who went out along these days, which brings this fishing year to a good ending. A happy and above all healthy 2026 to all of you!

For the preceeding reports check the archive.