Welcome to the Seychelles and welcome to big game fishing!
The Seychelles are one of the best places in the world for jigging, casting, trolling and live bait fishing. All the major game fish species of the Indian Ocean are present in the archipelago, offering opportunities to target a wide variety of prized catches and pursue personal records. With more than 1200 fishing waypoints, the surrounding waters offer an extensive range of fishing grounds. Whether you are planning a five-day fishing trip or a ten-day expedition, the Seychelles offer plenty of opportunities to make the most of your time on the water.
Please, just think about something: « Why should I lose the fish of my life because I was not ready? »
When fishing in the Seychelles, you have to understand that you can hook the fish of your life on the very first drop!
Being properly equipped is essential to making the most of your fishing trip and avoiding missed opportunities.
Fishing Tackles for Jigging in the Seychelles
For a successful fishing trip, a set rated at 80LB minimum and equipped with quality braid is recommended. For anglers who prefer heavier tackle, you can go up to a 100LB class line.
A second set allows you to continue fishing during key moments. Bringing two complete setups is strongly recommended. It is always a good option.
For fans of slow jigging, this technique also works very well in the Seychelles. Consider bringing an extra combo if you have enough space!
Jigging Rod for Fishing in the Seychelles
A Smith AMJ-S54 EX jigging rod combined with a Shimano Stella 20,000 SW fishing reel or a Daiwa Saltiga 6500 is a must-have if you want to target big fish.
A Smith AMJ-S54 EX jigging rod combined with a Shimano Stella 10,000 SW fishing reel or Daiwa Saltiga 4500 reel is another alternative for fishing a bit lighter.
With a higher budget, you can also consider specialized brands such as Zenaq, Jigging Master, Fisherman...
How Many Jigs Should I Bring With Me?
For a trip of 7 fishing days, around thirty jigs are recommended. You may even want to bring 35 or 40 jigs.
Blue, pink, orange and silver are among the most effective colors. Rainbow colors are also worth including. The "glow" shade is particularly useful for deep fishing sessions (over 100m depth).
As a typical example of what you should bring with you, consider the following selection:
Jig Models: There is no major difference between long and short jigs. Choose the jigs that suit your fishing style. Short jigs are most effective for fishing between 40m and 70m depth, while long jigs are a great choice for fishing between 70m and 140m.
Some recommended models: Searock Jig, Andaman Fisherman Jig, Sea Rock Jig, Williamson's Vortex Jig, Orion Jig, Smith Mejiyume Jig...
Jigging Hooks:
Choosing strong hooks is also really important. Recommended models include: Shout Kudako N°7 / N°8 / N°9 - VMC 7264 – N°11 – Owner SJ41 9/0 / 11/0.
Other fishing tackles you should bring to the Seychelles
To complete your equipment, make sure you have assist line. The « Varivas SS Assist Line #80 » is one of the recommended options.
The shock leader is also really important. For jigging, a shock leader between 100LB and 150LB is recommended. Options include Varivas Fluorocarbon, Fisherman Shock Leader, YGK Shock Leader...
Advice for your assist hooks:
Your hooks should have an opening wider than your jig. Avoid bringing small hooks! Choose extremely reinforced models...
Important point to notice:
Assist hooks equipped with an octopus skirt can make a difference. Consider including them in your tackle selection.
Fishing tackles for Popping in the Seychelles
For casting and popping, a setup rated at 100LB - 130LB minimum and equipped with quality braid is recommended.
For popping in the Seychelles, consider the following setups:
Which poppers and stickbaits should I use for fishing in the Seychelles?
For a 7-day fishing session, around a dozen lures are recommended.
Poppers: Do not hesitate to use heavy lures. Large poppers weighing from 150g up to 280g are worth considering. They are not easy to use, but can make a difference, especially when targeting big pelagic fish!
Poppers that you should consider for fishing in the Seychelles
Amegari Dzanga / Popper Rapala X Rap / Popper Navigator Xlures Squid / Heru Cubera 180-150 / Hammer Head A Cup / ASWB Reef Edges 130g & 160g / Orion Poppers / Jackfin Kronos 220 / Navigator Poppers...
Colors to consider: For poppers, flashy colors such as "candy" and "pink fluo" are popular choices.
Treble Hooks for fishing efficiently in the Seychelles
Reinforced hooks are recommended - Owner ST66 - Owner ST76TN - Shout Treble Curve – BKK treble hooks...
Important:
Safety is a priority during big game fishing. Lures should be rigged with a single treble hook, preferably without barbs. Fishing grounds can be more than 120km from the capital, so make sure all lures are securely and appropriately rigged.
To avoid equipment issues during your next fishing trip, consider bringing one extra spare braid for jigging and one for casting. In the Seychelles, big Yellowfin Tunas, Dogtooth Tunas, Sharks or Marlins can take a considerable amount of line.
Don't forget quality waterproof wax, an essential item for fishing in tropical rain!
Fishing Tackles for targeting Dogtooth Tunas in the Seychelles
Dogtooth tuna are among the most sought-after fish in the Seychelles! For targeting big dogtooth tunas, heavy tackle with a PE8 / PE10 class line is recommended. Around 80% of big dogtooth tuna catches are made using jigging or live bait fishing. When popping for big GTs, dogtooth tuna can also strike poppers and stickbaits spectacularly!
Fishing Tackles for targeting Amberjacks in the Seychelles
Like dogtooth tuna, amberjacks are powerful and exciting fish to target. Fishing for them often involves deep-water techniques. Make sure your tackle is suitable and bring jigs weighing from 250g up to 400g!
Fishing Tackles for targeting Giant Trevally in the Seychelles
For GT fishing, PE10 / PE12 class line is commonly used! In the Seychelles, it is possible to encounter Giant Trevally weighing 40kg or more, but landing such a fish is another challenge. To maximize your chances, heavy tackle with a 12kg drag is recommended. This setup is designed to handle these powerful fish.
Fishing Tackles for targeting Yellowfin Tunas in the Seychelles
Yellowfin tuna encountered in the Seychelles can weigh between 20kg and 120kg. The islands are an excellent destination for anglers looking to catch yellowfin tuna. One popular method is casting and popping with XXL poppers. Large lures can help target bigger fish. Yellowfin tuna can also be caught using trolling, jigging and live bait fishing!
Fishing Tackles for targeting Groupers in the Seychelles
Targeting a big grouper requires patience, but the reward can be exceptional! Jigging and live bait fishing are among the most effective techniques. When targeting a big grouper with jigging, use a slow retrieve. Animate your jig with long jerks through the first ten meters and repeat the operation. Live bait can also be used to target groupers near the bottom. Please be careful: groupers can reach over 200kg in the Seychelles, so heavy tackle is essential. A PE10 jigging setup is recommended!
Fishing Tackles for targeting Marlins in the Seychelles
For this iconic fish, suitable tackle is essential. Black and blue marlin can be targeted in the Seychelles by trolling offshore or using live bait. During jigging sessions, a live bait setup with a 400LB terminal leader and a 14/0 circle hook can also be prepared. For trips focused exclusively on marlin, trolling with 3 or 4 live baits at the same time is another option. Get ready for a serious fight!
Also, do not forget to consider the following:
A harness is essential for serious big game fishing. For jigging, casting or popping, this accessory helps support the angler during the fight. The Black Magic fishing harness is a well-known option. The « Cush It » is also another option for anglers.
Fishing gloves are strongly recommended for casting and jigging. Without this accessory, serious injuries can occur and may prevent you from continuing your trip.
Recommended options include: HPA fishing gloves, Daiwa fishing gloves and Zenaq Fishing gloves for casting. For jigging, Pelagic gloves are another option. Make sure to choose the right size when buying fishing gloves.
Fishing pliers are useful for changing lures or hooks. HPA offers a model that is often recommended by anglers.
Split rings are fundamental tackle for both jigging and casting. They allow you to connect hooks, swivels or solid rings to your fishing lure.
Around 40 split rings for your jigs and 15 split rings for your casting lures are recommended. Split rings for jigging should have a strength rating between 100LB and 150LB. For casting, use ratings from 150LB up to 300LB for large lures.
Around 40 solid rings are recommended for your jigs, to combine with your split rings. Solid rings are mostly used to create assist hooks. They must be adapted to the size of your assist fishing line!
Swivels are also essential accessories for jigging, popping or casting. They are also commonly used for live bait fishing.
Around 40 swivels for your jigs and 15 swivels for your casting lures are recommended. For jigging, you can use swivels rated around 150LB – 200LB. For casting, ratings can go up to 400LB.
Don't forget to bring two pairs of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Suncream 50+ is also essential for enjoying your fishing trip without getting sunburned. Appropriate clothing will help you enjoy your day. Hats or caps are also must-have items!
To discover more about jigging and popping in the Seychelles, explore articles dedicated to both techniques:
Click here to discover Jigging in the Seychelles
Click here to discover Popping in the Seychelles
Fishing tackle retailers:
FRANCE → PecheXtreme
SPAIN → Navigator Lures
“The Greatest Experiences Start Where the Road Ends”
