Night Fishing in Seychelles: A Thrilling Under-the-Stars Experience

Night fishing in Seychelles shifts the experience entirely. The sun drops, the heat lifts, and the reef edges come alive with predators that feed under cover of darkness. On Cousine Island, guests wade barefoot into the shallows at dusk, casting light tackle as bonefish and trevally patrol the surf zone — a method locals call shoreline fishing that requires reading the tide more than casting distance. The inner granitic islands support abundant reef life, and the catch-to-table ethos here means whatever lands gets grilled with local spices or simmered into a coconut curry within the hour.

This article covers night fishing in Seychelles across three distinct settings: shoreline casting from secluded beaches, bottom fishing along reef edges and deeper channels, and offshore trolling for pelagic species under the stars. Each approach demands different gear, timing, and local knowledge — and each delivers a version of the ocean that daytime anglers rarely see.

Where to fish after dark in Seychelles

The inner islands offer the most accessible night fishing, with calm lagoons and sheltered reefs that don’t require a long boat ride.

Cousine Island hosts only a handful of guests at a time, which means the shoreline stays quiet after sunset. Local guides teach traditional hand-line techniques and help novices read the tides — a skill that matters more at night when visual cues disappear. The north-west trade winds (October–April) bring calmer seas, making this the prime season for both deep-sea and shoreline fishing after dark. During the south-east trade winds (May–September), offshore conditions turn rougher, but reef and surf fishing remain viable options from protected beaches.

Further out, Alphonse Island draws serious anglers for its fly fishing and big-game opportunities, where days revolve around tides and light. Desroches Island offers refined barefoot luxury with exceptional offshore access — crews prepare boats to the same standards as the villas they depart from. The tradeoff is distance: reaching the outer islands requires a domestic flight or longer boat transfer, which limits spontaneous evening trips.

What I’d do: Base myself on an inner island like Cousine for the first few nights, where I can walk from my room to the beach with a hand-line and no planning. Save the outer islands for a dedicated multi-day trip when I’m ready to commit to tides and remote schedules.

Three ways to fish at night

Shoreline casting from secluded beaches

Standing barefoot on powder-soft sand at dusk, casting light tackle into the shallows — this is the most accessible form of night fishing in Seychelles. Species such as bonefish, trevally and snapper patrol the surf zones and can be targeted with lures or bait. Local guides teach traditional hand-line techniques and help novices read the tides, which shift quickly around the inner granitic islands. The catch-to-table ethos means your fish becomes dinner: grilled with local spices, simmered into a coconut curry, or served sashimi-style. The limitation is that shoreline fishing depends heavily on tide timing — a low spring tide at midnight leaves very little water to cast into.

Bottom fishing along reef edges

Bottom fishing is practised along reef edges and deeper channels where patience and precision are rewarded. Red snapper is a prized catch here, along with jobfish and grouper, drawn from depths where the colours of the reef slowly dissolve into blue. Line fishing closer to shore offers a more relaxed pace, often combined with island cruising and coastal exploration. Emperor fish, trevally, and smaller tuna are common, and the experience lends itself beautifully to half-day excursions or family-friendly outings. The catch-and-release ethic is growing here, with many operators encouraging circle hooks to reduce by-catch and releasing undersized fish.

Offshore trolling for pelagic species

For those drawn to the drama of the open ocean, trolling delivers a very different energy. Offshore waters are home to marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. Captains supply heavy rods and sturdy reels; anglers troll skirted lures or cast poppers, feeling the powerful runs of these fast fish. The Sailoe travel company notes that fishing in Seychelles is possible all year, but seasons matter: tuna are more abundant during the rainy season (November–March), while marlin prefer the dry season (April–October). Many charters practice catch-and-release for billfish while keeping one or two fish for the boat’s crew and guests. The catch here is that night trolling requires experienced crews who know the offshore waters intimately — not every charter operates after dark.

What I’d do: Start with shoreline casting for two evenings to get comfortable with night conditions and tide reading. Move to bottom fishing on the third night, then book an offshore trolling charter only if the weather forecast shows calm seas and the crew has documented night experience.

Planning your night fishing trip

Timing, access, and local regulations shape every night fishing outing — here’s what to factor in before you book.

Getting there and getting out

Inner islands like Cousine and Desroches are accessible by domestic flight from Mahé or Praslin, followed by a short boat transfer. Outer islands such as Alphonse require a longer flight and advance coordination with the resort. Most night fishing trips depart from the resort’s private jetty, so you don’t need to arrange independent transport. The catch is that night charters typically require a minimum of two to three guests to run, and solo travellers may need to join a group or pay a premium.

What to bring and wear

A light jacket or windbreaker is essential — the temperature drops noticeably after sunset, and the south-east trade winds can pick up unexpectedly. Reef-safe mineral sunscreen is still necessary even after dark if you’re on the water for several hours. A dry bag keeps your phone and camera safe from spray, and a headlamp with a red-light mode helps you see without spooking the fish. If you’re prone to seasickness, take motion sickness medication at least an hour before departure — the offshore waters can get choppy even on calm nights.

Conservation rules you need to know

Conservation laws require anglers to respect catch limits and protected species. Many charters practice catch-and-release for billfish while keeping one or two fish for the boat’s crew and guests. Guides encourage ethical practices such as using circle hooks to reduce by-catch, avoiding sensitive spawning grounds, and releasing undersized fish. On Cousine Island, activities follow an eco-calendar that respects nesting seasons of seabirds and turtles and aligns fishing with periods of abundance. Ignoring these rules can result in fines or being barred from future charters.

What I’d do: Pack a reef-safe mineral sunscreen and a lightweight waterproof dry bag before I leave home — both are hard to find on the smaller islands and cost more at resort shops. Bring a headlamp with a red-light mode so I can see my gear without ruining my night vision or scaring the fish.

On the water: what to expect after dark

Night fishing changes how you read the ocean — sounds carry differently, the boat feels smaller, and the fish hit with less warning.

The sensory shift

Without daylight, you rely on sound and feel. The slap of a line against the hull, the change in tension when a fish takes the bait, the distant splash of a feeding school — these become your primary cues. Crews on Desroches Island know when to speak and when to let silence do the work. Evenings are unhurried, often ending with freshly prepared fish, open skies, and the quiet satisfaction of a day well lived. The tradeoff is that night fishing demands more patience — you can’t see the reef structure or baitfish activity, so you’re trusting the skipper’s knowledge of the local waters.

Family considerations

Night fishing can work for families, but it depends on the children’s comfort with darkness and boat motion. Shoreline casting from a beach is the safest option — the kids can stay on sand while an adult casts from the water’s edge. Bottom fishing from a sheltered reef is manageable for older children who can sit still for extended periods. Offshore trolling at night is not recommended for young children due to the boat motion and the intensity of the experience. On Cousine Island, the guides are accustomed to working with families and can adjust the pace accordingly.

Local etiquette and customs

Seychellois fishing culture is rooted in respect for the ocean. Locals often greet a boat returning with a catch by asking “Ki kantite?” (how many?) — a casual acknowledgment of the day’s success. It’s considered poor form to boast about a catch or to waste fish that could be eaten. If you’re invited to share a meal with the crew, accept — it’s a gesture of hospitality that reflects the communal nature of fishing here. Tipping is appreciated but not expected; 10–15% of the charter cost is standard for good service.

What I’d do: Book a shoreline casting session for the first night to test the waters — literally. If the kids enjoy it, move to a bottom fishing trip from a sheltered reef on the second night. Leave offshore trolling for a trip without the family, when I can focus fully on the experience.

Night fishing in Seychelles — your questions answered

Is night fishing safe in Seychelles?

Yes, with the right precautions. Stick to guided trips with experienced crews who know the local waters and weather patterns. Avoid fishing alone from remote beaches after dark, and always let someone onshore know your plans. The inner islands are generally safer due to sheltered reefs and calmer conditions.

What fish can you catch at night in Seychelles?

Red snapper, jobfish, grouper, trevally, and bonefish are common around reef edges and shallows after dark. Offshore, you might hook yellowfin tuna or wahoo, though night trolling is less predictable than daytime trips. The catch rates vary significantly with moon phase — full moons tend to produce better results.

Do I need a fishing license for night fishing in Seychelles?

If you’re fishing from a resort or charter boat, the operator typically holds the necessary permits. Independent shore fishing may require a license depending on the island and location. Check with your accommodation before casting — fines for unlicensed fishing can be steep.

What’s the biggest downside of night fishing here?

Limited availability. Many charter operators don’t run night trips regularly, and those that do often require a minimum group size. The south-east trade winds (May–September) can make offshore conditions uncomfortable after dark, and some reef edges feel exposed without daylight visibility. It’s not an activity you can arrange on short notice.

Can beginners try night fishing?

Absolutely — shoreline casting from a beach is beginner-friendly and guided. The key is choosing a sheltered location with calm conditions and an experienced guide who can teach you to read the tide and feel for bites. Bottom fishing from a reef edge requires a bit more patience but is still accessible for first-timers.

Night fishing in Seychelles strips away the distractions of daylight and leaves you with something simpler: the sound of the line, the weight of the tide, and the quiet satisfaction of a catch you can eat an hour later. It’s not the easiest way to fish here, but it might be the most honest. For a deeper look at daytime options, read our guide to fly fishing in Seychelles.

Sources and further reading

Shoreline and deep-sea fishing adventures in Seychelles. Cousine Island, 2024.

Where the ocean still speaks: fishing in Seychelles. Kreol Magazine, 2023.