GOLDEN WAVE 3 – IGFA Captain Vic – Blue Marlin Fishing

Big fish demand patience, skill, and an early alarm. Golden Wave 3 takes you from Le Morne Anglers’ Club into the productive waters off Mauritius’s west coast, with Captain Victor Pelletier and his crew targeting blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dorado, and mahi mahi. I like the private boat setup, which gives your group up to five people the full attention of the captain, and I like that beginners can join without prior fishing experience. The main drawback is simple: big-game fishing is never guaranteed, and six hours may feel short if marlin is your only goal.

The trip costs $872.36 per group, not per person. Split five ways, that is about $174 per person, which is fair for a private charter with fishing equipment, bait, snacks, and bottled water. Still, you are paying for time on the ocean and expert effort, not a guaranteed catch. The boat leaves at 6:00 am and returns to the same meeting point, so plan for a very early start and a morning built around the fish, not a fixed sightseeing schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Private fishing for up to five people: Your group shares the boat rather than joining a larger public outing.
• Captain Vic targets serious game fish: The main quarry includes blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado.
• Six hours on the water: This is a substantial half-day trip, though some experienced anglers recommend booking at least eight hours for more fishing time.
• No experience needed: The captain and crew handle the gear, lures, bait, and fishing instruction.
• The west coast is the base: You meet at Le Morne Anglers’ Club in Grande Riviere Noire, between Port Louis and Le Morne Brabant.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead: Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why Mauritius works for blue marlin

Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean, where large pelagic fish pass through the surrounding waters throughout the year. The island has a long reputation for big-game fishing, including records for blue marlin caught on heavy test lines.

That does not mean every outing produces a marlin. It means the local waters offer a genuine chance at one, which is very different from a basic coastal fishing trip where small reef fish are the main target. Here, the goal is a powerful open-water predator that may require a serious fight.

The charter mainly searches for blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. Smaller or less dramatic catches are still possible, including mahi mahi and tuna. Some people book this kind of trip for the fish itself. Others want the experience of watching the lines, learning the routine, and feeling the boat change pace when a large fish takes the bait.

I would set your expectations carefully. The promise is opportunity, not certainty. One outing produced a 200-pound blue marlin after an eight-hour charter. Another group caught and released a blue marlin after a fight lasting about an hour. Those are memorable results, but they also show why patience matters.

The 6:00 am start at Le Morne Anglers’ Club

The meeting point is Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire. The listed start time is 6:00 am, and the activity returns to that same point.

The early departure has a practical purpose. It gives you more fishing time during the cooler morning hours and helps the boat get away before the water becomes crowded with other craft. A morning departure also leaves part of your afternoon free, though after six hours at sea you may prefer a quiet lunch and a slow afternoon.

Pickup is offered, but the stated starting point remains Le Morne Anglers’ Club. Confirm the pickup details when you book, especially if you are staying outside Grande Riviere Noire. The location is near public transportation, but a private transfer may be easier at such an early hour.

Wear clothes you can move in and shoes with a firm grip. Bring sun protection and any personal medication you need. Bottled water and snacks are included, but this is not described as a full meal service, so do not expect a restaurant breakfast on board.

Setting the lines off Mauritius’s west coast

Once the boat leaves the club, the focus shifts from scenery to open-water conditions and fish-finding. Golden Wave uses artificial lures at high trolling speeds, along with fresh bait such as small tuna used live or dead.

That combination is important. Lures let the crew cover water and present several fishing options at once. Fresh bait gives the fish a more natural target. The crew uses several lures and different bait types to improve the odds, rather than relying on one fixed method all morning.

For a first-time angler, the value is having a crew that manages the complicated parts. You do not need to arrive with specialist gear or know how to set a trolling spread. Captain Vic and the crew take care of the equipment and help you respond if a fish strikes.

For an experienced angler, the appeal is different. You can watch how the boat works, see which lures are used, and spend focused time chasing marlin with a captain who has built his service around big-game fishing. The fishing equipment is described as good quality, and Golden Wave 3 has been praised for being clean, spacious, comfortable, and well maintained.

What a strike and fight may feel like

A marlin outing is not a constant-action trip. Much of the time is spent watching, waiting, changing direction, and checking the lines. That quiet period can be part of the charm, but it may test the patience of anyone expecting nonstop bites.

When a fish does take the line, the mood changes quickly. The crew gets you set up, helps with the tackle, and works to keep the fish connected. A blue marlin can turn a calm morning into a long physical contest. One reported fight lasted an hour before the fish was released.

This is where a private charter earns its cost. Your group is not competing with several unrelated passengers for a turn. If a fish comes close to the boat, the captain and crew can focus on your group and give the angler room to work.

The crew’s attitude is another strong point. Captain Vic is repeatedly described as friendly and hard-working, while the boat crew has been praised for being helpful and committed to the fishing. That matters most when you are tired, excited, and trying to manage unfamiliar equipment.

The fish you might target

Blue marlin is the headline catch, and Mauritius is known for the possibility of very large specimens. Fish over 1,000 pounds, often called granders, are caught in Mauritius, though that is an exceptional outcome rather than a sensible expectation for a single six-hour booking.

Black marlin is also on the target list. Yellowfin tuna can provide a powerful fight of its own, while wahoo and dorado add variety. Mahi mahi is another possibility. The trip is not limited to one species, so a day without a marlin may still produce worthwhile fishing.

Catch and release is part of the experience described in several outings, including blue marlin released after a fight. If conservation matters to you, ask the crew about current handling practices and what you can expect if a marlin is brought alongside the boat.

The company also operates marine outings where dolphins and whales may be seen, and some boat trips have included those sightings. For this particular charter, though, fishing is the main purpose. Do not book it as a whale-watching trip and expect the same itinerary.

Golden Wave 3 and the crew

Golden Wave 3 is described as a newer boat in the fleet, with a spacious and comfortable layout. It has also been praised for being clean and well maintained, with fishing equipment in good condition.

Those details are not just decoration. Six hours in a cramped boat can feel much longer than six hours on a well-kept vessel with room to move. Space is especially useful when an angler is fighting a large fish and the crew needs to work around the stern.

Captain Victor Pelletier leads the trip, and the fishing operation has also included crew members such as Jason, Gigi, and Ludwig. Crew assignments can change, so treat those names as useful context rather than a guarantee of who will be on your departure.

The captain’s experience is the main safety net for beginners. You can arrive without fishing knowledge and still take part, but you should be ready to listen carefully and follow instructions. Big-game tackle is powerful equipment, and the crew’s directions matter.

Is $872.36 good value?

At $872.36 for up to five people, the price makes the most sense for a full group. Five people pay about $174 each. Four people pay about $218 each, while two people pay about $436 each. For a solo angler or a couple, the same private-charter price becomes much harder to justify.

The cost includes the boat, captain, crew, fishing equipment, bait, bottled water, and snacks. Pickup is offered, though the exact arrangement should be confirmed. You are also paying for privacy and the chance to fish with a crew focused on your party.

I would compare this price with your goal. If you want a relaxed, low-cost taste of fishing, this is probably too much. If you want a serious attempt at blue marlin and are sharing the cost with family or friends, the value improves sharply.

An experienced angler may also consider the longer option. The standard outing is about six hours, but one regular customer strongly recommended booking at least eight hours for marlin. More time does not guarantee a fish, but it gives the crew longer to reach productive water and gives you more opportunity for a strike.

Who should book this fishing trip?

I would recommend Golden Wave 3 for:

• A group of up to five friends or family members who want a private boat.
• Beginners who want professional help rather than arranging tackle themselves.
• Experienced anglers focused on marlin and other large pelagic fish.
• Families with older children who can follow boat and fishing instructions.
• Anyone willing to accept waiting as part of the sport.

I would hesitate if you dislike early mornings, become uncomfortable on open water, or need a guaranteed catch. I would also think twice if you want a casual sightseeing cruise. The boat may offer a good view of the ocean, but the schedule and crew attention are built around finding fish.

The trip can also work well for mixed groups. A keen angler gets a serious fishing opportunity, while other people can enjoy time on the water and watch the action. Still, everyone should understand that the morning may include long periods without a bite.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the trip requires good weather, poor conditions may lead to a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows Mauritius local time.

The experience is private, and most people can participate. The published details do not provide specific information about wheelchair access or age limits, so ask the operator directly if either point affects your plans.

Final verdict: should you book Golden Wave 3?

Book it if you want a real Mauritius big-game fishing attempt, especially if you can fill the boat with four or five people. The strongest reasons are Captain Vic’s experience, the private format, the well-kept Golden Wave 3, and the chance to target blue marlin with fresh bait and serious tackle.

I would book eight hours if marlin is the central purpose of your holiday and that option is available. Choose the six-hour trip if you want a strong half-day experience without giving up the entire day.

You should not book expecting a guaranteed blue marlin or constant action. Book it for the chance, the expert crew, the open ocean, and the possibility of a fish powerful enough to become the story you tell long after leaving Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the Golden Wave 3 fishing trip start?

It starts at Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius.

What time does the fishing trip begin?

The listed start time is 6:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to five people.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. Prior fishing experience is not required, and the captain and crew provide help with the equipment and fishing process.

What fish might I catch?

The main targets are blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. Mahi mahi and other species are also possible.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.