Like very often, on Sunday, the landing stage of Black River is in full effervescence. As from dawn, the boats sail in the open sea along with more and more tourists aboard, eager to do the big game fishing. So, let’s get embarked immediately aboard the l’El Guibor.

Sunday. The sun has risen about an hour and the crews of the five fishing boats which anchor at Black River are already in full swing. Everyone is getting ready for a long fishing day. And the reason behind this is that a boat has brought aboard a magnificent marlin the day before. The news has quickly spread and now everybody wants to try their luck today. The weather is ideal and the sea is calm.

A last checking of the meteorological situation and the l'El Guibor, a Hebrew word that means "The Terrible," weighs anchor. Two German couples who solely came to Mauritius to do the big game fishing are aboard. They are filled with enthusiasm when the skipper tells them about the catch of the previous day.

L'El Guibor is sailing away from the quay for a fishing day. The landscape gradually fades off in the horizon. The gaze of the four German holidaymakers is riveted on the azure coloured water. Helped by his crew, the skipper prepares the fishing lines and gives out the last recommendations to the fishing amateurs, eager to catch a fish. As for their companions, they prefer to enjoy the view overlooking the upper deck.

The marlin weighs 400kilos

The wait is shorter than expected. Less than an hour later, being not very proud, the two fishermen go back up with a tuna and a skipjack after ten minutes of interval. It's already quite impressive but both think to only one thing: catch a marlin. So, without wasting time, they resume to their places and cast their line into the water.

To pass the time, there is nothing better than a mini barbeque prepared on the deck. On the menu: lamb's kebabs served with a few slices of pineapple and delicious garlic bread. The vacationers already have their mouths water. They desert the reels for a few minutes.

After four hours, all the endeavours are rewarded. The float suddenly disappears beneath the surface of water and turns the reel at a high speed, as if it had suddenly breathed life into it. The recommendations are clear: remain calm and give some slack. Within a few seconds, about ten meters or so of ropes wind on until the fisherman, all excited decides to stop it.