What a Scene...'Seine' Fishing in Rodrigues...

Time & Tide wait for no man…

But here we spent time waiting for tide. Mr. Donald in the yellow jacket has been net fishing in the lagoons of Rodrigues for thirty five years. He learnt from his father who set nets for decades before him. Indeed Darwin might say that they have done it for so long that evolution has even caused the fisherman’s feet to be webbed.

Over the years they have mastered the intricate alphabet of the sea. They know exactly how to read the multi topaz shades of the vast lagoon as the clouds, the wind and the tides write all over it when, where and how to catch fish?

Only the wind and the clappety clap of the waves add sound to the otherwise silent language of that fishing experience in Rodrigues. Like clockwork and without exchanging a word at some mysterious signal from the sea or the wind or the tide or the fish, each and every one of the thirty or so fisherman took his position all over the fishing field.

Some boats set out in one direction to pay the nets in position while other boats went in the opposite direction to form a wide semi circle. The fisherman in the boats setting out the nets knew exactly the favorite fish freeways carrying the highest traffic. They cast their nets across all the freeway lanes running along the sea floor. Although the players at one end of the fishing field could not see those at the other end and without any cell phones or loud speaker to start off the play, the whole team started playing their individual role all at once as if by some magic impulse.

Once the nets were set, just like cops with sirens blaring, the fisherman in the boats forming the semi circle set off in pursuit of all fish within the region. By keeping pace with each other and the fish, they ensured that all fish traffic from secondary feeder lanes in the neighborhood headed towards the freeway and the road block. Giving loud chase, the fisherman used sticks to drum on the side of their boats while splashing the water with their poles. The intense commotion and well paced chase caused the fish to panic. The fish raced head on towards the nets waiting to intercept them. At the road block, some of the more daring fish raced at full speed in a last ditch effort to try to bust the road block by flying over it. The fisherman had anticipated that move and the nets were laid about two feet above the water surface. They were instantly caught within the net and were left dangling in the air. Ironically one of the boats sported the name: ‘Do not panic’.

Well my dear children, grand children and all those who happen to read my fishing story, I hope that you enjoy it and the pictures that confirm the story.

Binding time waiting for tide

Fishing head man with typical Rodrigues straw hat


Setting the Filao poles in the sand to tie the nets to


Nets are set for the catch

Herding the fish towards the nets

We caught fish that big...

Pulling in the nets

Sorting the fish out

Fish sharing

No Panic