Saint Brandon, also known as the Cargados Carajos Shoals, is an Indian Ocean archipelago about 430 kilometres (270 mi) northeast of Mauritius consisting of a number of sand banks, shoals and islets. Saint Brandon consists of five island groups, with about 28–40 islands and islets in total, depending on seasonal storms and related sand movements.^[1]

There are 22 named islands and shoals. The archipelago is low-lying and is prone to substantial submersion in severe weather. It has an aggregate land area estimated variously at 1.3 km² (0.50 sq mi) and 500 acres (2.0 km²).^[1]

Over the years it has become a famed destination for its untouched beauty and avid wildlife. In the fishing community it is known for its abundance of fish and beautiful scenery. Economic activity in the region is limited to fishing on the very extensive shallow bank covering approximately 900 sq mi (2,300 km²) around the islands.

By the early 19th century, most of the islands were in use as fishing stations. Geographically, the archipelago is part of the Mascarene Islandsand is situated on the Mascarene Plateau formed by the separation of the Mauritia microcontinent during the separation of India and Madagascar about 60 million years ago.

The reef measures more than 50 kilometres (31 mi) from north to south, and is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) wide, cut by three passes. The reef area is 190 km² (73 sq mi). The reef measures more than 50 kilometres (31 mi) from north to south, and is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) wide, cut by three passes. The reef area is 190 km² (73 sq mi).

The islands have a small transient population, mostly fishermen, The bulk of this transitory population, stay on Île Raphael, with smaller settlements existing on Avocaré, Coco, and Île du Sud. A settlement on Albatross Island was abandoned in 1988.^[7] The islands are rich in marine flora and fauna,^[8]

The best choice for a truly once in a Lifetime Fishing Trip:

By booking a trip with us we will fill out all necessary paperwork and administration information required to visit the island, look after you and guide you while you are there and show you all our favourite fishing spots on and around its beautiful shores.

While on the island it is important that you carefully follow the instructions from our skipper and crew both to preserve the island for future generations and to safeguard your own life as the Islets are infested with sharks and any small accident can severely escalate due to its distance from the nearest hospital. Visitors ignoring the sanctuaries rules over the years have had a clear impact on the island and we all must play our part to preserve the beauty of this world renowned fishing spot.

Depending on the anglers requirements we can organise anything for your group from fishing guides to accommodation.
Your dream trip, facilitated and organised by Sportfisher!

Quotes are available only upon request through email: info@sportfisher.mu

Be sure to let us know how many people, the length of time and any other details about your trip.

Virtual Reality/ 360 Videos of St Brandon

What kind of fish can I expect to catch on Saint Brandon?

Saint Brandon is world known in fishing circles for multiple species of large Trevally and Bonefish who often grow close to record breaking sizes.Depending on who you talk to some anglers even argue that there is no better destination than St Brandon for Bonefishing. Below is the profiles of a few fish that are abundant among the Cargados Carajos Shoals.

Bonefish:

The bonefish (Albula vulpes) is the type species of the bonefish family (Albulidae), the only family in order Albuliformes. The bonefish weighs up to 19 lb (8.6 kg) and measures up to 90 cm (35 in) long. The color of bonefish can range from very silver sides and slight darker backs to olive green backs that blend to the silver side.^[3] Slight shading on the scales often lead to very soft subtle lines that run the flank of the fish from the gills to the tail. The bases of the pectoral fins are sometimes yellow.

Giant Trevally:

The giant trevally, Caranx ignobilis (also known as the lowly trevally, barrier trevally, giant kingfish, or ulua), is a species of large marine fish classified in the jack family, Carangidae. The giant trevally is distinguished by its steep head profile, strong tail scutes, and a variety of other more detailed anatomical features. It is normally a silvery colour with occasional dark spots, but males may be black once they mature. It is the largest fish in the genus Caranx, growing to a maximum known size of 170 cm (67 in) and a weight of 80 kg (176 lbs). The giant trevally is an apex predator in most of its habitats, and is known to hunt individually and in schools.

Golden Trevally:

The golden trevally (Gnathanodon specious), also known as the golden kingfish, banded trevally and king trevally), is a species of large marine fishclassified in the jack and horse mackerel family Carangidae, and the only member of the genus Gnathanodon. The golden trevally is easily distinguished from its relatives by its fleshy, rubbery lips and unique colouration, which ranges from bright yellow with black bars as a juvenile to a golden-silvery colour as an adult. It is known to grow to 120 cm in length and 15 kg in weight. The golden trevally schoolsas a juvenile, often closely following larger objects including sharks and jellyfish.

Bluefin Trevally:

The bluefin trevally, Caranx melampygus (also known as the bluefin jack, bluefin kingfish, bluefinned crevalle, blue ulua, omilu and spotted trevally), is a species of large, widely distributed marine fish classified in the jack family, Carangidae. The species grows to a maximum known length of 117 cm and a weight of 43.5 kg, however is rare above 80 cm. Bluefin trevally are easily recognised by their electric blue fins, tapered snout and numerous blue and black spots on their sides. Juveniles lack these obvious colours, and must be identified by more detailed anatomical features such as fin ray and scute counts.

Yellowspotted Trevally:

The yellowspotted trevally, yellowspotted kingfish, goldspotted trevally, or tarrum, Carangoides fulvoguttatus, is a widespread species of large inshore marine fish in the jack family Carangidae. The species is known to grow to a maximum length of at least 1.2 m, and is distinguished by gill raker and fin morphology, as well as the distinctive golden spots which give the fish its name. The yellowspotted trevally generally prefers inshore rocky and coral reefs, but is occasionally found over deep offshore sand banks to a depth of 100 m.

Red Coral Grouper:

Found in protected coastal reef in mixed algae and coral habitat. Common on inshore coastal reefs but absent in clear offshore reefs . Juveniles have a demersal existence in shallow water in reef habitats, especially around coral rubble. Migrate over short distances to spawn, forming aggregations. May move into shallow water to feed. Eggs float just below the water surface. Pelagic larvae are found in habitats similar to those of the adults. Juveniles feed on small fish and invertebrates such as crustaceans and squid. Commonly used for food. Its flesh is delicate and well appreciated.