Yokanga For more information please call +44 (0)

Transcription

1 Yokanga For more information please call +44 (0)

2 Photo: Matt Harris Photo: Matt Harris

3 Dear Fly Fisher Welcome to the Fly Fisher Travel 2011 newsletter. Rather than list every destination we represent, this newsletter is designed to give a flavour of the sort of fishing holidays that we organise. At Fly Fisher Travel we continue to offer some terrific salmon fishing venues. The Yokanga in Russia draws salmon fishermen from around the world in pursuit of their fish of a lifetime. We are now placing clients on at least 10 of Iceland s top salmon rivers where we have access to prime weeks. The saltwater world has its avid devotees, as well as those who want to try it for the first time. Alphonse Island in the Seychelles has fishing to suit everyone and it still must be one of the most varied and productive saltwater fisheries. Cuba is also up there, and with limited numbers of American fly fishers now able to enter the country, 2012 would be a good time to beat the rush. We will be running a number of Fly Fisher Travel hosted weeks in 2012 for those who would like to join a group of like-minded fishermen. For example, Peter will be leading a party to Argentina to shoot doves in Cordoba and then pursue sea trout on the Rio Grande from the luxurious lodge at Kau Tapen. Do enquire about our special group rates for this. Contents Ic el a nd 04 alaska and canada 07 russia 08 Argentina 10 new zealand 12 cuba 13 seychelles 14 As ever, the prices that you see in this newsletter are not marked up in any way. They are the very same prices you would be quoted if asking the operator directly. The benefit to you is that we can bring perspective and an honest, unbiased opinion based on our personal experience of the destination you may be considering. Please take a look at our website We look forward to helping you plan some memorable fishing for Tight lines... Photos: With thanks to those who have supplied photographs including Palmi Einarsson, Matt Harris, Jim Klug and the lodge operators. Cover photograph: Nordura, Iceland by Matt Harris Henry Mountain Peter Rippin Roddy Hall For more information please call +44 (0) enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com Website: Registered company number

4 Iceland Photo: Matt Harris Fly Fisher Travel in Iceland With extensive in-house knowledge of Iceland, Icelandic salmon fishing has become a key destination for Fly Fisher Travel. We represent rivers that fish between three and 12 rods and can accommodate full teams of rods as well as individuals wishing to fit into a group. In a season that only lasts three months, the prime time can be restricted to a mere three week window. In many cases we fill these prime weeks exclusively with our own clients to try and create parties that will get on well. With a variety of productive rivers we can shape a trip to suit individual or party requirements. There are remote rivers in dramatic settings with larger fish, rivers with more comfortable lodges and easy access to pools, and others more suited to surface fishing in clear water with numerous grilse and smaller salmon. Through a Fly Fisher Group sister company, we have operational input so can positively influence our clients experience. In many cases we employ experienced chefs as opposed to just a cook, and hire guide teams, both Icelandic and English. Even for the most experienced UK salmon fisherman, a good guide is really important to make the most out of Icelandic rivers. Peter Rippin and Jack Selby, a Fly Fisher Group colleague, spend considerable time in Iceland every summer. In addition to guiding, they are there to oversee operations and make sure clients have the best time possible. In recent years there have been several outstanding fishing seasons, confirming the reliability of Iceland s salmon and sea trout runs. Fishing is either let for a full week, or more commonly for four days with just four nights away. While the cost of fishing is not necessarily cheap, we believe it offers great value for excellent and reliable salmon fishing. The following pages cover six rivers where we have had clients fish in recent seasons. We have excellent contacts on many other rivers too. If you have particular requests for the 2012 season then we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The earlier we know people s requirements, the more likely it is that we will be able to fulfil them. Tackle Disinfection Services Fishing the hitch in Iceland The Icelandic authorities require fishermen to have a certificate to prove that their fishing tackle has been disinfected. In London and the south, Tackle Disinfection Services can do the necessary disinfection and provide the required Disinfection Certificate. The charge is 50. We have an extensive list of other places to get it done if you live elsewhere in the UK enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com

5 Iceland Photo: Matt Harris Prices PRIME SEASON 2012 Above: Muli-sea winter salmon. Below: The Bath Tub on Grimsa. Grimsa 2-6 Aug 4,800 for 4 days/4 nights Langa July 4,500 for 4 days/4 nights Langa and Grimsa 8-14 July 7,000 for 6 days/6 nights Laxa in Kjos 3-6 July 2,850 for 3 days/3 nights July 4,350 for 4 days/4 nights 1-5 Aug 3,800 for 4 days/4 nights Canyon section on the Langa Grimsa This is one of the most famous west coast rivers. Known for its prolific runs of grilse, the river generally produces 1,200 to 1,800 fish for the season was a bumper year with 2,225 and 2010 was only just under 2,000 fish. Grimsa is a fly-only river and is restricted to eight rods fishing 30kms of water with 60 marked pools. The river is medium-sized and is easily fished with a single-handed rod. Maybe a small double-hander when windy or fishing one of the larger pools. As with most fishing in Iceland, floating lines and small flies are the norm, with the riffle hitch being a successful and exciting way of catching fish. Langa A total of five fish ladders and a dam regulating flow from Lake Langavatn have ensured that this is one of Iceland s top ten rivers. Close to 100 marked pools flow through 36kms of dramatic scenery, which varies from mountainous gorges with cascading rapids to gentle meadow pools. The river is fished by 12 rods and is split into three beats, each of which is fished by four rotating rods. There are roads to each pool, making Langa an accessible river to fishers of all ages has been a superb season and in the prime weeks Langa was producing 50 fish a day. Laxa in Kjos The Kjos has fly-only fishing for 10 rods in some 90 named pools. The fishing extends to 25kms over the Laxa in Kjos itself and also includes the wonderfully intimate Bugda tributary. The upper river has rushing pools in dramatic mountainous scenery, with the lowest beats being more open with steep-sided hillsides straddling the valley. The middle river, which holds significant numbers of salmon and sea trout from mid July, is more tranquil and slower flowing. The lodge on the Laxa in Kjos is one of the more comfortable in Iceland. The food is excellent and the more gastronomically-brave have persuaded the chef to produce tastings of Icelandic specialities, including whale and puffin. For more information please call +44 (0)

6 Iceland Hafralonsa This rugged river is set in the remote north east of the country. It is a river known for its multi-sea winter salmon, as well as grilse. Six rods fish all 26kms of the river with 55 pools. The lower river is gentle with enticing pools and attractive fly water. The river runs through a dramatic gorge in the middle section, with water cascading from one pool into the next, and one particularly large fall for the fish to negotiate. The upper section opens out, but is still rugged with dramatic and steep bluffs leading to the river. Above: Playing a fish on Beat 1, Hofsa. Below: The upper falls on Svalbardsa. While deep wading is not required, access to the pools does require a degree of walking over rough terrain with occasional steep descents down to pools. Hafralonsa has challenging fishing in stunning scenery with accommodation in a comfortable cabin set above the lower river. Casting on Hafralonsa Hofsa This is one of Iceland s most famous rivers. Like many rivers in the north east, the Hofsa catches excellent numbers of multi-sea winter salmon. Water levels are dependable with snow topping up the river throughout the summer weeks. 80 pools over 30kms of river ensure that you will never fish everything on the beat in a single fishing session. The pools are long and a doublehanded rod is best suited for covering the water. Wading is easy on all beats. Food at the lodge, which is planned for renovation this winter, is equal to some of the best London restaurants. In A Celebration of Salmon Rivers, Prince Charles writes, Some of my most special memories are of the Hofsa. We can recommend collecting your own memories of Hofsa. Svalbardsa This river is sometimes viewed as the Hafralonsa in miniature. The 17kms of fishable water on Svalbardsa is fished by just three rods. Again, as with many rivers in the north east, it is characterised by a large proportion of salmon over grilse. The fishing is easily managed with single-handed rods, except in windy conditions. The cosy lodge is relatively new and has four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The Svalbardsa is a well-kept secret and has seen catches escalate from about 300 fish per season to over 500 fish in the past two seasons. A team of Fly Fisher Travel clients managed the lodge record in 2011 with 82 fish to three rods over four days, with all but a handful of the fish being multi-sea winter salmon. Prices PRIME SEASON 2012 Hafralonsa 30 July - 5 Aug 5,990 for 6 days/6 nights Hofsa July 3,800 for 4 days/4 nights Svalbardsa Prices and dates on request 06 enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com

7 Alaska and Canada Fly Fisher Travel in alaska and canada King salmon are the largest of the five species of Pacific salmon. Also called chinooks, they have a habit of lurking in deep water, which is often unsuitable for effective fly fishing. At many Alaskan lodges they spin for king salmon or fish for them in the sea using techniques that most fly fishermen would not be familiar with. Here we cover two great places to successfully target kings on fly using double-handed rods and standard cast and swing techniques. Atlantic salmon fishermen who have hooked a king salmon on fly have been astounded by the raw power of these fish. Kings can run to 60lbs or more, but fly-caught fish of 20lbs would be more normal. Hook any of them and you will be impressed, but attach yourself to a 30lbs king and you will really know about it. Spey Lodge, British Columbia, Canada In the summer months of mid-june to mid-july, guests at Spey Lodge frequently target king salmon as well as other species. During the course of a week you may fish the Skeena, Kitimat and Kasiks but the Copper is an ideal place to catch a large king in relatively shallow water. The Copper runs through a stunning valley where guests float the river using a drift boat and stop at likely pools to then fish on foot. Double-handed salmon rods are best for methodically covering the water and usually Type 3 sink tips would be the heaviest needed to interest a king. Floating lines and a weighted fly can even be enough under the right conditions. Kings in the Copper average over 20lbs, but can reach 50lbs. Spey Lodge itself is homely and extremely well run. Guests have their own room and ensuite bathroom. It is easily accessible via Vancouver to the town of Terrace. Alaska West, Alaska Alaska West is in the four million acre Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. It is five and a half miles up the Kanektok river from the village of Quinhagak. Its location on the Kanektok is what makes the fishing so special. Fresh kings hold in the lower river, which is an ideal place to catch them on fly. Further upriver the water becomes more intimate and divides into side channels and tributaries. Jet boats are used to access the fishing and the river is easy to wade. Alaska West describes itself as a deluxe tented lodge and is a combination of permanent and semi-permanent structures. Guest tents are twin-bedded, heated and have carpeted wooden floors. There is a lounge tent for evening drinks and a dining tent for dinner. If you are looking for luxury then there are other options but for great fishing at a very reasonable cost then Alaska West is one to consider. Above: A fresh king salmon from the Kanektok, Alaska. Below: A huge king from the Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. Kings in brief Mid-June to mid-july 2012 Alaska West: $5,000 Spey Lodge: 3,550 (approx) Rods: 13 to 15 feet Reels: Disc drag Lines: Multi tips Backing: 200 yards, 30lbs Leader: 15lbs to 20lbs For more information please call +44 (0)

8 Russia Photo: Matt Harris Peter Rippin Yokanga Lodge, June 2011 Week One was an exceptional start to the season for so many reasons. Firstly, spring had arrived early and the weather conditions were more like week Two or Three. Secondly, after a group cancellation, there were only two rods, Chris and Dean, plus me for a day or two and a few casts in the evenings. Thirdly, for the exceptional run of large, fresh fish flying through the lower and middle beats up to the upper holding areas. Chris and Dean fished hard, almost to the point of exhaustion towards the end of the week, in the knowledge that the fish were there to be caught. Landing nearly 60 fish between them, the total for the week was 63 salmon with five over the magic 30lbs mark. Averaging around 17lbs and all, bar one overwintered Osanka, were fresh fish, many sea-liced. In fact, only one fish was under 10lbs and very few under 15lbs. reports on the first week of the season Along with the fish landed were a great many fish touched and lost. Running fish that snatched at the fly and fish that were last seen on their way down the rapids. For example, on Tuesday, Chris hooked 12 or so fish in the 19lbs to 22lbs range in Lyliok, landing five of them. The fishing was so good that the guide insisted on moving to try and catch some big fish. Excitingly for me, fishing was best at Sand Island and the upper beats where the fresh fish finally ran out of steam and held. Magical, bizarre stretches of river with large sand beaches, reminiscent of the Bahamas, or clusters of small islands forcing so many variations of current that you almost lose grasp of the general direction in which the river is flowing. These are interesting beats that always hold big fish. Lyliok, a great producer of large salmon each season on Yokanga Conditions were so good that by Tuesday the big ugly Snaeldas had been put back in the fly box along with the heavy sink tips and both fishers used short sink tips on floating lines and smaller flies. Most effective were either ½'' or ¾'' tubes, or in Chris case, he only used long shank size six single hook patterns in predominantly Willie Gunn colours. He landed two fish over 30lbs on the Scaramanga a Willie Gunn tied on a gold Salar single hook, hence Golden Gunn now known as the Scaramanga. Yokanga in brief 9 June 25 August 2012 Fishing: 55km of fishing for 16 rods Accommodation: Canadian wooden lodge with 10 ensuite bedrooms Fish: Genetically largest salmon on the Kola (source: PINRO) Size: 20lbs+ fish caught in every week of the season, 30lbs+ salmon caught in most weeks 08 enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com

9 Russia Above: Fishing the middle Yokanga Above: Dean with a good fish in Week 1. Below: Yokanga Lodge. Perhaps the biggest fish of the week that was hooked, was sadly not landed. Dean hooked a fish of epic proportions in the first draw of Upper Island beat. After 20 minutes of initially pulling like hell, drawing the fish up only a few feet from the lip of the rapids, the fish s tail and back breaching on occasion, the guide, fisher and fish worked their way close to the right bank. The fish then finally began to wallow on a short line in full view in the clear water, when inexplicably, out came the hook. Not prone to exaggerating, the guide Sasha, simply said Monster, estimating the salmon around the 38lbs to 40lbs mark. The landing of these giants is perhaps the most difficult part. With such good conditions and with the freedom of the entire river in beautiful late spring conditions (flowers coming out, leaves unfurled), the fishers enjoyed floating through beats taking a cast here and a cast there, cherry-picking the best lies or the spots they wanted to fish. Catching so many big fish whilst leaving such a light footprint, one can only imagine the results had a normal team of 10 to 12 rods been fishing - it would surely have been an all time record for this week. Prices PRIME SEASON June 6, June 9, June 9, June - 7 July 8, July 6, July 4, July, 28 July - 4 Aug 3,950 4 Aug - to season end 2,950 For more information please call +44 (0)

10 Yokanga Argentina Fly Fisher Travel in argentina Peter Rippin will be hosting a sea trout and dove trip to Argentina in March flight line, but the most amazing flight you will ever have experienced. The cast and blast will start with two nights at a comfortable shooting lodge in Cordoba with two full days dove shooting. The city of Cordoba is just over an hour s flight from Buenos Aires, so the party will be able to have a late afternoon s shooting on the day of arrival. From past experience we know that any jetlag is soon blown away by the exhilaration of some testing dove shooting. There will then be a further full day of shooting and everyone will be able to shoot most of the final day before catching an evening flight back to Buenos Aires. Much has been made of the tremendous volume of shooting that is possible in Cordoba and the numbers you have heard may well be true. But that is not necessarily the attraction. Doves are incredibly agile and by moving your position you can make the shooting as easy or as hard as you like. It is somewhat like shooting pigeons on a Part of the fun of shooting in Cordoba is the relaxed atmosphere. There is no contracted bag so everyone can shoot what they please without affecting anyone else s bill. The operators we use know that British guns enjoy sporting shooting and so place guns accordingly. The asado lunches alone are worth the trip. Delicious cuts of Argentine beef grilled over an open fire are supplemented by fresh dove breasts and of course there is glass or two of Malbec to go with it all. After a night in Buenos Aires, the party will fly south to Rio Grande. Kau Tapen is the original and most famous of all the lodges on the river. It has the advantage of being very close to the river and has access to some of the very best holding pools. The sea trout average between 8lbs and 12lbs in any given week. With six and a half days fishing, a fish of a lifetime is a real possibility. Sea trout over 20lbs are caught with regularity with the lodge record standing at over 35lbs. Above: Evening sunlight on the Rio Grande. Below: Challenging dove shooting in Cordoba. Yokanga catches a 30lber most weeks of the season. Sea Trout in brief prime time January to April 7 night/6½ day packages Double-handed rods are best 10 All manner of techniques work. Double-handed rods are the norm with everything from floating to fast sinking tips. Flies range from traditional patterns to more modern inventions such as the Yuk and Girdle Bugs. Nymphs and Sunray Shadows can be effective too. The key is to vary the depth of fly and type of retrieve until you find what is working on any given day. Sooner or later, enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com

11 Argentina Yokanga Dove Shooting in brief year round season No fixed arrival/departure date Guns available to hire you will be rewarded by the firm take of a Rio Grande sea trout. There is no gentle plucking like late-season salmon fishing but an aggressive hit followed by a cart-wheeling sea trout trying to free itself. Kau Tapen is an incredibly comfortable and well-run lodge. The rooms all have ensuite bathrooms and every creature comfort is provided for. Kau Tapen sets the bar for every other fishing lodge in the world. If you have ever considered visiting Argentina then this is a golden opportunity to do so in a ready-made group and at a very reasonable cost. Above: Heading out to fish the Rio Grande. Below from left: Kau Tapen, the premier lodge on Rio Grande. Comfortable bedroom at La Dormida, Cordoba. Living room and bar at Kau Tapen. special group rate! Cordoba and Kau Tapen, March 2012 We are inviting enquiries from people looking to participate in what will be a fun party. We have very attractive group rates so please call for details and an itinerary. For more information please call +44 (0)

12 New Zealand New Zealand in brief October 2011 to april 2012 Guide cost: NZ$750 to NZ$800 per day (split between two) Accommodation: NZ$270 to NZ$460 per room per night with meals Exchange rate: Approx. 1=NZ$2 Species: Brown and rainbow trout Fiordland Lodge near Te Anau, South Island Fly Fisher Travel in new zealand Murchison and Hanmer Springs are in the northern part of New Zealand s South Island and are favoured places for Fly Fisher Travel. However, in the very south there is some of the highest quality fishing for large brown and rainbow trout that you will find in New Zealand. Fiordland National Park, set in a World Heritage area near the town of Te Anau, is the place in question. In the Fiordland area you can access many rivers by four wheel drive. There are about 40 rivers and streams within an hour and a half s drive of Te Anau. The Eglington, Oreti and Mataura are among those easily reached. You can also have 12 Spotting for large browns and rainbows true wilderness fishing by using a helicopter to reach the remotest rivers and, for the more adventurous, you can camp out for a night or two. Guides in New Zealand are key to successful fishing. Among others guiding on the Fiordland rivers, we work with Dean Bell who has been a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association since He knows the rivers of the area better than the back of his hand and will give you the best chance of success. The fishing in Fiordland is all about finding large, wild brown and rainbow trout. While the fishing can be tailored to the ability of the fisherman, fishing in New Zealand requires a reasonable amount of walking, often over uneven ground, so a certain level of fitness is required. The rewards are, however, potentially great. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from. Fiordland Lodge is one of the most comfortable with commanding views of Lake Te Anau. They have ten comfortable rooms in the lodge, plus two separate log cabins. It is also a great base for non-fishing activities with Te Anau being the gateway to Milford Sound. Just ask us to suggest an itinerary for you. 2010/2011 Season, Dean Bell comments Taking into account that it was the summer that never actually arrived, the season provided some outstanding sport for those that tackled the Fiordland area. While others look at high water as hard work or wind as an obstacle, I see and sense opportunities. Some of our best fishing was under some of the toughest conditions. Trout are always most active after heavy rains as food is more abundant in the higher flows, which makes them more vulnerable to our offerings. Under these circumstances I go out with the highest expectations. With the remainder of the South Island in flood and our rivers marginal, even my expectations were exceeded when a Fly Fisher Travel client landed the largest brown I have guided in 17 years. Though only 30'' in length, its girth was some 4½'' bigger than normal at 19½'' and weighed a very impressive 14lbs. I doubt that fish would have ever made itself available in anything except the river conditions we had that day. enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com

13 Cuba Attached to a tarpon in Cuba Fly Fisher Travel in cuba The south coast of Cuba has one of the world s great mixed flats fisheries. By that, we mean light-tackle fly fishing in clear water to sighted fish. This is no chuck and chance it fishing in blue water. There are now a handful of areas to choose from on the south coast. Furthest west is the Isle of Youth, which has a basic, but fun, hotel-based operation and a comfortable live-aboard boat that operates in the area. Heading eastwards, Cayo Largo has very popular fishing based at the Hotel Sol Club Melia. At the eastern end is the Jardines de la Reina, which has five live-aboard boats operating in their For more information please call +44 (0) own individual fishing areas. There is some new great value fishing in South Ana Maria. Halcon, a 75-foot yacht, remains a popular choice in the Jardines de la Reina with the typical party size being six to eight fishers. Fleet I is the most luxurious of all the boats in the area with eight cabins and seven bathrooms for up to eight rods. Both boats have air-conditioning and diving is an option if you fancy a break in the fishing routine. A live-aboard boat is a great way to have your own floating, fishing house party and it is also fun for non-fishers who want to enjoy a Cuban holiday. There is outstanding diving and snorkelling so a The Avalon Fly This is a giant shrimp pattern that has been developed to increase the chances of actually hooking an elusive permit. The fly is 9cm long and includes a variety of tying materials including marabou, rabbit and fox tail. Critically, it is tied with four silver beads which act as a keel to help the fly to land and sink quickly. The way the fly is tied ensures it lands the correct way up, yet can still be stripped in a lifelike manner. The Avalon Fly has now accounted for over 200 permit. private charter can be a fun family holiday. One of the great advantages of a live-aboard is that the fishing is so close that you can fish late into the day if you want to. Lunch is back on board, so if you fancy a siesta and a lazy afternoon that is no problem. It is up to you to choose your own schedule each day. Any trip to Cuba should involve a couple of nights in Havana. It is a fascinating city that buzzes with life. Architecturally stunning buildings and beautifully renovated squares with street cafés are just around the next corner. Cuba remains the preserve of visiting Europeans but change is afoot and US residents can get special licences to visit. Whichever destination is chosen, fishermen are likely to experience a mixture of bonefish, tarpon Prices 2012 Santa Ana Maria 3,450 Melia Las Dunas 6-8 rods Cayo Largo 3,590-4,950 Hotel Sol Club Melia Isle of Youth 3,560-5,260 for Perola 6 rods 1,790-3,980 for Hotel Rancho El Tesoro South Ana Maria 1,990-2,760 for South Ana Maria 4-8 rods Jardines De La Reina 2,830-4,290 for Caballones 6-8 rods 2,830-4,290 for La Reina 4-8 rods 3,160-4,690 for Halcon 6-8 rods 3,060-4,590 for Tortuga 14 rods 3,500-5,250 for Avalon Fleet I (private charter) 8 rods These are package prices based on flights into and out of Havana. They generally include an overnight stay there, internal air travel, plus some drinks and transfers. Please ask for a sample itinerary which details all the inclusions and exclusions. and permit during the course of a fishing week. Bonefish are plentiful; tarpon are always a possibility, and with permit present there are always chances to present a fly to them, but it is something of a lottery as to whether they will choose to take it. Having said that, many hundreds of grand slams have been caught in Cuba. 13

14 Seychelles Vaughn Driessel reports on his Alphonse Island visit Vaughn was Fishery Manager on Alphonse for six years and is a Director within the Fly Fisher Group, and continues to assist with guide training and logistics and to host groups of fly fishers. Cyclone Niki was wreaking havoc over the northern tip of Madagascar 500 miles from Alphonse as we arrived. Cyclone or no cyclone, we were inbound for a week of flats fishing and I was hosting a full complement of guests. Fortunately Alphonse has an amazing fishery and its many species allows one to fish in virtually any weather conditions and I was upbeat about even the dull days. With the white sand flats, fishing under cloud cover is not a problem. In fact, if it is a white out with absolutely no sun, the fishing can even be easier. The overcast conditions seem to calm the bonefish, allowing fishermen to target them from close quarters. And so it was to be when we arrived on the flats. The group was excited about being back on Alphonse. For some of them it was their sixth trip, so they knew exactly what to expect and the weather did not seem to concern them much. I decided to start at the Back of the Moon which is situated behind the island. This would mean the wind was on our back, and being the first day it would give everyone a chance to get their eyes accustomed to spotting bonefish and get their casting arms warmed up Knowing this group was there to catch other species as well as just bones, we found ourselves walking toward the surf and Baghdad. There we caught bonefish which were coming in ones and twos as they fell off the flats with the tide. Although we caught plenty of bonefish, there was no chance of seeing trevally or anything else in the surf with the dark coral bottom. So, wasting no further time we decided to head back towards the island. I knew that the flats would be dry but also knew that the channel surrounding the island, with its turtle grass bottom and sandy pools, would be holding fish in the cool weather. We had tremendous fun catching tailing bonefish for the rest of the day, probably the best I have ever seen. We fished light flies and paddled in just four inches of water. The bones had their backs clear of the surface and the fishing was close combat and very visual with the bones often eating the fly with the leader in the stripping guides. The weather slowly improved as the week progressed and all 12 guests caught more bones than they could possibly have dreamt of. By Thursday, the weather had improved enough to get a skiff outside the lagoon and look for milkfish. One fortunate client landed a beauty of around 30lbs, just before the conditions turned foul and forced everyone back inside the lagoon. On Friday, another landed his milkfish of around the same size. Both are experienced saltwater fishermen and were astounded by the sheer strength Above: Bonefish. Below from left: Milkfish. Yellow margin triggerfish. All photos: Matt Harris. enquiries@flyfisher-travel.com

15 Seychelles of them and could not compare them to anything they had previously fished for. During the week there were also several triggerfish caught. We spent hours focused on these comical fish which are probably the most challenging species. You can walk right up to them, plonk flies all around them without them spooking and then eventually they decide they have had enough and just move off. It only takes one fly though to make all the difference. Just remember that with triggers it is one fly per fish so you better go well equipped. In short, the fishing week with all its challenging weather, still produced world class flats fishing. The guide team, headed by Devan van der Merwe is doing a superb job and the fishery is flourishing. The new season will soon be on us so consider your own trip to Alphonse. 2010/2011 Season The numbers of bonefish caught by fishermen visiting Alphonse is quite simply remarkable. Some weeks caught well over 1,000 bonefish and we had some clients who caught 30 to 50 bonefish, to their own rod, in a single day. The bonefish numbers are largely irrelevant and are chiefly influenced by how long and hard rods target them. The significant factor about the fishery is that there are sufficient bones for everyone to catch something. The pressure is then off, so guests can relax and target larger fish, tailing bones or go off to pursue some of the other species that Alphonse is known for, such a trevally, milkfish, triggerfish or even pompano, the Indian Ocean permit. Poling the flats, Bair s, Bahamas. Alphonse in brief 15 october may 2012 Rod cost: $6,250 for 7 nights Non fisher cost: $3,710 for 7 nights Accommodation: Individual chalets Main species: Bonefish, trevally, milkfish Comfortable guest chalet Selecting a fly, Alphonse Island For more information please call +44 (0)

16 Fly Fisher Travel Ltd Manor Barns Southrop Lechlade Gloucestershire GL7 3NX Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Registered company number The air holiday packages in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.