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In 2006, I took a long
look at lifes calendar. A group of my friends and I decided it was now or
never to finish off the list of locations we wished to fly fish in. Several
years before, we had journeyed to Mongolia shortly after returning from
Africa , all in search of exotic species. Next on the list was the
Seychelles archipelago, 1000 miles off the coast of Africa in the Indian
Ocean.
The journey began with an overnight flight to London, and after a day
layover, another overnight flight direct to Mahe, capital city of the
Seychelles. One more flight of an hour and we arrived at Alphonse Island. We
were welcomed to the hotel by the manager and told what we might expect
during the week ahead.
The next morning we gathered and were ferried to the “flats” in a large and
comfortable catamaran. Then we boarded skiffs, 2 fishermen to 1 guide. I
thought I had seen some pretty substantial numbers of bonefish, having
fished the Bahamas for 5 decades, but this did not begin to prepare me for
what we were about to see. Hours passed as we watched and cast to a never
ending shoal of fish slowly leaving the flats as the tide fell. It was
possible to catch and release fifty fish daily – before lunchtime!
Other species we encountered were the magnificent Giant Trevally,
Triggerfish, and Milkfish. The largest Trevally landed by the group was
about 40lbs, the week before we arrived an 80lber had been landed! The
guides were all excellent and caring, making sure we were safe and trip
expectations were met. The whole experience was rated as 5 star.
This trip began as a trip of a lifetime, a one time chance to experience
exotic fishing in a far away land. It was so successful, that plans have
already been made to return, with most of the group committed to returning.
I have secured dates from the lodge and we will be returning 1-8 December
2007. If you are interested in joining the next group, and would like more
details, please email your request to
harry@hanoverfly.com, we still have several spots open to expand the
group.
Australia and New Guinea will have to wait another year! |
