Country Pleasures
100, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.
Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5N8
Phone: (403) 271-1016
Fax: (403) 271-5516
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Seychelles Fly Fishing Vacation
In today's world of ever-decreasing wilderness, it is truly exciting to discover a really exceptional fishing resource. For the avid bonefisherman, the St. Francois Lagoon, 292 miles southwest of Mahe -- capital island of the Seychelles -- has proven to be that rare gem. Frontiers has been arranging trips to the Seychelles since 1999 and experienced fishermen have been astounded by the numbers of bonefish and their high average weights. In addition to superb bonefishing, it is a great mixed fishery here with five species of trevally, three species of triggerfish and a host of other fly-taking fish to be caught. The record from Alphonse Island Resort is 42 different species caught on fly in one week!
And for those fly fishers who have been looking into the wishing well for something unique to satisfy their longing for the next greatest challenge, we introduce the milkfish. Also known in Seychelles as pati pati, milkfish can rip line off reels at about twice the rate of a large bonefish, they jump like a tarpon, and they demand techniques and presentations akin to fishing over selective trout. Milkfish are not carnivorous, rather the mainstay of their diet is algae, and for this reason they have been thought of as virtually uncatchable. Several guides at Alphonse Island Fishing Company have been experimenting for years in an attempt to unravel the milkfish puzzle, and although much is still to be learned they are now able to catch them with reasonable regularity.
Seychelles Fishing
The Seychelles sit approximately 1000 miles off the coast of mainland Africa in the Indian Ocean. Alphonse Island is part of the Amirantes group of island and it is here that you access the St. Francois Lagoon. It is generally accepted that the St. Francois Lagoon has the best fishing in the Seychelles and arguably some of the best bonefishing anywhere in the world. Since Alphonse Island Resort opened in 2000, anglers have marveled at both the size and number of bonefish seen and caught during a day of fishing. One of the most unique things about this fishery is the way in which these bonefish travel. You will see singles, doubles, and small groups of fish in the 3-7 pound range feeding lazily over flats during the course of tide changes. It is a rare occasion when you actually cast to "schooling" fish, so you have the opportunity to select specific targets throughout the day! Even novice fishermen's catch rates can be extraordinary while experienced anglers can expect to land more than a dozen fish per day -- often many more.
Anglers are ferried each day from Alphonse to the St. Francois lagoon (approximately 30 minutes) and then transported to the flats in skiffs. These same skiffs can be used to access a series of channels and cuts around coral heads to fish for giant trevally. Although these are considered a bonus species, fisherman are encouraged to take along some heavier tackle to try these bruisers on for size. Other fly-caught fish include three species of triggerfish as well as many other reef and flats species -- you'll have a variety all day long.
Seychelles Fishing Packages and Details
Accomodations
Alphonse Island Resort is a fine hotel which affords those fishing St. Francois Lagoon attractive accommodations comprising 25 standard and five superior beachfront chalets (all air conditioned), a main reception and dining area, water sports center, tennis court and a freshwater swimming pool. Prior to the building of the resort, the island was almost uninhabited for some twenty years, but it has a history of copra production and during that time it had up to 100 inhabitants. The island has its own reef-created lagoon with a fine beach where the hotel is located.
Location
1000 miles from mainland Africa and 292 miles southwest of Mahe, the capital island of the Seychelles, is a cluster of three islands at the southern tip of the Amirantes. The largest island of this group is Alphonse Island, the only inhabited one and the location of Alphonse Island Resort.
The Season
The fishing season runs from the second week in September to the second week in May. Traditionally, you can expect windier conditions during May and September. The climate is tropical, with very little temperature variation year round. Temperatures in the Seychelles rarely exceed 90 degrees F but the sun is equatorial and can be fierce.
How to get there
Seychelles International Airport in Victoria is accessed from various European gateways via the services of Air Seychelles, British Airways, and KLM/Kenya Airways. Frontiers will coordinate personalized individual air schedules that best accommodate your travel requirements and can also provide information on first and business class air arrangements.
Other Activities
Alphonse Island Resort not only offers amazing bonefishing in the flats of the atoll but also excellent blue-water fishing in the waters surrounding the area. Anglers can fish for sailfish, marlin, wahoo, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna as well as a variety of reef species such as snapper, emperor, grouper, and the ever-present and hard-fighting giant trevally. The "Bijoutier," is an Italian-made ARS 29 fully-equipped with both big game, stand-up conventional tackle on 30- and 50-lb class, as well as a complete range of fly fishing tackle from 10 weight right up to 14 weight.
World-class scuba diving is available for those interested in nonfishing activities. A PADI-certified divemaster will guide divers along rainbow-colored coral walls that feature beautiful formations. Huge sea fans wave in the current while nurse sharks hide in protected nooks and green sea turtles sail alongside the wall. Eagle rays, mantas and whale sharks add to the diverse and abundant fish life found on these reefs. With visibility to 100 feet and dive site depths ranging 25-100 feet, divers of all abilities are comfortable in the Seychelles.
Length of Stay
If traveling from the Canada or the United States, plan to depart no later than Thursday evening for arrival Saturday morning in Mahe. For those traveling from Europe, departure could be as late as Friday evening for arrival Saturday in Mahe.
Saturday arrival on St. Alphonse Island; six full fishing days follow Sunday through Friday with departure on Saturday.
Capacity
The capacity at Alphonse Island Resort is 12 anglers per week.
Documents Required
A passport that is valid for 6 months after the last day of your trip is required for entry into the Seychelles. If your passport expires before then, please renew it right away. No inoculations are required.
Rates
$5,550/person for a 7-night/6-day fishing package based on double occupancy standard chalet and a shared guide. $2,990/person for a 7-night/6-day nonfishing package based on double occupancy standard chalet. Amounts are in US Dollars.
Inclusions
The fishing package includes accommodations; shared guide and skiff; all meals; meeting on arrival in Mahe after customs; round-trip air fare Mahe/Alphonse Island/Mahe; transfers on Saturday only on Alphonse Island including baggage handling; and transportation to and from the fishing areas.
Exclusions
Round-trip air fare to Mahe; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; gratuities; surcharge for deluxe bungalow; charter of the offshore boat for offshore species; baggage overweight charges levied by airline; meals and accommodations in Mahe; any extra transportation services on Mahe; items of a personal nature, including fishing tackle and any other items not specifically listed in the inclusions. $40 per person departure tax is not included.
Deposits
A $2,000 non-refundable deposit per fishermen ($1,200 nonfishermen) is required to confirm a reservation and is due 14 days from invoice date; final non-refundable payment is due 90 days prior to departure to Alphonse Island. At this point, individual is responsible for total land and applicable commercial airline costs Mahe/Alphonse/Mahe. If client replacement is found, payment is refundable less $750 per person. No refund will be made for unused land arrangements included in cost. Any trip booked within 90 days of arrival date will require full and final non refundable payment to confirm arrangements. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund and responsibility clause.
Special Notes
Country Pleasures would be happy to help plan extension trips to coordinate with your fishing adventure in the Seychelles. Fascinating opportunities abound within the Seychelles as well as in East Africa and Europe.
Please fill out the form to the right or contact us by phone (403) 271-1016 or by e-mail for fly fishing vacation inquiries.