Seychelles

The species and quarry you are likely to catch on Astove is as wide and varied as any saltwater location in the Indian Ocean however it is the size of the biggest GT’s that really marks out Astove from other locations. Anglers have been landing an impressive average of 6 GT’s / week over the short 10-week season with many of these monstrous fish being caught whilst wading the white sand flats with the magical 1meter mark being broken on several occasions each season. Bonefish, Triggerfish, Barracuda, Milkfish make up some of the compliment of additional flats caught species and then of course there are the blue-water species that can be caught just offshore including Sailfish, Wahoo, Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Bluefin Trevally. These can be teased to the surface on fly-rods and tackled with poppers and lures.

Giantb Trevally:   These are the most sought-after gamefish and hence the primary target of anglers fishing the atolls. They are fearsome predators growing to over 100lbs and will test fly tackle like no other salt-water gamefish. Giant Trevally, or GTs as they are commonly called, venture onto the flats on a pushing-tide, and are the alpha predators of these atolls. They are fearless and ruthless predators and will attack virtually any large baitfish pattern cast in their path. Once hooked, they are a handful on a fly rod and only the strongest rods and reels will subdue these bruisers. Being a resident of the reefs, once hooked, the fish’s initial reaction is to seek refuge in the nearest reef, making them a challenge to land. Consequently, any large fish hooked must be held away from the reefs and coral bommies at all costs. Anglers-wade fish for GTs during the pushing tide, and then fish off the atoll’s numerous islands once the flats are too deep to wade.

Milkfish:   Milkfish are algae and weed eaters and until fairly recently were considered virtually impossible to take on a fly. Techniques developed by anglers on Alphonse Island have unlocked the secrets needed to entice Milkfish, to take and they are now targeted almost exclusively by some anglers. Pound for pound Milkfish are considered one of the strongest flats fish, and once hooked can often require a boat for the angler to stand a chance of landing them. The milk fish at Astove are somewhat smaller than that of Alphonse, but appear in larger numbers.

Indo Pacific Permit:   Also, known as pompano, as its member of the Carangid family and a relative of the Atlantic permit. Astove has a healthy population of permit, which is spread throughout the entire fishery but most densely found at the upper section of Astove lagoon. With the numbers of permit caught ever increasing from season to season, if you are after achieving a “Grand Slam” this should certainly be your destination of choice. The Alphonse guides have near-perfected the art of catching these fish, considered the holy Grail of saltwater fly fishing!

Bonefish:   Bonefish are common to the extent that they can almost be forgotten! On Astove specimens up to 9lbs are common. The exquisite white sand flats are ideally suited for Bonefish. Bonefish are consistent on a neap and spring tide and are a fantastic species to target in a group or by singling out tailing fish. The lagoon is home to more juvenile fish whilst the reef edge under the ‘cliffs’ are home to the larger bones.

Yellow Margin & Moustache Triggerfish:   Trigger fish are opportunists, feeding mainly on small crustaceans, which makes them perfect targets on a fly. Astove offers great opportunities when it comes to targeting Yellowmargin Trigger fish.   Moustache Trigger fish are the largest of the three species that can be caught at Astove. 

Barracuda:   There are some monsters out there.  Menancing in appearance with incredible bursts of speed that will demolish drags on all but the most sturdy reels

Other Species:   This has always been one of the huge attractions about Astove. Amazing variety with some amazing fish that can even have the guides scratching their heads to identify!

Uninhabited since 1969, Astove makes for a wild experience. To ensure that the atoll stays pristine, Astove Island Lodge only caters to six guests per week. The newly renovated lodge is very comfortable, accommodating its guests in single ensuite and air-conditioned rooms that surround a central courtyard. The lodge has a comfortable lounge as well as an indoor and outdoor dining area. Guests will enjoy attentive service as well as exquisite dining. The menu usually comprises of an English breakfast in the morning, a packed lunch choice to take to the flats and a Creole buffet dinner served in the dining room. The Astove Island Lodge staff includes an Alphonse Fishing Company manageress and local IDC staff and is operated in such a way as to maximize fishing time.

All Astove trips are led by a team of world class professional fly fishing guides who have amassed a very considerable amount of hard–earned experience fishing the waters of the Indian Ocean. Each guide is a qualified skipper, has first aid experience and is extremely experienced with regards all facets of fly fishing in a remote saltwater destination such as that at Astove. Their passion and dedication is infectious and rest assured they will definitely go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime.

There are four 20ft mini-Mahé tender boats that have been specifically designed for fly fishing the outer atolls as well as the blue-water. In addition, there are two Mitzi skiffs situated inside the lagoon.

Astove is open to anglers from early November to late April with a break over the festive period. This avoids the unstable weather patterns that can be experienced outside of this period. You can have excellent fishing at any stage during the season. Weeks with full or new moons tend to be at a premium as the increase in tidal range and flow of water, in and out of the flats, benefits the GT’s that lie in ambush! When fishing for the flats species the opposite may apply. As conditions will change over the 6 days fishing you should always experience a taste of both and the variety experienced over any week is one of the major attractions when fishing in the Indian Ocean.