There’s more than just the remote location of these atolls
and islands, which makes them so spectacular. Add in
the terrain, the techniques, the season and the species
diversity and you have an incredible mix, custom-made
for fly fishing. On the terrain front, fly fishing in the
Alphonse Atoll sets itself apart due to the largely land-
based approach it offers. While blue-water, boat-based
fishing is available to anglers, the main draw these atolls
holds is for the angler to be able to target challenging
species on foot. Whereas saltwater fly fishing destinations
in many parts of the world are boat-based, the Alphonse
Atoll stands apart because of the opportunities it gives
anglers: to wading in shallow, warm water on hard white
sand and turtle grass or on coral flats for to discover a
plethora of exciting new species. It’s not all catching but
getting the opportunity to cast at behemoth giant trevally
or shoals of bonefish in the same knee-deep water you
are standing in, is not something many fly anglers who
are accustomed to boat-based fishing, will ever forget. It’s
not that Seychelles guides’ and anglers are against boats
in any way, but there is something more tactile, connected
and satisfying about standing in crystal clear water, while
site casting at fish.
Many of the species caught, like the vegetarian
milkfish or the picky Indo-Pacific permit, used to be
thought of as unattainable, but, through the perseverance
and pioneering techniques of the Alphonse-based guides,
they are now a viable target species on a fly. Off the
back of the work done by these innovative guides, and
the diverse species they were able to target with their
clients, the possibilities around what is or isn’t possible
with saltwater fly fishing have been rewritten. Alphonse
Island is credited with deciphering how to catch the first
milkfish, pink parrotfish, yellow margin and moustache
triggerfish on a fly as well as refining techniques for
catching numerous other species like giant trevally and
Indo-Pacific permit. To date, this fishery still accounts
for more than 90% of the world’s milkfish caught and
released on an annual basis.
The cherry on top is that the luxury resort of
Alphonse Island was refurbished in 2017 and is known
as one of the most comfortable fly fishing destinations
globally. The addition of the Blue Safari activities that
can be enjoyed by non-fishing partners, has generated
a considerable amount of hype, making it a must for
couples that don’t only enjoy fishing.
The most important part of Alphonse is its
conservation efforts that continue to preserve this
amazing island threesome. The fishery is strictly
catch and release, with a code of conduct that ensures
sustainability. The assistance of the Island Conservation
Society, Islands Development Company and Alphonse
Foundation in managing the area ensures that minimal
pressure is placed on this recourse but at the same still
earning revenue to protect this Indian ocean jewel. Every
catch brings a thrill, a lifelong memory and a story told
time and again. Every release contributes to the health of
the fishery and ensures that Alphonse remains as one of
the ultimate bucket list destinations.Alphonse
Fishing on
Island
The fishery is strictly catch
and release, with a code
of conduct that ensures
sustainability.ABSOLUTE