Fly Fishing Blog by Alphonse Fishing Co™

FARQUHAR ATOLL FLY FISHING REPORT |  22 OCTOBER – 06 NOVEMBER

The Farquhar season pushed on through two weeks of testing weather, and true to form, the atoll still delivered action-packed fishing that showcased just how resilient, wild, and rewarding this place can be. Despite storms, travel delays, and condensed fishing windows, anglers experienced everything from metre-class GTs and powerful bumphead parrotfish to trophy triggers and even a memorable permit. Farquhar proved once again that when conditions shift, the flats always have something to offer.

Bill and Bryan both landed their first-ever GTs—Bill’s coming on foot as a large nurse shark cruised the flat with several GTs shadowing behind, creating perfect competition for the fly. Hendrik followed with a beautifully conditioned 92 cm silver GT drifting through a channel. Greg, Andrew, Lance, and Ralph also added to the GT tally. One of the period’s standout moments belonged to Brett: while drifting over a white-sand depression, three large GTs materialized. His cast lit them up immediately, and although all three charged, the biggest surged ahead, crushed the fly, and tore across the turtle grass. Against all odds, it avoided nearly every coral head, allowing Brett to land an impressive 103 cm fish.

Johan, Greg, Dominic and Ralph converted hard-earned victories on the turtle grass: landing their first bumpies, fighting these fish is ever entertaining with coral heads always looming to ruin your day. Bryan eventually also got in on the bumpy action and landed the biggest bumpy of the period, an estimated 110 cm powerhouse. Hendrik landed a moustache trigger in the surf after a perfectly placed cast. Andrew produced one of the most memorable trigger moments: he hooked a tailing yellow margin on a bumpy flexo, and the fish inhaled the fly instantly. After a blistering fight that bent the hook, a 52 cm yellow margin came to hand. On the final day, Greg waded the surf in search of triggers, and after countless refusals finally cracked the code and landed his first moustache triggerfish, ending his week on a high.

Not to be outdone, Paul T delivered a once-in-a-lifetime catch. While bone fishing with guide Reece, a large permit hovered at distance. After several sightings and a quick fly change, Paul presented a perfect shot and in rare behaviour, the permit rose instantly and ate the fly before it even sank. A long, tense fight on white sand ended with a 68 cm trophy permit, a spectacular fish, well done Paul T.

Johan claimed angler of the period with an impressive flats slam to close his week: a GT, a bumpy, and a bonefish. Exceptional work, Johan. Despite the challenging conditions, the anglers showed remarkable perseverance, and Farquhar rewarded them with unforgettable catches. New memories were made, friendships formed, and the team looks forward to welcoming everyone back to this remarkable atoll soon.

Tight lines, Blue Safari Fly Fishing

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