Fly Fishing Blog by Alphonse Fishing Co™

ALPHONSE ISLAND FLY FISHING REPORT | 25 JAN – 01 FEB

This past week on Alphonse Island was packed with thrilling catches and exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers experienced great conditions, and the atoll lived up to its reputation as one of the premier fly fishing destinations. From massive giant trevally to elusive milkfish, the diversity of species kept everyone on their toes.

The flats were bustling with bonefish activity throughout the week. 210 bonefish were landed in total, providing anglers with consistent action from start to finish. Bonefish are known for their speed and agility, making them a fun challenge on the fly rod. The largest bonefish of the week measured 71 cm, a solid size that gave anglers a run for their money. These fish were scattered throughout the atoll, from shallow sandy flats to deeper channels, offering a variety of fishing situations and a great opportunity for both novice and experienced anglers alike to hone their skills.

Kathy Bieler kicked the week off in style and achieved a super slam on her first day of the week. Kathy had her eye in after fishing the previous week. She began her day with a milk, followed by a GT and a bone. The top of highway was producing and her guide spotted a beautiful yellow margin tailing in the distance. They approached the fish and Kathy made an immaculate cast and the fish turned and was not going to leave her fly alone. ON!! Her guide shouted and he was off to chase the fish. An incredible 52 cm margin was landed rounding off her super slam. Well done Kathy.

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the giant trevally action, with a total of 17 GTs landed. The GTs were notably active, and anglers had some incredible experiences chasing them down. The biggest GT of the week was a massive 110 cm, landed by John Geer off the edge of West Knoll. This fish was one of the most memorable of the week, particularly due to the dramatic chase as a group of big fish followed the fly. In fact, there were six more big GTs caught during the week, with some anglers witnessing intense predatory behavior as these powerful fish stalked and chased down their prey. The standout moment came when the largest fish in a group aggressively took the fly, resulting in an explosive battle. Another exceptional catch was made by Steven Reid, who landed an 80 cm GT on a nine-wt rod and 20 lb leader. GTs are notorious for their raw power, so catching such a large one on lighter tackle was a remarkable feat. The fight was a true test of skill and strength, as the GT made several powerful runs, but Steven’s persistence and ability to manage the fight paid off.

A major highlight of the week was the incredible 98 cm milkfish landed by Morgan O’Brien. Milkfish are prized for their acrobatic displays and ability to put up a fierce fight, and Morgan’s catch was one of the standout moments of the week. Known for their erratic, high-speed runs, milkfish require both patience and skill to land, making them a coveted target for anglers seeking an extra challenge. This 98 cm specimen was a true trophy, and the action surrounding milkfish was non-stop, with several other close encounters throughout the week. As always, permit were one of the more elusive species of the week, but they certainly didn’t disappoint. Alan Olivier had an exceptional day, landing two permit in one day at the back of the Moon. The biggest of the two measured 58 cm, and it was a testament to Alan’s patience and skill. Permit are known for their tricky behaviour and selective feeding habits, so catching one is always a rewarding experience. Alan’s success was especially notable as landing multiple permit in a single day is no easy feat, and his perseverance paid off.

All in all, this week on Alphonse Island proved why it is considered a top destination for fly fishing. With a mix of familiar favourites and challenging species, there was something for everyone, whether targeting the ever-elusive permit or the hard-fighting GTs. The atoll delivered yet another unforgettable week of world-class fishing, and we can’t wait to see what the next one brings.

Tight lines, Blue Safari Fly Fishing

EXPLORE OUR FLY FISHING SPECIES

Fly fishing tips, facts, flies, tides, rods & more

• Bonefish
• Indo-Pacific permit
• Triggerfish
• Yellowfin tuna
• Milkfish
• Bluefin trevally
• Barracuda
• Giant trevally
• Wahoo

EXPLORE OUR SALTWATER FLY FISHING DESTINATIONS

• Alphonse Atoll
• Astove Atoll
• Cosmoledo Atoll
• Farquhar Atoll
• Providence Atoll
• Amirante Islands