Fly Fishing Blog by Alphonse Fishing Co™

 ALPHONSE ISLAND FLY FISHING REPORT | 20 JUL – 27 JUL 2024

We had five guests join us for the third week of July and they were treated to some excellent weather given the time of year and some of the best fishing St Francois can offer.

Angler Daniel Factor is not scared of blind casting in the deep water in search of the biggest GTs that call the depths home. On his first day, he came away with three GTs, including a massive fish measuring 118 cm. Dan’s energy and enthusiasm for blind casting was only spurred on further by his early successes.

A few days later, Dan was back in the Badlands casting a fly as long and thick as a sausage dog for more big GTs. His guide spotted a big geet on the surface, and Dan made an excellent cast, inducing a massive bite. Armed with the heaviest 12-weight set money can buy, Dan put maximum pressure on the fish and landed it quickly. Another giant is measuring 114 cm. Dan was far from done. However, the massive fly was vigorously cast around coral bommies during more drifts. Several casts later, Dan’s fly was being stripped back to the boat when another giant fish came up and engulfed it. Another tug of war took place between man and beast, with Dan handing out some serious punishment. This time, the beast was even bigger, measuring in at an incredible 124 cm!

Dan later caught another 100 cm GT on his last day of the week, finishing with a total of nine GTs for the week and four fish measuring over a meter. That’s some seriously impressive fishing, Dan; a huge congratulations to you!

Angler Ashley Royal had yet to test himself against the holy grail of the Seychelles, the Indo-Pacific permit. He came with the sole intention of targeting these beautiful but frustrating creatures. Ashley worked hard and made great shots at the fish throughout the week but was unable to land one. Friday rolled around, and it was ride or die for him. Finally, the right fish was fooled by Ashely’s fly. A nervy fight was followed by further elation when the permit finally entered the net. A beaut measuring 55 cm. Congratulations on your huge win, Ashley!

After securing the permit, Ashley finally decided that it was now acceptable to make a cast at a GT. The fishing gods shortly rewarded him with a lovely GT and then a bonefish to cap off his week here on Alphonse. Well done!

Angler Pieter “Faffe” de Preez also came to the island with permit on the brain. Fortunately for him, the atoll looked favourably upon his quest. On his very first day, Faffe was in prime permit groups when his guide spotted a large golden nugget cruising the flat. Faffe made a perfect cast just past the fish’s nose, and it could not resist the temptation. Faffe carefully fought the fish and brought it to net – an incredible 61 cm gold slab. Congratulations on your epic permit, Faffe!

As much as Dan loved blind casting for big geets, he too, couldn’t turn down a couple of hours fishing for a permit. He came across a number of large fish feeding around One Palm Island and began slowly sliding his carefully tied Flexo crabs at the fish. He, too, struck gold and landed the biggest permit of the week – a massive 63 cm unit. Congratulations Dan!

We look forward to more exciting Explorer Season fishing in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for our next report!

Tight lines, Blue Safari Fly Fishing

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