Fly Fishing Blog by Alphonse Fishing Co™

FARQUHAR ATOLL FLY FISHING REPORT | FESTIVE SEASON ROUND-UP 

11th December – 14th December 2024 

Week eight of the season ten guests from South America, South Africa, and Germany gathered at Farquhar flats to fish for the atoll’s diverse species.

Day one, the group focused on catching GTs, with nearly everyone landing one, including first-timers. Nico had a standout moment, after maybe ten casts across the potholes, the tan and grizzly hackle brush fly was eaten off the surface by a large black GT. The GT proceeded to stitch the fly line through several coral heads. Guide Chad, armed with his goggles launched into the water and unstitched the line and the fight continued. After several minutes of masterful fighting by Nico, the fish was brought to hand. A beautiful 108 cm slab of Farquhar GT

Day two saw slower fishing, but still some great moments. Nico completed a flats slam, landing two GTs, a bonefish, and a moustache triggerfish, while others caught a mix of GTs. On Day three, the action continued with more GTs for Nick, Nico, Rodrigo, and Volkmar. Christian dedicated sometime during the day to chasing permit on the white sand beaches on the inside of the lagoon. After just a short while and after several attempts at catching one, he finally tempted one into eating and managed to land a smaller, but still impressive, elusive golden fish.

The tides on day four were slightly better suited to targeting the bumphead parrotfish of the atoll. Most of the team dedicated the afternoon to bumpies and triggerfish and some guests capitalised on the conditions, with both Jorge and Christian landing their first bumpies. Christian also caught three GTs. Nick, with head guide Gerry, landed a large GT over a meter, plus a triggerfish. Day five brought tougher conditions, but the team still landed several GTs, Nico landed two and James smashed it, landing three for the day, making it nine GTs for the team for the day.

The final day was challenging due to an approaching cyclone, and while fish weren’t as aggressive, Rafael still landed a GT to close out the trip. The team left satisfied, already looking forward to their next visit.

14th December – 18th December

Week nine of the season was impacted by a category four cyclone, prompting most guests to leave the atoll until the system passed. Experience suggested that the fishing after a cyclone could be exceptional, so hopes remained high for the limited fishing time available.

Day one saw two guests, Volkmar and Jan, brave the conditions and fish a full day. They each landed three GTs, confirming the improved fishing after the cyclone. Later, the rest of the guests were able to join in on the action, with Lauren landing her first GT ever and her husband Mike landing one as well. Chris also managed to open his GT account with one for himself. After all the chaos had tapered down Ethan ended up with six GTs and his father landed a solid fish of 107 cm, which smashed the fly not far from the boat and proceeded to snap his rod. With the GT still attached to the end of the line, Chad managed to leader the fish in and net it despite the rod breaking

Day two brought renewed enthusiasm, with the GTs still feeding and a bit more diversity in the catch. Matt and Ethan had another great day, with Ethan landing three and Matt one. Mike and Lauren kept the numbers ticking over with another GT each. Jan and Volkmar each caught another GT, with Jan landing his first moustache triggerfish. Volkmar went on a solo walk after the days’ fishing and caught two moustache triggers of his own. The angler of the day was Kevin, who had yet to catch a GT. With perseverance, he made an incredible catch—a 102 cm GT on a deep sandy channel, marking his first GT. It’s not often that a person’s first GT  catch is 102 cm, well done Kevin!

Day three saw the fishing continue to improve, with twelve GTs landed. Lauren and Mike stood out, with Mike landing two and Lauren five. Jan was the standout angler of the day, landing a GT, a bumphead parrotfish, and a 60 cm bonefish to complete his Farquhar slam. Day four, the final day, was slightly slower, but still productive. Mike and Volkmar each landed a GT, while Matt and Ethan finished strong, with Matt landing one and Ethan landing three GTs, to close off a week of outstanding fishing.

Tight lines, Blue Safari Fly Fishing

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