ALPHONSE FISHING REPORT
The week started off in true St Francois fashion with an epic bonefish session. Thousands of bonefish moved off the flats as the tide dropped, and our guides positioned guests strategically to maximise their casting opportunities. Spirits were high after day one, as everyone had a blast catching these "silver bullets." For those new to bonefish, their speed and strength never fail to amaze.
As the week progressed, the focus shifted to other flats species. Angler Andrew A had an exceptional day on one of our finger flats during low tide. He and his guide scouted the flat’s cuts and potholes for triggerfish, with action starting immediately. Known for their fussy nature, triggers require precise, gentle casting to avoid spooking them. Andrew landed both a yellow-margin and a moustache trigger early on, already an impressive feat. However, the highlight came when his guide spotted a large yellow-margin trigger cruising over a sandy section. After a well-placed cast, the fish engulfed Andrew's fly and ran deep into his backing. This beauty, measuring 46 cm, was the biggest of the week. To top it off, Andrew later caught his first-ever Indo-Pacific permit and a bonefish, securing a coveted Flats Slam. Congratulations, Andrew!
Andrew’s momentum continued throughout the week. On Wednesday, he landed two more permit, proving his first wasn’t just luck. His grand finale came on the last day when his guide noticed nervous mullet and baitfish circling a sandy high spot. Among them were some giant trevally. Andrew made a cast, and after a tense follow, the GT finally took the fly just a few meters from the boat. The fish exploded and ripped line into the distance, but Andrew applied the pressure and landed a beast measuring 97 cm. After that, he set his sights on more triggers during a surf walk, landing two yellow-margins and another moustache trigger. By the end of the day, he completed his second Flats Slam of the week. Well done, Andrew!
Angler Gerard De V also had a thrilling week. While walking the South-Eastern edge of the top lagoon, his guide spotted a GT patrolling the drop-off. Gerard's cast was perfectly placed, and after a fierce battle, he landed his first GT of the week. Later, on a surf walk, he hooked a moustache trigger and capped off the day with a bonefish, completing his own Flats Slam. Congratulations, Gerard!
Andre N came to Alphonse with one goal in mind: catching bonefish. He succeeded, but the atoll had a special surprise for him. A few days into his trip, his guide spotted a stingray with permit feeding nearby. Andre managed to land not one, but two Indo-Pacific permits. Congratulations, Andre—that’s truly special! A shoutout also goes to young angler Hugo, who caught the biggest bonefish of the week, measuring an impressive 64 cm. Well done, Hugo!
Big congratulations to George W, who caught his first-ever Indo-Pacific permit as well as a GT, and to Frikkie H, who landed the largest moustache trigger of the week at 48 cm—a real beauty!
On a different but exciting note, the elusive batfish has become a targetable species. For years, they were nearly impossible to catch, until one of our veteran guides, Matt D, made a discovery. He saw a batfish surface to eat a bluebottle jellyfish and was inspired to tie a primitive fly resembling the creature. His fly worked, and soon, guests were trying the "bluebottle fly" with great success. Carl and Gerard both landed batfish, joining a select group of anglers who’ve caught one on fly. This species is now firmly on the target list going forward.
