Alphonse Fishing Astove Atoll, Seychelles

Located in the world-renowned Amirantes Islands group, this is the premiere blue water fishing destination in Seychelles

FishingEarth 60 Second Astove Atoll Quick Facts

The Location

Astove is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a world filled with colour, where the daily dramas of a pristine ecosystem play out in front of your very eyes. Astove offers a rare privilege opportunity to gaze into a world which has changed very little in the years that have passed. The Astove Wall is described as gazing down into the Grand Canyon. It consists of the large flats and reef dropping a vertical 90 degrees, from ankle deep water to water over a kilometre deep. This unique feature makes it a perfect dive site. The atoll also has a rich and desolate history and is the cause of countless shipwrecks dating back to 1500 AD. It is also famous for the acclaimed underwater documentary “The Silent World”, filmed by Jacques Cousteau.

The Target Species 

GT (Giant Trevally), Giant Trevally has also been referred to as being the gangsters of the flats, they have a reputation for being thugs, bullish and unforgiving. They prey on almost anything that moves. From crabs, lobsters, squid, and eels to Mantis Shrimps. However, their favourite prey will be the wide variety of smaller fish that populate the shallow flats.

Bluefin Trevally,“ Considered by many anglers as the most beautiful fish in the trevally family for its unique mix of colours and a variety of shades from blue to yellow, the Bluefin Trevally is a ferocious contender for the fly angler to enjoy the power of its fighting.”

Bonefish, The reason why Bonefish are so commonly targeted in the world of fly fishing is that they are almost always in the mood to feed and ready to take a fly. If you present the fly well enough, the chances of a Bonefish eating it are good; however, knowing what stage of the tidal cycle you are on when you are targeting Bones will help to determine where you would fish for them.

Permit, Golden-yellow fins with big, black eyes are the most striking features of an Indo-Pacific Permit. Apart from that, they are well camouflaged on the backdrop of white sand, turtle grass or coral flats. Their body is a silver, almost mirror-like colour that reflects their habitat, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye.

Trigger Fish, The Vincent van Gogh of saltwater fly sports fishing (many look as though an artist has painted them). These are a beautiful looking fish that make you earn your reward. Fast powerful and dirty fighters. 

Barracuda,  We love fly fishing for Barracuda because you need more than the best barracuda flies, rods, and tackle – you need your wits about you!

Milkfish, Milkfish are usually relatively easy to spot. When fishing on the flats in knee to waist-deep water, they can usually be found in small pods cruising over algae patches. Here they can be found with their tails protruding out of the water as they feed on the bottom.

Wahoo, Any fish that travels as part of a Wolf Pack is going to be fun on fly…  The wahoo’s speed is incredible – they get up to 76 km/h Wahoo fishing is an incredible experience!

Snapper, These fish may not be as famous as many other Indian Ocean sports fishing superstars but once you hook one you will be hooked yourself. Hard and strong! 

Dogtooth Tuna, For those of you that have never seen 400 yards of backing strip off your fly line in 30 seconds, this is the fish for you!

Indo-Pacific Sailfish, You tease the fish in and make a cast… the Sailfish takes your fly and then two seconds later it jumps 100m to your right… DAMMM you think I missed it! But then your guide reminds you of the sound of your line screaming off your reel. 

Yellowfin Tuna, Spotting a Yellowfin can be sometimes difficult as they don’t like to play with their food. There will most probably be a boil on the teaser or a splash and your guide will usher you to drop your fly in an elevated tone.

The Fishing

Astove Atoll is the place for catching the largest flats-caught Giant Trevallies in the Indian Ocean as well as many other species. Its shallow lagoon, surrounded by sheer drop-offs, makes the experience unique. This lagoon is a sanctuary for both juvenile and trophy size fish that feed on the shallow white sand flats. Aside from big GT’s, Astove offers innumerable opportunities for bonefish, permit, bluefin trevally, triggerfish, barracuda and milkfish. The offshore fishing starts metres from the edge of the flat where anglers can test their skills against yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, wahoo and sailfish.

Boats & Crew

Choosing the right fishing operator can make or break your angling fishing experience. You need a team that is highly experienced, highly skilled and highly informed about local conditions. Alphonse Fishing Company, with more years of experience on the outer islands than any other organisation, fills all three of these needs. You can rest assured that you’re at the best fishing spots, during the best times of the year, and under the watchful eyes of the world’s finest fly fishing guides and captains. They also have 38 purpose-built boats of various sizes that play a vital part in accessing the fishing areas.

Accommodation

Uninhabited since 1969, Astove makes for a wild experience. To ensure that the atoll stays pristine, Astove Island Lodge only caters to 6 guests per week. The newly renovated lodge is very comfortable, accommodating its guests in single air-conditioned and en-suite rooms that surround the central courtyard. The lodge has a comfortable lounge as well as an indoor and outdoor dining area for guests’ relaxation in the evenings. You’ll enjoy attentive service as well as exquisite dining. The menu usually comprises of an English breakfast in the morning, a packed lunch choice to take to the flats and a Creole buffet dinner served either on the beach or in the outside dining area.

How to get there?

The team at FishingEarth will work with you to put together the most cost-effective and time-efficient travel plans for you. We will work with you to make sure that your budget and time limitations are taken into account and the best route there and of course the best route home. AtThis FishingEarth we get excited for you when you are going on a FishingEarth Fishing Adventure. But the thing that makes us smile is when you walk in your front door ‘home’ safe and sound. Destinations like the Seychelles are one of those places where part of the adventure is getting there. 

Ready to rumble

Fish to the left of me fish to the right of me… here I am!

A friendly bunch

FishingEarth 60 Second Astove Atoll Quick Facts

Everything you need to know.

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Target Species

Giant Trevally (GT), Bluefin Trevally,  Permit, Bonefish, Snapper, Barracuda, Dogfish Tuna, Sailfish, Trigger Fish, Milkfish & Wahoo

Charter Operation Dates

The season at Astove are split with a break over the festive season. The first part of the season traditionally runs from early November until late December and the second part of the runs from late February to late April.

Packages

Like the fishing, there are more packages than you can poke a fly rod at. FishingEarth works with you to find the perfect package for your budget and indeed your time limitations.

How to get there

The team at FishingEarth will work with you to put together the most cost-effective and time-efficient travel plans for you. We will work with you to make sure that your budget and time limitations are taken into account and the best route there and of course the best route home. AtThis FishingEarth we get excited for you when you are going on a FishingEarth Fishing Adventure. But the thing that makes us smile is when you walk in your front door ‘home’ safe and sound. Destinations like the Seychelles are one of those places where part of the adventure is getting there. 

F.A.Q.S

Q. Do I need my own fly fishing gear?

A. Astove and Cosmoledo has tackle for sale on location. There will be fly lines, flies, and various other items on sale should you run out. Any other tackle that is needed can be ordered and delivered to the location. Each of our destinations offers a 9, 10 and 12 weight rod and reel service if you do not have your own gear or indeed you need to keep your weight down (luggage).

Q. Talking about weight restrictions what restrictions are there for luggage on internal flights?

A. Check-in luggage is strictly limited to 15 kg or 33 pounds per person, and 5 kg or 11 pounds carry-on luggage. Please adhere to the specified limits. It is not possible to load extra luggage beyond your limit. You can express courier gear that will be waiting for you for your arrival at your final fishing destination. Your equipment will then be express couriered back once you depart. This is an additional expense to yourself.

Q. What type of fishing is the area famous for?

A. Can you imagine having the option at casting to a 50lb GT in knee deep water? Just after you have recovered from the thrill of releasing that monster GT 30lb plus Milkfish move in… That is what the area is famous for.

Q. What is the weather like?

A. The Seychelles is typically hot and somewhat humid with the midday temperature hovering at 35°C. Evenings are also invariably warm with the exception of the first and last few weeks of the season, when there may be a strong, cooling breeze.

Q. What else is there to do?

A. At the end of each day, you will cherish your hot shower and look forward to some pre-dinner nibbles. Followed by a delicious main meal accompanied by some nice cool drinks. All this while discussing with your guide as to a new game plan when that 70lb plus GT gives you another chance. What else would you want to do?

Q. What does FishingEarth recommend?

A. Although not ridiculously hot 35°C is going to knock you around if you don’t keep your fluids up (water not beer). At least during the day and then at night, a cold beer or two is certainly on the cards.

Q. Passport Information

A. To travel to Seychelles you’ll need a valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and 2 full free passport pages

Q. Can we drink the tap water?

A. Drinking water will be provided… here w be no shortage of good drinking water.

Number 1 FishingEarth tip for this location

This is not the location to 1st pick up a fly rod! By that I mean a decent cast is going to get you exponentially more fish than a terrible never done this before cast. In saying that if your budget allows then this could probably be the best place in the world to learn.