Fishing Program

The main fishing season at Alphonse runs from the second week in October to the first weeks in May. Rain can occur in almost any month. The Seychelles are typically warm, at about 85 degrees but a slight breeze keeps it comfortable. Evenings are also warm except the first few weeks of the season, when there may be a cooling breeze.

The sun rises quickly at 6.15am and sets with equal swiftness at about 6.30pm. It is dark by 7 o'clock! This varies by only minutes throughout the year. This gives nearly full 12 hours of daylight 365 days a year. You are very close to the equator.

Bonefishing is best done when the tide is on the move and is least productive on the low tide. A typical session will involve wading from the skiff for a few hours either fishing to cruising or tailing fish. This will last for as long as the fish remain on the flats.

On the dropping tide, huge shoals of Bonefish can be targeted leaving the flats in what has been described as a continuous river of bones. The bonefishing at St. Francois is as diverse as the fishery itself and will cater to all levels of anglers. Whether you’re after tailing singles or mudding shoals, the guides have the ability to make it happen. St. Francois is rumored to have the densest population of Bonefish recorded worldwide.

St. Francois has seven species of Trevally present throughout the atoll. The three most common are the Brassy, Bluefin and Giant Trevally. The Brassy grows to around 12lbs but gives an excellent account for itself on a ten weight rod. It is slightly longer than the usual Trevally shape which gives it tremendous stamina.

The Bluefin Trevally attains 18lbs. and when caught in the surf can be a real handful. The Giant Trevally or GT is the real king, reaching weights of 150 lbs. The biggest GT landed on St. Francois last season and was estimated at 115lbs. 20-40 lb. fish are common and can be found cruising the flats in search of Mullet and Bonefish or on the edge of the reef. Their ability to close on a fly at warp speed is legendary, and the strike of even a modest-sized fish is mind-blowing.

At certain times of the year, Milkfish feed on plankton near the surface and are enticed to eat flies. They are incredibly strong fighters and the use of a skiff is necessary to land them. Once again, it is imperative to listen to your guide while fishing for these phenomenally strong fighting fish as they have the experience of landing and fighting these fish.

The term “species bashing” refers to a form of fishing that takes place using small Clousers around coral heads and drop-offs with sinking or intermediate lines. This can produce numerous species of fish from Wrasse, Snapper and Grouper to Garfish, Goatfish and numerous other species. It is a great way to pass time during slack tides and can be tremendous fun.

Fishing days are approximately 8 hours, starting on your arrival at the flats. Breakfast is available from 6:00. All anglers meet at the fishing office at 7:00 each morning, by which time the guides and staff will have organized your equipment to be transferred to the mother ship, Tam Tam.

Your rods will stay on Tam Tam for the remainder of your week. Fresh water will be provided to rinse your tackle at the end of each fishing day. Once all anglers are assembled you will be ferried to Tam Tam to commence the 40 minute trip to St. Francois.

On entering the St. Francois lagoon, you will be transferred to your relevant skiff depending on your guide for the day. Guiding takes place on a rotational basis allowing anglers to experience all facets of the fishery. Anglers will fish in pairs sharing a skiff and guide each day. Virtually all fishing is done by wading, with both anglers fishing simultaneously.

However, casting from the boats for Trevally is productive in certain situations and skiffs often need to be used for following hooked milkfish or big trevally. Once again the guides have strict safety protocols and boat rules should be adhered to at all times.

Lunch is taken either on the mother ship or on the individual skiffs, depending on client preference. All the small boats are equipped with flares, flotation devices, rod holders, storage compartments, and coolers. Sodas and desalinated drinking water are provided.

Accommodations

Alphonse offers high quality European and Creole food served by gracious staff in beautiful surroundings where guests can retire to their en-suite, air conditioned, thatched chalets for a rest or sip a cocktail if the mood suits. The dining facility offers a variety of traditional, fresh cuisine, with a heavy focus on seafood. The atmosphere on the island is relaxed and informal.

Guests on Alphonse generally stay in the ensuite A-frame chalets or the larger villas if that option has been reserved in advance. Both are near the fishing center and the beach bar and restaurant.

Bicycles are provided for all guests and tracks around the island make for an interesting ride during time away from fishing or other activities. A driver and golf cart are always available if desired. There is a floodlit tennis court. Guests can play at any time with rackets and balls available at reception.

Standards of accommodation are good, comfortable and air-conditioned. Service is attentive and sincere led by island managers.

The bar is fun and perfectly positioned between the freshwater pool and beach.