The Seychelles is one of the most exotic saltwater fishing destinations in the world! Fishing there has, over the past few years, become synonymous with the term “fly fishing paradise” and has provided all those fortunate enough to visit her shores the opportunity to fish some of the finest and most productive flats the Indian Ocean has to offer.
When considering Farquhar, one wants to keep an open mind, as it may be the most diverse fishery on the planet. The flats at Farquhar consist of hard white sand, turtle grass, and broken coral, making for comfortable wading. Anglers can wade and sight fish to an impressive variety of species which include bonefish, various trevally species including the ferocious, trophy-sized giant trevally, the finicky Indo-Pacific permit, triggerfish, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, and milkfish. The Seychelles is known for the sheer diversity of species it offers the angling pioneer, so if stalking bonefish in skinny water, throwing crab flies at the colorful and charismatic tailing triggerfish, or holding your nerve as a large GT charges in at your fly interests you… well then Farquhar is certainly the venue for you.
Deeper off-shore water, too, begins very close to shore, and spending time tussling with some of the monsters which prowl the deep blue is certainly an exciting and rewarding bonus. The most common species encountered are giant trevally, barracuda, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, grouper, bohar snapper, and sailfish… all of which are guaranteed to show your backing the light of day!
Farquhar is the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles chain of islands, lying just over 700 kilometers to the southwest of the main island, Mahe. This remote atoll has a total area, including the large lagoon, of 170.5 square kilometers, and measures 18km north to south and 9 km east to west. The atoll features a serviced concrete landing strip situated on the most northerly island. Farquhar has a small population of local Seychellois, whose main roles include running a small commercial line-fish operation as well as acting as a skeleton crew which manage the island and service the airstrip.
The next six days will be spent fishing and exploring the islands, flats, and channels of Farquhar Atoll. Guests are transported in 17.3-ft Angler skiffs, each with a single 90-HP 2-stroke Yamaha engine. These boats have been specifically designed and fitted to fish both the flats and offshore waters of the Seychelles in comfort and safety; they have a draft of approximately 9 inches, allowing anglers to access some extremely shallow areas of the atoll, though the main attraction still lies in wading the flats. These boats are also sure to make the excellent offshore fishing far more enjoyable and rewarding, as all of them are equipped with a fish finder. Other added features include fly rod storage fittings, bimini tops and cushioned seats.
Each boat is skippered by one of the world-class guides, all of whom are qualified skippers and speak English. Whether it’s on the flats or offshore, these professionals will help you identify your desired target species, the areas which they frequent, and explain the correct techniques with which to catch them. They will without question go the extra mile for your fish of a lifetime.
Fly fishing in the Seychelles is more than just another trip; it is a one-of-a-kind adventure to one of the most remote corners of the saltwater fly fishing frontier. Nowhere else in the world offers the diversity of species that can be found and targeted on the fly.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our travel guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
