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 an underwater Grand Canyon. It consists of the large flats and reef dropping a vertical 90 degrees, from ankle-deep water to water well 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”,  partly filmed on the Astove Wall by Jacques Cousteau.

Astove is situated 1055 km southwest of Mahe and forms part of the remote Aldabra Group of Atolls. It’s a small and unique atoll that spans six kilometers from north to south and just under four kilometers from east to west at the widest points. The shallow lagoon has one small entrance, and due to its elevation a phenomenon occurs whereby the tide falls like a river for ten hours of the 12-hour tidal cycle and then turns to flood the entire lagoon in only two hours.

FLY FISHING AT ASTOVE ATOLL

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-sized 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 just metres from the edge of the flats and allows anglers to test their skills against Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo and Sailfish.

WEATHER

Seychelles are usually hot and somewhat humid with daily temperatures hovering at ± 35 ° C.

The evenings are also always warm.

FISHING SEASON AT ASTOVE ATOLL

The main fishing season lasts from the November to April.

TACKLE & GEAR

Astove will have a range of flylines, flies and various other items for sales should you run out. Any tackle that is needed can be pre-ordered and will be delivered to Astove for your arrival.

ROD & REEL LO AN

Fly fishing outfits consisting of Thomas and Thomas fly rods and Shilton reels, loaded with 300 yards of Cortland braided backing can be loaned at no charge. Fly lines will need to be purchased from the shop and it is recommended that you pre-order a fly pack for your expedition, which would include all the flies you would need for the various different species on offer. There is a full range of flies that are custom tied for Alphonse destinations on the right hooks and with the correct material. It’s important that angler’s pre book the rod hire as well as tackle to insure that we have sufficient stock. All tackle sales may be settled at

the end of your trip upon check out from Astove. All rod breakages are for your account and will be billed at US$150 per rod.

If you would like to bring your own tackle and fishing equipment, we will be happy to help you choose the right tackle, and recommend the best lures for your hunt.

As well as choosing the right clothes. (can be bought on the island)

DAY 1

Your charter flight departs IDC Hangar, diverts to Alphonse and lands on Astove three hours later. On arrival your group will be transferred to the lodge where orientation and tackle set up begins. After lunch you can start your fishing with an unguided session on foot before sunset.

DAY 2–7

Breakfast is at 07h30, fishing begins at 08h30 and lunch is taken in the form of a packed lunch which is enjoyed while out on the flats. You will arrive back at the lodge by 17h30 but are free to continue fishing unguided until sunset.

DAY 8

Breakfast is at 07h30, you can then pack, settle your tab and gratuities, and prepare for the three hour flight back to Mahe. The flight will land back at the IDC Hangar.