A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 1 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30
Astove Atoll Lodge – The Wildest Fly Fishing Destination On This Plant!
Astove Atoll Lodge – In recent years, Astove Atoll has become synonymous with catching the biggest GT’s in the Indian Ocean and is fast becoming known for one of the largest GT populations and variety of species. Its shallow lagoon with one small entrance that is surrounded by sheer drop-offs is truly unique. This lagoon is a sanctuary for juvenile fish that are often preyed on by the bigger species and it’s this attraction that makes it one of the best and wildest fly fishing destinations on this planet. Not only does Astove have big GT’s but also Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda, Milkfish, Bluefin Trevally, Triggerfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish and Marlin. It is a world filled with colour, where the daily dramas of a pristine ecosystem play out in front of your very eyes, a rare exclusive opportunity and privilege to gaze into a world, which has changed very little in the years that have passed. The “Wall” which runs the entire length of the Western side of the atoll drops off to over a 1000 meters within a few hundred meters from shore. It’s an amazing place that is teeming with both pelagic and resident fish species. Jacques Cousteau made this incredible place famous in 1956 when he filmed part of “The Silent World” along its edge.
Location - Astove Atoll is situated 570 nautical miles SW of Mahe and 19 nautical miles away from Cosmoledo Atoll.
Getting There - Guests are preferred to fly into Mahe Island, Seychelles, the night before incase of international delays. A standard package includes the 3 hour return charter flights between Mahe and Astove. The flight is operated by the Island Development Company (IDC) whom is a government organization that manages the outer islands of the Seychelles. The IDC run a tight schedule due to flight allocations and therefore it is paramount that this weekly flight is not missed as there will be no further flights that week unless by private charter. A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 2 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30
Flight Times - NB: Please check flight times as they vary. The flights leave Mahe from the IDC hanger and arrive on Astove 3 hours later. It then departs Astove 45 minutes after arriving and will land back at the Mahe domestic terminal 3 hours after departing Astove. Diversions to Alphonse or Desroches are charged at $1 500 per flight.
The Coral Lodge – Guests are accommodated in 6 single en-suite air-conditioned rooms that surround the central courtyard area. The lodge has a lounge and an indoor and outdoor dining area. The bathrooms have a shower, toilet, basin and the same amenities, towels and facecloths you would find at Alphonse. The lodge is managed by an Alphonse Fishing Co manageress and staffed by local IDC staff and is operated in a way to maximize fishing time. The menu will comprise of an English breakfast, a packed lunch choice and a Creole style buffet dinner served either on the beach or in the outside dining area.
Standard Itinerary - Day 1: Charter flight departs Mahe domestic terminal, diverts to Alphonse and lands on Astove 3 hours later. The group is then transferred to the lodge where orientation and tackle set up begins. Guests have lunch and can then go out for an un-guided fishing session on foot before sunset. Day 2 - 7: Breakfast at 07h30, fishing begins at 08h30 and lunch is taken in the form of packed lunch choice which is enjoyed while out on the flats. The teams are to be back at the lodge by 17h30 but are free to continue fishing unguided until sunset. Day 8: Breakfast at 07h30, guests then pack, settle bills and gratuities and prepare for the 3-hour flight to Mahe.
Skiffs and Guiding - The lodge will have 4 x 20ft Mini-Mahe tender boats that’s have been specifically designed for fly fishing Astove and will be skippered by our experienced Alphonse Fishing Co guides. The fishing teams comprise of 2 guests fishing with a different guide each day. Each guide is a qualified skipper, has first aid experience, speaks English and is extremely experienced.
Tackle & Gear - Astove has tackle for sale on location and offers most of the items listed below that can be pre ordered and delivered to location. There will be fly lines, flies, and various other items on sale should you run out. Any tackle that is needed can be ordered and delivered to location. Please note that all tackle needs to be paid in cash.
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Rod & Reel Rentals - There is a 9, 10 and 12 weight fly rod rentals service at USD 40 per outfit per day or USD 150 per outfit per week. All the outfits consist of a top quality fly rod and Shilton SL series reel, loaded with 300 yards of braided backing. Fly lines are to be supplied by the angler or can be purchased on location. All rod breakages are for the clients account and will be billed at USD 150. It’s important that anglers pre book the rod rentals as well as tackle to insure that we have sufficient stock.
Recommended Bonefish & Permit Outfit
• 2 x 9-foot 8 or 9-weight fly rod (1 x Spare) • 1 x High quality large arbor saltwater series reel, with a strong smooth drag to match the 9- weight fly rod. Load the reel with two to three hundred yards of 50lbs braid • 1 x High quality weight forward 8 or 9-weight tropical floating line, suitable for warm water conditions
Recommended Triggerfish & Milkfish Outfit
• 1 x 9-foot 10-weight fly rod • 1 x High quality large arbor saltwater series reel, with a strong smooth drag to match the 9- weight fly rod. Load the reel with three hundred yards of 50lbs braid • 1 x High quality weight forward 10-weight tropical floating line, suitable for warm water conditions
Recommended Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Barracuda & Bluewater
• 2 x 9-foot 12-weight fly rod (1 x Spare) • 1 x High quality large arbor saltwater series reel, with a strong smooth drag to match the 12- weight fly rod. The reel should be loaded with three hundred yards of 80lbs braid • 1 x High quality heavy weight forward 12-weight tropical floating line, suitable for warm water conditions • 1 x 750 grain sinking line for dredging
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Terminal Tackle
• 3 x 9-foot 22lb saltwater tapered leaders • 1 x 15lb fluorocarbon tippet material • 17lbs fluorocarbon tippet material • 1 x 20lb fluorocarbon tippet material • 1 x 130lbs Suffix Zippy Soft Mono
Flies - It is critical that all anglers carry a complete selection of flies tied the correct way with the correct materials and on the correct hooks. We recommend the following fly selection, which will cover all your fishing. There is a really good selection of flies, which are specific to Astove that can be purchase when on location.
Bonefish
• 4 x Gotchas #6 • 4 x Christmas Island Special (Orange) #6 • 4 x Pillow Talks # 6 • 4 x Spawning Shrimp #6 • 4 x Fleeing Crab Cream/Tan #8
Permit & Triggerfish
• 2 x James’s Sand Prawn #2 • 4 x James’s Sand Prawn #4 • 4 x Fleeing Crab Cream/Tan – Orange Legs #2 • 4 x Yousuf’s Velcro Crab #2
Milkfish
• 4 x Milkydream Chartreuse #2 • 4 x Milkydream Olive Rams Wool #2
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Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally & Barracuda
• 6 x GT Brush Fly (Tan) #6/0 • 6 x GT Brush Fly (Black) #6/0 • 6 x GT Brush Fly (Black & Purple) #6/0 • 6 x Not Your Average Popper (NYAP) #6/0
Bluewater & Billfish
• 8 x Deep-throat Dredging Flies #8/0 • 1 x Pink, White & Purple Cam Seglar Sailfish Tube Tandem #8/0 x 2
Clothing & Accessories - Although a minimal amount of clothing is required when fishing the flats, it is important to follow the recommended list.
• 3 x UV Proof Flats Shirt (Soft natural colours – Bright colours alert fish!) • 1 x UV Proof zip-off pants (Soft natural colours) • 1 x UV Proof short pants (Soft natural colours) • 1 x Rain jacket (must be lightweight) • 1 x Sungloves • 1 x Cycling / Lycra shorts for wearing under your flats shorts to prevent chafing • 1 x Flats wading boot, with thick soles and good ankle support • (Please refrain from using neoprene booties. They do not offer adequate protection!) • 1 x Gravel guards • 1 x Waterproof fly box to prevent your flies from rusting. • 2 x Polarized sunglasses (Costa Del Mar’s 580 amber and blue mirror lenses) • 1 x Sunscreen (SPF 30+) • 1 x Lip Block • 2 x Buff & Bandanna • 1 x Hat/Cap • 1 x Stripping gloves • 1 x Waterproof backpack • Headlamp / Torch • 1 x Soft tissue for drying & cleaning lenses. • 1 x Pliers for removing hooks and squashing barbs
A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 6 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30
Wading - The hard coral flats of Astove can make wading a little tricky at times so good protective footwear is essential. Standard diver’s neoprene booties with a reinforced rubber sole are not appropriate. More protective flats wading boots must be worn and there are a number of purpose made boots on the market, which are excellent. See suggested brands in tackle and gear list.
Fishing Clothing - Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants that can be zipped off are recommended. Sunscreen with a minimum protection factor of at least 30 is required for any exposed skin areas. A buff and bandanna is of great importance for sun protection of your face. Sun gloves will help protect your hands.
Mosquito’s - Astove has not been civilized for many years so there are mosquito’s which need to be repelled. These mosquito’s however carry no diseases and there are very few mosquito’s when fishing the flats. There will be an IDC staff member on location who will be smogging to reduce their numbers. They are only encountered when in the camp so it’s suggested that long lightweight pants and long sleeve shirts are worn in the evening when dining. If you have an allergy to Mosquito bites please let us know as we will only carry Antihistamine cream and pills. All the air-conditioned rooms have mosquito netting so the windows can be opened at night. We have Peaceful Sleep mosquito repellent (non-DEET) on location so no need to bring any with you.
Dangers to watch out for whilst wading – Stingrays: some atolls host large numbers of stingrays on the flats. Most species have a poisonous, barbed spine near the base of their tails that they can use for defense. These spines can inflict a nasty wound, should an unwary wader inadvertently stand on a stingray.
These often sedentary or slow moving fish are easy to see and avoid, and to date no anglers have had any problems with these docile creatures. Stonefish: found mainly in the shallows on the coral edges of reef flats, this fish is not only lethally toxic but is also very well camouflaged and will not move unless touched. A stonefish has 13 strong hollow spines through which it injects its poison and these will pass through a thin rubber sole with ease. For this reason all wading should be done wearing thick- soled wading boots. Cone shells: fish-eating cones live in crevices among the coral or half covered by sand awaiting their prey which they attack by shooting out a dart that injects a paralyzing poison. The poison from certain species can be fatal, however proper footwear will ensure your safety. Sharks: Sharks are frequently encountered whilst wading in Seychelles, they are inquisitive, may pause for an instant and give you the once over but if you remain calm and quietly stand your ground, none of these magnificent creatures will bother you.
Alcohol - If you have any special alcohol requirements please let us know so we can ensure it is on location for your arrival. There will be Seybrew beer and a selection of spirits and wine on location. Its important to remember that Astove is a “dry island” so requested that you do not give any alcohol to the local staff.
A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 7 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30
Fishing Season - The first part of the season traditionally runs from early October to mid December and the second part from late February to late April, with a break over the festive season. These are the peak periods as January is one of the rainiest months in the Seychelles. From May to October the strong South-Easterly monsoon winds blow incessantly. We stick to the fore mentioned dates to ensure all guests have an unforgettable fishing experience.
Weather - The Seychelles is typically hot and somewhat humid. During midday, temperatures hover near 90 degrees but there is usually a steady breeze to keep things comfortable on the flats. Evenings are also invariably warm with the exception of the first few weeks of the season, when there may be a strong, cooling breeze.
Hours of Daylight - Due to its proximity to the equator, there is no real twilight in the Seychelles. The sun rises quickly at around 6:15 a.m. and sets with equal swiftness at about 6:30 p.m. This varies by only minutes throughout the year, giving nearly a full 12 hours of daylight for 365 days a year.
From Scene of Accident Medivac Insurance - All guests are required to obtain “From Scene of Accident Medivac Insurance”. Details will be requested prior to arrival on the Island. Alphonse Island Lodge Limited and its agents cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this has not been obtained.
Indemnity Form - All guests are required to sign an indemnity form once on location.
Travel Insurance - All guests are required to obtain travel insurance that will cover any costs incurred due to flight delays for any reason.
Inoculations & Health - No inoculations are legally required for entry. However, you may want to check with your local immunization and inoculation clinic for their recommendations on health precautions for travel to the Seychelles. Some travelers elect to protect themselves against hepatitis A with an immunoglobulin injection (short- term protection) or the longer lasting vaccine. Other inoculations may be required if you are planning a trip extension to parts of Africa.
Water Consumption - There is a desalination plant on the island and the water from the faucets is safe to drink.
A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 8 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30
Strict Luggage Restrictions - Check in luggage is limited to 20 kg per person, and 5kg carry on luggage. This is a strict policy that allows us to deliver fresh food produce to the lodge. If it is not possible to load extra luggage, it will have to be repacked and left on Mahe until your return. Please adhere to the limits. It is suggested that lighter soft-shell luggage is used. Pack a separate bag with excess equipment to avoid having to repack at the airport. There is left luggage storage at the airport and you can arrange for your tour operator in Mahe to store excess luggage while you are on Astove Island.
Communication - The phones service is operated via satellite and there is no wifi.
Electricity Supply - The Island has 24-hour electrical current (240 volt, 50 cycles AC) with British plug points. A European electrical current adapter (3-point, square-pin) is necessary.
Advice on Tipping - If you wish to show appreciation to the general staff, we suggest a USD 250 per guest per week guideline. This is to be left with the head guide upon departure for equal distribution. For the fly fishing guides a $ 650 guideline, which is also given to the head guide at the end of the week. All tips are to please be paid in cash.
Currency - You do not need to change your € (Euros) or US$ (US Dollars) into the local currency. The lodge accepts both currencies. Please bring sufficient cash to settle tackle bills, tips and other costs incurred. Its important to remember that there will be no credit card facilities on location so its best to carry USD cash for on location tackle and alcohol purchases as well as gratuities.
Package Term and Conditions:
Includes: • 7 Night package with all meals included • Private charter flight • Six days fully guided fishing • Max Pax: 12 guests but 6 anglers (2 anglers to 1 guide) • Tender boat and fuel • Fishing License • Landing Fees • Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea
A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 9 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30
Excludes: • International Flights • Ground transfers on Mahe • Park Fee: USD 175 • All alcoholic drinks • Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone and email charges • Travel and medical insurance • Tackle and flies • Gratuities
Payment Terms - Reservations will be held for 2 weeks. We require a 50% deposit to confirm the booking final payment is to be made 3 months prior to arrival
Cancellation Policy: • A 10% fee shall be levied if cancellation is made more than 180 days prior to arrival. • A 10% fee shall be levied if the reservation is moved to an alternative date within the same season • A fee of 50% shall be levied if cancellation is between 180 and 90 days prior to arrival • A fee of 100% shall be levied if cancellation is 90 days or less prior to arrival • All cancellations & provisional bookings must be confirmed in writing
Indemnity & Insurance: • All activities require the client to sign an indemnity once on location • All clients require travel insurance to cover costs incurred due to flight delays for any reason • All clients require “From Scene of Accident Medivac Insurance”
Terms & Conditions - At time of quote flight charges, island fees and government taxes are correct but are subject to change without prior notice. Increases in any of these facets are out of the control of Alphonse Island Lodge Limited and will be transferred to the client. Service providers used such as the airlines and Island Development Company are independent business concerns and are in no way affiliated to Alphonse Island Lodge Limited. Although all reasonable efforts will be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour, Alphonse Island Lodge Limited cannot be held responsible in any way for bad or non-performance of service providers. While all possible efforts will be made to ensure the success of this tour, Alphonse Island Limited cannot be held responsible in any way for the cancellation in total or in part or non-performance in any way, due to bad weather, insufficient bookings or any other detrimental natural phenomenon/disaster, political unrest or war. Should the Island Development Company for any reason be unable to provide the flights and accommodation on Astove for any reason a 100 % refund of the package fee only, will be made to the client and no further claims from the client will be made on Alphonse Island Lodge Limited. The guests acknowledge that weather is out of anybody’s control and delays or cancellation due to weather or “Force Majeure” will receive no discounts or refunds. Likewise in any scenario in which certain costs for extracting or moving their guests are incurred, including but not limited to charter flights or other means of transportation off the island or from an area, the guests agrees to meet any and all such costs and no claims will be made against Alphonse Island Lodge Limited for such expenses.
We hope the above information helps to enhance your fishing at Astove Atoll. Should there be any further assistance you require, please do not hesitate to contact us [email protected]
A Product of the Alphonse Island Fishing Company - Alphonse Island Lodge Limited 10 E-Mail: [email protected] | Telephone: +248 422 90 30