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.

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.

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.

Everyone traveling to Seychelles must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of travel. United Kingdom, United States, European Union, Russia, and Republic of South Africa passport holders do not require a Visa for entering into the Seychelles for vacation purposes.

Alphonse Island is accessed via a private charter from the main island of Mahe. Most US and UK clients access Mahe via Dubai with Emirates Airlines. Dubai can be accessed from many major airports in the US; Emirates Airlines or Delta Airlines are the most popular.

Access to the Seychelles can also be made via Condor Airlines through Frankfurt, Germany and Etihad Airways through Abu Dhabi. Other international flights are from London (Heathrow) with Air Seychelles, Paris with Air France and Johannesburg with Air Seychelles.

It is a good idea to plan on arriving in the Seychelles (Mahe) at least one day prior to departure to guarantee that you are in the islands in time to make the charter flight to Alphonse. Arriving a day early also gives you some time to adjust to the jet lag and climate after the long travel.

There is a weight limit of 15 kilograms (approximately 33 pounds) per person on the charter flight to Alphonse Island Resort. If you have more luggage, it can be arranged for it to be stored on Mahe.

FLY FISHING BEACH BUNGALOW PACKAGE

7 night/6 days fishing: US $9,840 per person sharing

Included:

7 night package with all meals included
Scheduled return charter flight from Mahé
Six days fully guided fly fishing with 2 Anglers per guide and skiff
Tender boat, fuel and Landing Fees
Water, coffee and tea during dinner
Non-motorised Water Sports, Paddle boarding, SUP & Snorkeling
Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
All soft drinks during activities
Fly Fishing rod and reel rental
Wi-Fi in the bar or restaurant area

Not Included:

Other activities such as diving, cruises, massage treatments etc.
International Flights
Ground transfers on Mahé
Conservation donation of USD 175 per adult per week
All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone and email charges
Travel and medical insurance
Tackle, flies and fly lines
Gratuities
Single skiff supplement from US $3,000 per week

FLY FISHING BEACH SUITE PACKAGE

7 night/6 days fishing: US $13,690 per person sharing

Included:

7 Night package with all meals included
Scheduled return charter flight from Mahé
Six days guided fishing with 2 Anglers per guide and skiff
Tender boat, fuel and Landing fees
Water, coffee and tea during dinner
Non-motorised Water Sports, Kayaking, SUP & Snorkeling
Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
All soft drinks during activities

Fly fishing rod and reel rental
Wi-Fi in the bar or restaurant area

FLY FISHING BEACH VILLA PACKAGE

7 night/6 days fishing: $14,380 per person sharing (minimum 4 people)

Included:

7 Night package with all meals included
Scheduled return charter flight from Mahé
Tender boat, fuel, and Landing Fees
Water, coffee and tea during dinner
Non-motorized Water Sports, Kayaking, SUP & Snorkeling
Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
All soft drinks during activities
Fly fishing rod and reel rental
Wi-Fi in the bar or restaurant

Not Included:

Single supplement of $28,849
Six days fully guided fishing package add-on with 2 anglers sharing a guide and skiff at $US $3,00 per angler
Single skiff supplement from US $3,000 (Max 2 single supplements per week)
Other activities such as diving, cruises, massage treatments etc
International Flights
Ground transfers on Mahé
Conservation Donation of USD $175
All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone and email charges
Travel and medical insurance
Tackle, flies and fly lines
Gratuities

BLUEWATER BEACH BUNGALOW PACKAGE

7 night/6 days fishing: $14,765 per person sharing

Included:

7 Night package with all meals included
Scheduled return charter flight from Mahé
Six days fully guided bluewater fishing on Suli or similar
Fuel and Landing Fees
Water, coffee and tea during dinner
Non-motorized Water Sports, Paddle boarding, Kayaking & Snorkeling
Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
All soft drinks during activities
All tackle
Wi-Fi in the bar or restaurant area

Not Included:

Single supplement of $8,650
Other activities such as diving, cruises, massage treatments etc.
International Flights
Ground transfers on Mahé
Conservation Donation of US $175
All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone and email charges
Travel and medical insurance
Gratuities

BLUEWATER BEACH SUITE PACKAGE

7 nights/6 days fishing; $17,740 per person sharing

Included:

7 night package with all meals
Scheduled return charter flight from Mahe
Six days fully guided bluewater fishing on Suli or similar
Fuel and Landing Fees
Water, coffee and tea during dinner
Non-motorized Water Sports, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking & Snorkeling
Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
All soft drinks during activities
All tackle
Wi-Fi in the bar or restaurant area

Excludes:

Single supplement of US $14,075
Other activities such as diving, cruises, massage treatments
International Flights


Ground transfers on Mahe
Conservation Donation of US $175 per adult per week
All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone and email charges
Travel and medical insurance
Gratuities.

BLUEWATER FISHING BEACH VILLA PACKAGE

7 nights/6 days fishing; $26,389 per person sharing (minimum 4 people)

Included:

7 night package with all meals
Scheduled return charter flight from Mahe
Fuel and Landing Fees
Water, coffee and tea during dinner
Non-motorized Water Sports, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking & Snorkeling
Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
All soft drinks during activities
All tackle
Wi-Fi in the bar or restaurant area

Excludes:

Fully guided bluewater fishing on Suli or similar at US $2,650 per full day or US $1,550 per half day
Single supplement of US $28,849
Additional bluewater fishing boats
Other activities such as diving, cruises, massage treatments
International Flights
Ground transfers on Mahe
Conservation Donation of US $175 per adult per week
All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry, items of a personal nature, telephone and email charges
Travel and medical insurance
Gratuities.