AlPhONSE ISlANd RESORt - Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co.

alphonse island resort
THE FISHING
seychelles
Milkfish
Perhaps the most intriguing species encountered
in the Seychelles is the mighty milkfish.
Although found throughout the Pacific
and Indian Oceans, the milkfish that inhabit
St. Francois are some of the largest in the
world, and more importantly the guides have
recently discovered how to catch them!
The milkfish is similar in shape as a bonefish,
only reach up to thirty pounds and possess
a large sickle tale and huge eyes. When the
milkfish are feeding on the surface, anglers
present a grass or algae imitation and hope
that one mistakes the green fly for a meal.
When the fishing for milkfish is “on” success
rates hooking milks are actually quite high
despite the rumors of them being extremely
difficult to hook. Finding them feeding in
the proper fashion on the surface is the
hard part, but once discovered on feeding
properly they can be hooked with regularity.
Over five hundred Milkfish have been caught
and landed by Alphonse guests to date, with
more than twice as many hooked. Some
experienced guides say that at thirty pound
milkfish will give a one hundred pound tarpon
a run for his money, so landing them is
another story!
Triggerfish
Other species encountered daily includes
three species of triggerfish found tailing on
the tidal push as well. These colorful speedsters
slowly and lazily cruise feeding mainly
on crabs and other crustaceans on the outside
flats. The presentation to triggerfish
is quite technical, and reminiscent of trout
fishing. A good drift and proper current are
required to “feed” triggerfish. Once they eat
your fly, hold on! Triggers are aptly named
for the trigger like mechanism on their dorsal
which literally locks them into holes and
crevices in the surrounding coral heads. If
you are lucky enough to land one, make sure
to have a camera.
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