ALPHONSE ISLAND

ALPHONSE ISLAND

Alphonse Island features a single resort with accommodation comprising of Beach Bungalows and Beach Suites built alongside the water’s edge, each with spectacular ocean views.

 

 

Alphonse Island’s remote geographical location lends itself to an atmosphere of undisturbed solitude; allowing you to feel like you are the only person on a deserted island, yet offering all the amenities and facilities that will make your stay extremely comfortable and enjoyable.

Enjoy the sense of space, both indoors and out, with glimpses of the ocean from your patio and unblemished beaches just a few paces away.

 

CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Direct phone number to contact the Fly Fishing department:

  • Jazmin Caresani +1 210 417 4065 

 


Maps

Location

Location

Alphonse Island is an intimate private lodge situated on Alphonse Island, the largest in the Alphonse group of atolls. This group of atolls is considered one of the most pristine, untouched Eden’s of the world, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

We are committed to protecting the unique fauna and flora of the area with ongoing research, rehabilitation and monitoring programs, focusing especially on nesting sea turtles, giant tortoises, sensitive marine habitats and forest rehabilitation. Fishing is done on a strict catch-and-release basis, with environmental fishing practices consistently practiced.

The St. Francois fishery caters for just 12 fly-anglers at a time to maintain exclusivity and sustainability. Many of the guides also hold qualifications in the field of ecology, and therefore conservation best practices are always applied along with our catch-and-release policy.

General Information

The magnificent island threesome comprising of Alphonse, St François and Bijoutier lies in the very heart of the Indian Ocean as part of the Seychelles outer islands. Considered a fly-angler's paradise, the expansive flats surrounding the Alphonse atolls provide the fly-fishing experience of a lifetime.

This spectacular wilderness has ten thousand acres of hard white sand flats which provide easy wading and world class sight-fishing. The Alphonse group is one of the most famed saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Indian Ocean and is one of the most prolific Bonefish fisheries in the world.

The atolls are home to incredibly large populations of not only Bonefish, but also 3 different types of Triggerfish, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Permit, Parrotfish, 8 species of Trevally (including the Giant Trevally), and the incomparable Milkfish. This diversity gives anglers the opportunity to target a myriad of different species during their stay.

YOUR ARRIVAL DAY.

On arrival you will be met by the Alphonse Island management team and transported to the hotel, indemnities will be signed followed by a comprehensive briefing on what to expect during your stay. We will then show you to your accommodation to settle in and unpack.

Once unpacked, your fishing tackle will be collected from the veranda of your accommodation and taken down to the fishing centre. Later that afternoon you will make your way on your bicycle to the fishing centre and tackle setup will commence. We have a fly

shop that stocks flies, leader, clothing, sunglasses, accessories and offers a complimentary rod and reel loan service. See the tackle and gear list at the end of this document for more information. Our guide team will assess your tackle and flies as well as give

advice and answer any questions that you might have about your week. Once everything is rigged and ready for the week, you can either fish unguided on the Alphonse flats, relax around the pool or at the “Le Lys” bar while sipping an Indian Ocean cocktail, until dinner is served at 19h30.

 

YOUR FISHING DAYS.

Breakfast is served from 06h00 onwards and morning wake-up calls can be booked from 05h45. Anglers meet at the fishing centre at 06h45 and once all anglers have assembled, the team is ferried to the mother ship and a 40 minute trip to the mooring in St Francois lagoon commences.

Teams consisting of two anglers and one guide will then be transferred to their relevant skiff for the eight hour fishing session. All the skiffs will have Yeti cooler boxes with ice, drinks and desalinated water in our Yeti Rambler bottles. Lunch packs will be taken onto the skiffs

unless otherwise requested. At 16h00 the Guides will start returning to the mother ship, and for safety reasons everyone needs to be on board the vessel by 17h00. There will be a fresh water bucket provided to rinse your reels and gear at the end of each fishing day.

Once everything is squared away the mother ship will start the 40 minute journey back to the mooring at Alphonse Island. Unless needed for extra fishing on Alphonse, your rods, tackle and gear can stay on the mother ship so it’s ready for the next day

Accomodations

Beach Bungalow

The 21 Beach Bungalows are set amongst lush tropical plantation just metres from the beach. Located on the Eastern shoreline of the island, these Bungalows exude an understated elegance whilst offering all the comforts of home. With a layout that keeps guests’ relaxation foremost in mind, the Beach Bungalows are ideally situated to make the most of the beautiful surroundings.

It features a patio overlooking the ocean, perfect to enjoy a drink at the end of a balmy day or a cup of coffee whilst watching the beautiful sunrise in the morning. To add to your personal experience, enjoy indulgent in-suite dining on your patio or private dinners in your garden.

 

Beach Suites

The 5 Beach Suites are nestled amongst tropical plants, mere steps away from the white sandy beach. These one-bedroom Suites are extremely spacious and discreet, with a large lounge area as well as an additional guest bathroom.

Embracing local creole style and combining it with the barefoot luxury sought after on private islands, the Beach Suites feature a range of sandy colours, whites and greys and incorporates local materials, reflecting a sophisticated fresh island style of the 21st Century.

The airy main bathroom features both indoor and outdoor showers. Overlooking the sparkling ocean is a private terrace featuring sun loungers as well as a patio table to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine at.

The Fishing

Considered a fly-anglers paradise, the expansive flats surrounding the Alphonse atolls provide the fly-fishing experience of a lifetime. Ten thousand acres of hard white sand flats provide easy wading and world class sight-fishing.

The atolls are home to incredibly large populations of not only Bonefish, but also 3 different types of Triggerfish, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Permit, Parrotfish, 8 species of Trevally (including the Giant Trevally), and the incomparable Milkfish.

Experienced and professional guides with comprehensive local knowledge. Huge range of quality equipment to satisfy all levels of anglers, and cover all aspects of fly fishing techniques. Fleet of Purpose-built boats. Fly shop and top quality rental gear on location.

Cuisine

The combination of organic harvest from the forest and our own garden perfectly complements the bounty which the Indian Ocean offers up daily. With no two meals ever presented the same, dining at Alphonse Island will not only stimulate your senses, but it will leave no doubt as to where you are finding yourself at that very moment.

Gear and Equipment

Rods:

One Bonefish rod, a 9-foot rod for #7,8 or 9 weight line, we suggest Cortland Precision XC 4 PC 9 feet 8 W/Fighting butt. An 8-weight rod is perfect as many of the bones are in the 3-6 lb. class and there is a lot of wind to contend with. On this rod you will want a good bonefish reel with enough capacity for the line and 200 yards of 20 lb backing. You need only a floating line, we advice the new Cortland Precision Tropic Plus Bonefish 90ft WF8F. Be sure to bring a back up floating line for bonefish. There is some coral on the Ocean side flats, and many flats have small mangrove roots and shoots that the bonefish run through and around and this can shred a fly line.

Bring one back up rod for bonefish in case of breakage.

Two - 9’ #10 Rods, we suggest – since there are so many species of fish in the JDR, it helps to bring two 10 weight rods.

Then you can set one up specifically for permit, and have another set up for baby tarpon or Barracuda. Have individual reels for both these rods. You will want WF-10-F lines for both rods, but it is a good idea to bring one slow sinking line also.

Attach your lines to backing with loop-to-loop connections making it easy to change lines out on the flats. Your 10 weight reels should have capacity for the line plus 150-200 yd. of 30 lb. backing. Our favorite reels are the Cortland Turbine Reel LA-789, or the Precision XC Large Arbor # 3 which has good backing capacity and a strong, smooth drag.

One - 9 foot #11 or 12 line rod for big tarpon, especially in the months of May through July when larger tarpon are present. Our favorite rods are the Loomis CrossCurrent GLX in 9 foot #11 and the Sage Xi2 in the 9 foot #11. For a less expensive rod the Redington CPS or the Temple Fork TiCr-X are good choices.

Reels:

For reels, pick a good tarpon reel with enough capacity for a 12 line and 150-200 yards of 30 lb. backing. A strong, smooth drag is necessary. We recommend the Cortland Embassy 60 or the Precision XC Large Arbor # 4.

Lines:

Free tarpon lines on your big rod, you will want four different lines. A floating line, like the Precision Tropic Plus Tarpon Ghost – Tip 90ft WF11F, an intermediate (slow sink), the same model of the Cortland floating line is also available on Intermediate, and then a fast sinking head like the RIO DC-400 for the big channels which are up to 15 feet deep with strong tidal currents. All should have loop-to-loop connections to your backing. Less experienced casters will often do better with a floating line but the Slow Sinking line is perhaps the best all around line to use in the deeper channels. Out on the shallower flats, a floating line is a much better choice. In addition, is recommendable to bring a 400 grains sinking line, very useful when looking for big tarpons on deep channels.

6 Bonefish leaders -12 foot 1X or 14 lb.

2 Spools of bonefish tippet, 1X and 01X Fluorocarbon. Most of the time the bonefish are not at all leader shy so it is an advantage to use heavier tippet. Also, in the JDR it is always possible to see and hook really big bones in the 9-12 lb. class.

The heavier tippets will allow you to land many more fish and handle them more easily when releasing them.

6 - Permit Leaders 9-12 foot, 16-20 lb. fluorocarbon tippets.

1 - Spool 02X (20 lb.) Fluorocarbon tippet for permit

6-10 - Quick Change Tarpon leaders. OUR GUIDES ALWAYS RECCOMMEND TO MAKE YOUR LEADERS WITH A 60 LB FLUOROCARBON SHOCK TIPPET AND THEN A SECTION OF 80 LB FLUOROCARBON TIPPET, WHERE YOU WILL TIE THE FLY.

Some anglers prefer to use 3 feet of shock tippet so that you can use each leader for several fish or re-tie on several different flies.

 

Note: You can use a 40lb - 60 lb. shock tippet for the baby tarpon that are under 40 lb. but for the larger fish, go up to 80 lb or they may cut or abrade through the 60 lb, sometimes, a 100lb fluorocarbon tippet will be useful too, so we recommend to bring some meters on this too.

 

If you are looking a Tarpon record, bimini leaders must be used, this starts with a 60lb section, then a 20lb fluorocarbon tippet, finally an 80lb.

1 - 200 yd. spool of extra 30 lb. fly line backing

1 - tarpon fly stretcher or Zip lock bags for your tarpon flies on Leaders

Spinning fishing equipment:

Multifilament 80 to 120 lb (light fishing) and 50 to 60 lb (light fishing)

Carabiners in all sizes.

Rods powerful tip action between 2,00 mts and 2.1 mts preferably Shimano G’Loomis

Lures, light fishing

Yusuri

Magnum until # 14 (plastic fin)

Sufeebull (150 grs. and 220 grs.)

Hidropensi (all sizes)

Stick bee (all sizes)

Feather Jigs (from 10 grs. up to 200 grs.)

Squid imitation (leaded and pallet)

Bonefish Flies:

Bring two to three dozen bonefish flies in various patterns for a week of fishing. You need a mix of very light flies and medium weight flies (with bead chain eyes) to fish in water depths from six inches to two feet. You’ll also need at least a half dozen flies with heavy lead eyes for fishing bones in muds where the water can be 3-4 feet deep. Some of the best patterns are the Tan and Pearl Shrimp, Borski Bonefish Slider, the Kwans, and of course the Crazy Charlie style flies. Pearl Gotcha patterns are also very good. Sizes should be mostly #6’s with a few #4’s and a few smaller #8’s. The bonefish can be selective, so be sure to experiment with various patterns. Most flies should be darker patterns – tan and brown but you also need some very light or white patterns for white sand flats.

Permit flies:

Bring 6-12 flies for permit; avalon permit fly will be a very good option, smaller permit crabs are also ideal for big bonefish. Some of the most effective crab patterns here are the Enrico Puglisi Palometa crabs in Tan and Beige (1/0 and 2) and the Anderson McCrab in size 2. Mantis Shrimp patterns are also quite good, especially when you encounter schools of “floaters”. These should be tied in size 2-4, and light colors mostly white, light tan and olive.

Tarpon flies:

Keys style patterns in size 2/0 are very good on the flats for tarpon in the 15-50 lb. class. The best patterns are the Orange/Yellow/Grizzly, Brown Cockroach, Black Death and a White/Grizzly Cockroach Deceiver. Some of the new Enrico Puglisi patterns have proven to be deadly too, especially the Black and Purple “Peanutbutter” in both 2/0 and 3/0, do not forget to bring the FFTRun Toad in 3/0. Other good Enrico patterns are his White/Yellow, and the Backcountry brown as well as the brown and orange. If you are tying your own, tie all these tarpon flies on the Gamakatsu SC-15 hooks, in either 2/0 or 3/0.

Clothing Recommended

3 x UV proof flats shirt [soft natural colours – as 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

green mirror lenses]

1 x Sunscreen [SPF 30+]

1 x Lip block

2 x Buffs

1 x Hat / cap

1 x Stripping gloves

1 x Waterproof backpack

1 x Headlamp or torch

1 x Soft tissue for drying & cleaning lenses

1 x Pliers for removing hooks and squashing barbs


IN ADDITION

You, as a client, don't have to pay any extra for our support services. Any questions, queries, and concerns about our destinations, the organization of your pre-trip, or any doubt, you can ask us without additional cost. Don't hesitate to text us, traveling with Pointer is always worth it.

And this is very important: By purchasing your trip through us, you are elegible to get extra gift and rewards, like a voucher open for 3 years for 50% off in your accommodations on your next Fly Fishing trip to Argentina in one of our lodges, you can choose between Trouts in Northern Patagonia or Golden Dorado in the Paraná river.

Also, you could get a voucher open for 3 years for 100% off accommodations on your next Dove Hunting in Argentina staying in one of our wonderful Lodges.

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