The first half of February on Alphonse delivered another dynamic period of flats fishing. Record breaking bonefish numbers to surf zone trigger battles and memorable first time species, our anglers experienced everything from technical stalking sessions to explosive shallow water eats, producing everything the Seychelles is so well known for.
Bonefish dominated the numbers once again, with an incredible 509 bonefish landed across the two weeks, including a single week season record of 348 fish. Guests enjoyed consistent action, with several anglers landing over 20 bonefish in a single session. Jennifer led the size category with a superb 66 cm bonefish, while multiple 60 cm class fish were landed throughout the fortnight. Whether in the lagoon or surf, bonefish kept rods bent daily and spirits high.
GT action was selective but rewarding, with 7 GT fish landed. Scott stole the spotlight during a 3-day stay, landing 3 fish, including a strong 73 cm fish sighted in shallow water. David added a stocky surf zone GT, while Brian ticked off his first ever GT. Chris and Tom also contributed to the tally, rounding up a decent few fish over the period.
Triggerfish stole the show, though, which is not all that common, with 14 landed. Don set the bar high with a trophy 51 cm moustache trigger, the largest of the fortnight. Jonathan finally ticked off his long awaited first trigger with a 46 cm yellowmargin, while Rene celebrated his first moustache trigger at 46 cm. Matt enjoyed an unforgettable session, landing 3 moustache triggers in one outing. Tia and Nikita both secured yellowmargin triggers after technical surf stalks, and Joanne added a moustache trigger in classic pushing tide fashion. Surf walks, precise crab presentations, and tailing fish in shallow water made trigger fishing both challenging and hugely rewarding.
Permit made meaningful appearances, with 2 landed. Joe secured his first, and Pierre ended his week in style by also landing his first after carefully stalking a feeding shoal on the sandy flats. Patience, positioning, and perfect presentation paid off.
Milkfish were scarce during the period, but David made the most of his opportunity, landing the only milkfish of the fortnight, a powerful 81 cm fish that delivered a serious deep water tussle. Batfish provided exciting surface action, with 2 landed. Hugh caught his first batfish, while Richard landed his first batfish during a memorable lagoon session, watching the fish slurp his fly off the surface before tearing into backing.
From record bonefish numbers and trophy triggers to first-time permit and explosive GT eats, early February delivered variety, challenge, and milestone moments on the flats. The season continues to build momentum, and the flats remain full of promise and exciting catches.