Late February into early March on Alphonse delivered an exciting mix of returning GT action, strong bonefish numbers, quality permit and powerful milkfish. With changing conditions across the period, anglers adapted well and were rewarded with memorable catches, personal bests and a great spread of species across the flats, lagoon and offshore.
GT fishing showed a welcome return with 14 fish landed across the period, including several quality fish. Mark opened the action with a strong 90 cm GT landed while walking the surf along Bijoutier. Billy followed with another 90 cm fish, while John enjoyed an excellent run, landing 3 GT’s across multiple sessions. Colin stole the spotlight with the fish of the period, a superb 114 cm GT landed on the flats of St Francois, a true standout fish. Paul and John each added GT on the final day to round off a strong week. In the following period, the geets were less frequent, but Bob made the most of an unexpected opportunity when he landed a 70 cm GT in blue water chaos while targeting sailfish.
Bonefish once again provided consistent action and numbers, with 339 fish landed.Early in the period 122 bonefish were landed, while the following week delivered an even stronger showing with 217 fish. Multiple anglers enjoyed sessions of over 20 fish, with bonefish proving to be a reliable and exciting target throughout. Several standout fish were landed including a 65 cm bonefish by Ian and a superb 69 cm fish by Margaret, one of the largest seen in recent weeks.
Permit fishing produced 3 fish, including some memorable moments. Robert set the tone early with a trophy 63 cm permit after a patient stalk on the sandy flats of St Francois. Mark later added his first permit, a beautiful 53 cm fish taken in calm conditions. These technical and rewarding encounters once again highlighted the quality of permit fishing on the atoll.
Milkfish provided some of the most exciting battles of the period with 5 fish landed.Earl landed a powerful 100 cm milkfish from a group feeding in the lagoon, while Chris raised the bar with a 102 cm fish, the largest of the period. John and Steven also added milkfish to the tally, enjoying long, hard fought battles.
Triggerfish added a technical challenge with 6 fish landed. Robert landed a moustache trigger early in the period, while John added a solid 41 cm fish. Derek, Peter and Ueli all landed their own triggerfish after persistent efforts on the flats and in the surf, each encounter requiring careful presentation and quick reactions to avoid coral.
A single batfish added variety to the species list. Doug landed a 41 cm fish after an exciting fight in the current, with the fish using its broad body to its advantage before finally being brought to hand.
From a metre class GT and trophy permit to powerful milkfish and outstanding bonefish numbers, this period once again showed the diversity and unpredictability of Alphonse