A fortnight on Cosmoledo that delivered everything this remote atoll is renowned for. The opening week welcomed a group of seasoned Cosmoledo regulars, while the closing week brought a tight knit group of close friends fresh off a week at Farquhar. Across a full sweep of tidal conditions, from neaps through springs and back again with crystal blue skies and barely a breath of wind in the second half, the atoll rewarded both groups in style.
The opening week produced an excellent spread of GT encounters, with 21 fish landed across the surf zones, the vast sand flats, and the deeper coral heads. The highlights came courtesy of Ronald, Edward, and Paolo, each landing their very first giant trevally on fly, a milestone often considered the pinnacle of saltwater fly fishing.
With pristine conditions and barely a breath of wind, week two was tailor made for GTs, and the group made the very most of it with an outstanding 36 fish landed. Success came from every angle, including sight fishing across the sand flats, hunting in the surf zone white water, and blind casting around the deeper coral. Gheorghe landed his very first GT on fly, a memorable milestone, while Jason capped the fortnight with the biggest GT of the two weeks, a stunning 106 cm fish taken while walking the surf and a fight that demanded everything as the brute used current and surge to its full advantage.
The flats provided excellent opportunities for bonefish, offering a welcome change of pace from the larger predators and rewarding a more delicate, technical approach. James, Stuart, Stephen, and JD all landed bonefish through the week, either while actively targeting them or as part of mixed species sessions across the flats.
Bonefish were encountered consistently across the flats through the second week. Chris and Eric made the most of the chances, landing a number between them and adding a welcome change of pace within an otherwise GT focused week.
The group enjoyed several excellent shots at one of the most prized species on the flats, the Indo Pacific permit, known for their extreme selectivity and remaining one of the ultimate challenges in saltwater fly fishing. A number of quality opportunities were presented through the week, but it was James who turned one of them into a captured fish, landing his very first Indo Pacific permit and the only one of the fortnight.
Triggerfish once again proved to be one of the most challenging species on the flats, known for following a well presented fly all the way to the rod tip before refusing, and for biting through leaders when they do commit. The group showed great persistence in the surf zones, and their efforts were rewarded with several fish to hand. The standout moments came courtesy of Luca, Stuart, and Stephen, each landing their very first moustache triggerfish. A true testament to patience, accurate presentation, and the perseverance these fish demand.
The triggers continued to test our anglers through the second week, but the group rose to the challenge. Gheorghe achieved a particularly special milestone, landing his first yellow margin triggerfish on fly, the only one of its kind across the fortnight, with further moustache trigger captures spread across the group.
Several good groups of milkfish were encountered through week two, providing highly visual sight fishing as they cruised in loose pods and sipped from the surface. Once hooked, the milkfish delivered outstanding fights of powerful runs, deep dives, and frequent jumps. Eric, Tom, and Gheorghe all successfully landed milkfish, with Gheorghe particularly notable for landing two.
Bonus species stayed out of the catch through the opening week, with guests focused firmly on the flats and surf zones.
Beyond the flats and surf, the second week produced two exceptional bonus catches. Gheorghe landed an impressive 120 cm barracuda, a thrilling encounter on fly tackle, and Eric succeeded in landing a tuna while fishing deeper offshore waters, a standout deep water achievement.
Two weeks, two very different groups, and a fortnight on Cosmoledo that delivered across every species this remarkable atoll has to offer. From milestone first ever GTs, permit, and triggerfish to a 106 cm surf zone unit and bonus barracuda and tuna, the fortnight had it all, all carried by the camaraderie of two wonderful groups around the sundowner table each evening. To every guest who joined us, thank you for sharing the water with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Cosmoledo very soon.