As the second week of the Providence season got underway, anticipation was high amongst guests and guides alike, with everyone eager to see what the atoll had in store. This week we welcomed Jonathan, Suraj, Sean, Chris, Joel, Nick, Anna, Lana, Ed and Jason, a group of enthusiastic anglers ready to explore everything Providence has to offer, from its expansive white sand flats to its productive flats, surf zones and surrounding offshore waters. Conditions improved noticeably, with far less wind than during the opening week.
The tides were moving away from the neaps and building back towards the springs, and as the week progressed the difference between high and low water became increasingly pronounced. The lower tides opened up surf zones and expansive finger flats that could be explored on foot, while the incoming water drew fish back onto the flats and into the lagoon systems, giving our guides plenty of options to plan each day around the changing water levels.
The giant trevally fishing was nothing short of exceptional this week. In a fantastic result for the group, every guest landed at least one GT, with 18 brought to hand in total. Even more impressive was the quality of the fish, with three metre plus specimens landed. A giant trevally measuring 100cm or more is considered a true trophy, and our guests certainly had their fair share of encounters with these impressive predators.
Nick led the charge, landing a magnificent 125cm giant trevally, the largest fish recorded at Providence so far this season, an outstanding achievement and a truly special fish to bring to hand. Lana also enjoyed a memorable encounter, landing a superb 102cm GT, while Joel matched her with another impressive 102cm fish. The week also brought a number ofmemorable firsts, with Sean, Ed, Jason, Anna and Suraj all landing their first giant trevally. For many anglers, a GT on fly is a long-held ambition, and it was particularly rewarding to see so many guests experience the thrill of landing one of the Seychelles’ most iconic flats predators.
Targeting some of Providence’s larger bonefish was also high on the agenda, with the group landing eight between them. Three of these were trophy specimens measuring over 60cm, an excellent result when targeting these elusive flats residents. Jonathan led the way with a superb 66cm bonefish, while Chris followed closely with an impressive 65cm fish. Anna also got amongst the bigger fish, landing a beautiful 61cm bonefish, and Nick and Joel added to the tally to round off a productive week. With their sharp eyesight and often selective feeding behaviour, larger bonefish present a rewarding challenge, making these trophy catches all the more special.
The bumphead parrotfish action continued on a high note, with an impressive 11 fish landed across the group. There were plenty of firsts amongst the catches, with Suraj, Jason, Sean, Chris, Nick and Anna all landing their very first bumphead parrotfish, always an exciting target on the flats, and a special one to tick off the list. Jonathan enjoyed a productive week with the species, landing two bumpies, one of which measured over a metre. Chris joined the metre-plus club as well with a magnificent 102cm fish. Known for their immense strength and powerful runs, bumpheads test both an angler’s tackle and patience, and with so many first time achievements and exceptional fish brought to hand, they were certainly another highlight of the week.
The triggerfish produced some excellent results, with seven yellowmargin and three moustache triggerfish landed, including several trophy sized yellowmargins. Anna got things underway with a superb 54cm yellowmargin, while Suraj landed an excellent 50cm fish. Ed then raised the bar with a magnificent 55cm yellowmargin, the largest triggerfish recorded at Providence so far this season. Joel enjoyed a particularly productive day, landing an incredible three yellowmargin triggerfish in a single session.
The moustache triggerfish also made an appearance, with Nick, Jonathan and Lana each contributing one to the tally. Nick added a yellowmargin to his catches as well, completing an impressive flats slam of a giant trevally, a triggerfish and a bumphead parrotfish. Triggerfish are notoriously challenging on fly, demanding accurate presentations, patience and persistence, which made the quality and variety of this week’s catches, and Nick’s slam.
Some of our guides also ventured into deeper water, giving guests the chance to target the exciting pelagic species found around Providence, including wahoo, tuna and sailfish. Anna and Suraj both enjoyed an incredible experience, each raising and landing a sailfish on fly. These spectacular gamefish are renowned for their blistering speed, powerful runs and breathtaking acrobatics, often launching themselves clear of the water in a series of jumps. Catching one on fly requires skill, patience and composure, and for Anna and Suraj it added another unforgettable highlight to an already action packed week.
Away from the excitement of the water, our guests thoroughly enjoyed their time aboard Maya’s Dugong, which provided a comfortable and welcoming home throughout the week. The perfect place to relax, unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures before another exciting day on the water. As the second week drew to a close, Providence had once again demonstrated the incredible diversity and quality of its fishery. With every guest landing a GT, a season best 125cm giant trevally, trophy bonefish, metre plus bumphead parrotfish, a season best yellowmargin triggerfish, two sailfish on fly and Nick’s flats slam, there was certainly no shortage of memorable moments. A huge thank you to all our guests for being part of such a special week, we look forward to welcoming you back to Providence.