Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers of all skill levels are welcome but to best take advantage of everything this destination has to offer, we would suggest anglers have previous bonefishing experience. This a also a great place for couples and folks that really like amenities and quality service.
Where is the lodge? Alphonse Island is one of the outer islands of the Seychelles about an hour charter flight southwest of the capital Mahe.
How do I get there? Most guests from the US fly through Dubai to reach Mahe and then overnight. From Mahe all guests take a charter flight approximately 1 hour to the lodge.
When should I go? The season is October through April. As the Seychelles experiences a great variance of tides it is a good idea to talk about your goals for the trip and pick a moon/tide phase that give you the best odds of meeting your goals.
How will I fish? Guests fish two per guide. You will use flats skiffs for transportation in St. Francois Lagoon but virtually all fishing is done while wading. However, should you wish to fish from the skiffs, the guides will gladly assist. Casting from the skiffs for trevally is productive in certain situations. They are also useful when hunting milkfish and invaluable once they are hooked.
Is there wade fishing? Yes, virtually all the fishing is done while wading unless otherwise requested.
Where will I fish? Guests fish in St. Francois Lagoon, which is about 7 miles long and 4 miles wide, consisting of firm white sand bottoms interlaced with channels and cuts. The number of people allowed to fish St. Francois lagoon is limited to 10 per week to help ensure an exclusive fishing experience.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? St. Francois Lagoon is a 40-minute boat ride from the Alphonse Island Fishing Center. Guests are transferred from Alphonse to St. Francois on a large mothership that is comfortable, air-conditioned, and dry. Once in the lagoon, flats are all close with a long run being 20 minutes.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Bonefish, GTs, bluefin trevally, milkfish, Indo-Pacific permit, triggerfish and a variety of other flats, reef and bluewater species are available here.
How many fish will I catch? This can vary greatly from angler to angler and it can also depend on what species you decide to target. When targeting bonefish, it is not unusual to land 10 or more fish in a session. We expect anglers to get several good shots at GTs and triggerfish each day and if all goes well landing a handful of these species per week.
Will I see other anglers? The lagoon is vast and only limited to ten anglers per week. You will see anglers on the ride to/from the lagoon each day, but you will have more than enough water to yourself each day.
What are the guides like? The guides at Alphonse are some of the most experienced and talented flats guides found anywhere. They are all fluent in English and excellent communicators.
What are the physical demands? There are not major physical demands, but you should be prepared to spend most of the day walking the flats. They can vary from easy beach walking to ocean-side flats where you are navigating a fair bit of coral.
Are there any special skills required? Being proficient at casting a 12-weight will greatly increase your odds at catching a fish of a lifetime.
Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge has a full supply of rods and reels for guest use as well as a small fly shop.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? Fast action, 9-foot 8-weights are great for bonefish. 9-foot 9- to 10-weight rods are great for permit, triggerfish, milkfish, and smaller trevally, while a 9-foot 12-weight is the preferred tool for Giant Trevally. For all saltwater applications, we recommend high-quality, saltwater safe reels with sealed drag systems. For targeting GTs, you will want the strongest drag system possible.
What are the top flies? Green Machines, Gotcha, Spawning shrimp, GT Flashy Profile, GT Brush Fly
What are the options if weather conditions become challenging? The guides are extremely adept at reading the situation and coming up with the best plan possible. They can almost always find a place to get you on the water. There are times that the weather presents hazardous or unsafe conditions to make the crossing from Alphonse to St Francois. When that happens, guests fish the flats of Alphonse. They are limited but provide a great back up.
What is a typical day like? Most guests opt for an early morning wake-up call around 5:45AM and breakfast is available after 6:00 AM. On the first day, you will be met at the Alphonse Island Fishing Center, where the team will transfer your equipment to the mothership. Bicycles are provided to ride to the Fishing Center. Alternatively, a golf cart may be requested via the hotel. You should arrive at the Fishing Center at 7:00AM for departure to St. Francois.
After a 40-minute boat ride, you will enter the lagoon and transfer to skiffs and head out for your day of fishing. A made-to-order packed lunch is provided by the hotel, which you order from a menu the previous day. Fishing days are approximately 8 hours, starting on arrival at the flats. Guides are instructed to stop fishing at 4:00PM and return to the mothership. For safety reasons, all boats from the resort must be back in the mooring area at Alphonse no later than 5:00PM.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The atmosphere on the island is relaxed. Guests are encouraged to dress in a casual but smart manner for dinner each night.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Alphonse has a professional management team that is always on site to help make your stay pleasant and enjoyable.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals at Alphonse are experienced in the central dining and bar area. The food is outstanding, creative and features a mix of local Seychellois Creole and French cuisine. Fresh fish is available daily and much of the fresh ingredients come from the resort’s garden as well as the local flora.
What is the alcohol policy? An extensive wine, beer and cocktail list is available at the resort but not included in your package price.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Alphonse features three different accommodation types: beach bungalows, beach suites, and beach villas. There are 22 beach bungalows set near the water each with one king or two twin beds. Each unit is equipped with a private outdoor shower and indoor bathroom as well as air-conditioning. The five beach suites are spacious with a large lounge area as well as an indoor and outdoor shower, two bathrooms, and one king or two twin beds. There are two beach villas tucked away privately along the beach with four double rooms each with ensuite bathrooms, and expansive living and dining area, a deck with a private pool and a large kitchen.
Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the central dining area as well as in each chalet.
Are there other activities? Along with fly fishing and blue water fishing, Alphonse offers a multitude of other guest experiences such as scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife and reef tours, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, turtle watching, bird watching, island hopping, nature walks, spa, cycling, tennis and sunset cruises.
Are there any other expenses? Airfare to/from Mahe, meals and accommodations in Mahe, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, staff, and guide gratuities.
Do I need a visa? No
Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Not at the time of this writing but we recommend that all guests check the CDC’s website for the most current information pertaining to the region.
