You couldn’t ask for a prettier day to start fishing on Providence Atoll in the Seychelles. I fished with Sammy and Randy and with guide Brendan. This was the second day with all these guys. One of the many fantastic things about a nine day trip is that you get opportunities to enjoy fishing time with everyone and some more than once.
The fishing started strong. I cast to three Indo-Pacific permit. We spotted them from the boat and Brendan swerved me shallow and I jumped out after them. Unfortunately I never was able to catch up to them for the perfect head on cast and they spooked. But, there was a follow up fish behind the group and I landed this spectacular yellowmargin triggerfish.
Photo by Wesley De Klerk
As the morning moved along our light breeze came to nearly a stand still. That makes flats fish terribly cautious. It was hard to cast without them spooking but Sammy and Randy managed a couple worthy opponents.
After lunch Brendan brought us to a flat loaded with triggerfish and even a few bumphead parrots (bumpies). By now the fish had become fully weary on the still flats and when you lifted your rod to cast, most of them took off. Not all however, various species of emperor fish aren’t scared of much. This yellowlip emperor was waking down the flat like he owned the atoll and when my crab hit the water he surged for it. He’s the biggest one I’ve ever caught!
As afternoon moved along, so did the blue sky. The sky was replaced with amazing puffy clouds and then threatening storm clouds. The flats went from calm to absolute glass. Catching fish was impossible for a good couple hours but the view was spectacular.
An approaching storm looked hostile so Brendan moved us where he suspected we wouldn’t get hit for the last hour. It was a good call as he was right. Best of all, there were a few gargantuan bonefish around. With the white of the clouds on the water they were nearly impossible to see but Sammy managed three and all were twins to this beast!
Everyone raked up some fish today. Especially during that bluebird morning with the light wind. A bunch of nice GT’s were caught by my group including a nice double with Mike and Dave.
Once everyone returned to the Mayas Dugong, it was party time. This is as fun a group of anglers you could ever ask for as a trip host. Everyone enjoys each other’s company, they fish well and all understand that no matter where you go in the world, the fish don’t just jump on the line. But when you earn them it’s a gratifying feeling.
After dinner the guides broke out the Providence Atoll charts and showed us where we’ve been fishing. Then they showed us our next move. The Mayas Dugong will venture north tomorrow and we’ll spend time fishing some new flats. I can’t wait!
To see more photos from this incredible Yellow Dog Trip be sure to visit my Instagram page – @jeffcurrier65
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