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Overview
The Astove is a magnificent and picturesque large atoll, and part of the Aldabra Group in the outer islands of the Seychelles. It is famous for being one of the world’s leading saltwater fly fishing destinations – most notably its record breaking giant trevally – but also a huge variety of other species that anglers can catch on a daily basis; including bonefish, triggerfish, barracuda and milkfish.
With a postcard-like scenery that only dreams are made of, its white sand flats and clear blue water present a location like no other. This untouched, remote area of the world is pristine in every way, and home to over 30 different species of fly catchable fish.
The atoll has a rich and desolate history and is the cause of countless shipwrecks dating back to 1500 AD. It is also famous for the acclaimed underwater documentary “The Silent World”, partly filmed on the Astove Wall by Jacques Cousteau. Described as gazing down into an underwater Grand Canyon, the Astove Wall consists of the large flats and reef dropping a vertical 90 degrees, from ankle-deep water to water well over a kilometre deep. This unique feature makes it a perfect dive site.
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Fishing
Astove Atoll is the place for catching the largest flats-caught giant trevally in the Indian Ocean, as well as many other species. Its shallow lagoon, surrounded by sheer drop-offs, makes the experience unique.
This lagoon is a sanctuary for both juvenile and trophy-sized fish that feed on the shallow white sand flats. Aside from big GT’s, Astove offers innumerable opportunities for bonefish, permit, bluefin trevally, triggerfish, barracuda and milkfish.
The offshore fishing starts just metres from the edge of the flats and allows anglers to test their skills against yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, wahoo and sailfish.
All Astove trips are led by a team of world-class professional fly fishing guides who have accumulated a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience fishing the waters of the Indian Ocean. Each guide is a qualified skipper, has first aid experience and is extremely experienced with regards all facets of fly fishing in a remote saltwater destination such as that at Astove. Their passion and dedication is infectious and rest assured they will definitely go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime.
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Accommodation
Uninhabited since 1969, Astove makes for a wild experience. To ensure that the atoll stays pristine, Astove Atoll Coral House only caters to 10 guests per week.
The newly renovated Coral House is very comfortable, accommodating its guests in single or double air-conditioned and en-suite rooms that surround the central courtyard. The Coral House has a comfortable lounge as well as an indoor and outdoor dining area for guests’ relaxation in the evenings.
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Food & Cuisine
You will enjoy exquisite dining during your stay at the lodge, typically consisting of a cooked English breakfast each morning, a full packed lunch out on the flats and a buffet-style dinner often with a seafood platter.
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Example itinerary
Day 1 – Depart Home City to Mahé
- Depart Home City on flight to Mahé – Seychelles
- Over night in hotel – recommend Eden Bleu Hotel
Day 2 – Mahé to AStove island
- Depart hotel and transfer by taxi to IDC Hanger
- Depart IDC on a chartered flight direct to Astove Island
- Arrive Astove shown to the room before relaxing for the afternoon
- The afternoon spent setting up gear with guides, fishing, relaxing at the bar or pool
Day 3 to Day 10 – Continued fishing
- Enjoy 6 full days of fishing and overnight stays in the Seychelles
Day 11 – Depart for home city
- Transfer from hotel to International Airport
- Continue on a flight to home city
- Arrive home city
- Continue with own arrangements
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Specifics
Included:
- Full board accommodation throughout your stay on Astove Island
- 1 Guide per 2 fishers and flats skiff
- Fishing licence
- IDC charter flight
Not included:
- Transfers on Mahé & home city
- Gratuities
- International Flights
- Hotels in Mahé
- Rental fishing equipment
- Items of a personal nature
Astove Atoll
Location
FAQ
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Do I need to take my own gear?
Gear is available to hire out there, though where possible we’d always recommend taking your own.
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Why choose LOOP Travel?
LOOP Travel has extensive teams worldwide, all working to give you the best possible advice when travelling across the globe seeking top class fly fishing. Our advice is totally free to you and booking with us comes at no extra cost.
Our years of experience between the teams and plethora of knowledge is second to none. Our team members know these destinations backwards, having spent many years guiding, managing and fishing these lodges
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How do I book?
If you like what you see, the best thing to do is pick up the phone and give a team member a call. Alternatively, email us at travel@looptackl.se or fill out an enquiry form.
We will be able to give you any extra information you may need, including prices and availability.
Suitable gear
The Seychelles requires several rods to be used on a is angle weeks fishing. Flats fishing for bonefish normally requires 7wt rods. Triggerfish, permit, parrotfish and others require a 9/10wt rod, and of course, the giant trevally requires 12wt rods. Please contact us for more information.
The OPTI fly reel range is available in various diameter sizes and designed for optimised performance for an extensive range of species and fly fishing applications. Each model features a large arbor spool incorporating a unique V-shape designed for faster, more efficient line retrieval and less line memory. Making it perfect for the saltwater
Dry bags and rain jackets are key when travelling to the Seychelles. Your full-day will be spent out on the river on a flats skiff, the weather can get wet, and waves can splash the boat. Keeping camera equipment, fly boxes, and your lunch dry is a crucial part of the day. The Seychelles sun is brutal; covering as much skin as possible is key. Our Marauder Long Sleeve Tech Shirt is ideal for UV protection.
Water-resistant fly boxes are a key element when fishing saltwater. The salt rusts hooks very quickly; keeping them dry will prevent having rusty hooks.