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Alphonse Island lies in the heart of the Indian Ocean, 7 degrees south of the Equator and 500km south-west of the capital island Mahe. It is part of the Alphonse group extending 16km from north to south, comprising three islands: Alphonse in the north, Bijoutier in the middle and St François in the south.

Now perhaps more famous for its fishing, Alphonse Island is a small triangular-shaped coral island strewn with coconut trees, boasting 3.6km of coastline protected by a reef, and offering the most idyllic setting for a very exclusive holiday.

Fishing

St. François is un-inhabited and the lagoon is approximately seven miles long and four miles wide. The lagoon has firm white-sand bottoms and is interlaced with channels and cuts. The number of people allowed to fish there is limited to 12.

The uniqueness that sets St. François apart from many other destinations is the ability to wade over 10,000 acres of hard, white-sand flats in search of bonefish. Even the novice saltwater fly fisher can spot and cast to fish with relative ease.

Very few of the flats are heavily grassed, although these areas can prove to be productive for larger bonefish. Bonefishing is best done when the tide is on the move and is least productive on the low tide.

A typical session will involve wading from the skiff for a few hours, either fishing to cruising or tailing fish. This will last for as long as the fish remain on the flats. On the dropping tide, huge shoals of bonefish can be targeted leaving the flats in what has been described as a continuous river of bones.

It is an extremely diverse fly fishery that caters for all skill levels and tastes.

It is paradise for first time saltwater fly fishers, as good sized bonefish patrol the vast area of white flats in huge numbers. For the more experienced angler, fishing for large bonefish in the shallow waters surrounding the un-inhabited shores of St. François is incomparable.

Indian Ocean permit are more and more common and offer all the challenges of their Atlantic cousins. Powerful triggerfish crunch crab patterns on the reef and flat edges. It may come as no surprise that more than 50 species of fish have been landed here on fly.

Bonefish

The bonefishing at St. François is as diverse as the fishery itself and will cater to all levels of anglers. Whether you are after tailing singles or mudding shoals, the guides have the ability to make it happen. St. François is reputed to have the densest population of bonefish recorded world-wide.

Trevally

St. Francois has seven species of trevally. The three most common are the brassy, bluefin and giant trevally. The brassy trevally grows to around 12lbs but gives an excellent account of itself on a 10-weight rod. It is slightly longer than the usual trevally shape which gives it tremendous stamina. The bluefin trevally attains 18lbs and when caught in the surf can be a real handful.

The giant trevally, or GT, is the real king, reaching weights of 150lbs. The biggest GT landed on St. François was taken by Vaughn Driessel and was estimated at 115lbs! 20 to 40lbs fish are commonplace and can be found cruising the flats in search of mullet and bonefish or on the edge of the reef.

Milkfish

At certain times of the year, milkfish feed on plankton near the surface and are then enticed to eat flies. They are incredibly strong fighters and the use of a skiff is necessary to land them. It is imperative to listen to your guide whilst fishing for these phenomenally strong fighting fish as the guides have the experience of landing and fighting these fish.

Other species

Over 50 species have been landed here so you never quite know what might turn up. Triggerfish, pompano and barracuda are among some of the other regulars.

Food and Lodging

The fishing is based from Alphonse Island Resort. This is a first-class resort, which is due to be re-developed, but which in the meantime offers a maximum of 12 rooms for the 12 rods. This comes with all the facilities of what was previously a larger resort.

Accommodation is in charming, thatched beach chalets with ensuite sunken baths and open-air showers. Each chalet offers single, double or twin accommodation.

For those worried about the creature comforts, each guest’s chalet is air-conditioned, has fresh bed linen and a selection of towels, bathrobes and beauty products.

To keep in touch with the outside world, chalets also have satellite television and a direct-access international telephone.

Guest can enjoy drinks and evening meals at the beach bar and restaurant or at one of the intimate tables set into the sand nearby.

Why we rate it

Alphonse offers the absolute best combination of superb fishing and quality accommodation anywhere in the saltwater world. It is well suited to non-fishers.

Price

Land packages (for Oct 2010-May 2011) are from $6,200 for a 7-night stay. Non-fishers $3,710.