INDIAN OCEAN RECAP
From Yellow Dog Flyfishing’s Bryan Gregson: I just returned from an inspiring fly fishing trip to Mauritius and St. Brandon's Atoll located in the Indian Ocean. It was an incredible journey; I never knew a place like that existed. The quest getting to the atoll is an undertaking. It’s certainly a trip for the diehard adventurous angler — it’s a long journey filed with many flights, numerous languages and one massive ocean crossing.
When you finally arrive and view the landscape, all the madness of the rigorous travel quickly fades away. There is no doubt to why Mark Twain said heaven was copied after Mauritius, it’s beyond stunning. The quality flats fishing to big bonefish is what draws anglers to St. Brandon’s. It didn’t disappoint, the tailing fish in shallow water was an incredible experience.
It’s a walk-and-stalk anglers paradise; the flats seem to never end and every day is an entirely a new scene. During the tide switch the ever-so-aggressive bluefin trevally are an amazing fish to target. They have lightning speed and they know how to use the momentum of the surf to their hunting advantage. Just watching them was impressive.
The guides worked hard to take full advantage of the good tides every day; grabbing an early breakfast and leaving at first light to get you on to fish was not uncommon. They fish hard every day. Like any good guide, they are also great tiers and have very productive patterns.
I highly recommend anyone who might be going to pre-order a handful of proven flies before the trip. St. Brandon’s is a thriving ecosystem — a wild ocean safari of fish, animals and birds, many that I’ve never seen before.
You literally feel as if you’re in the middle of nowhere, which makes perfect sense, as you are in fact literally in the middle of nowhere! This was a trip of a lifetime for me and I enjoyed every moment. Hats off to the FlyCastaway team. Thank you for your hard work, showing me your amazing office and your hospitality!
Ready to cross St. Brandon’s off your bucket list? Call us at 800-777-5060 to help with your next adventure.
Yellow Dog Page ST. BRANDON’S ATOLL
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