Trophy Bonefish: New Caledonia

Fly Odyssey has recently returned from an exploration of the Northern region of New Caledonia where rumours of huge bonefish have been circulating since the early 2000's and the discovery of the fishery by Dean Butler and Phillipe Loureux. New Caledonia is located in the Melanesian region of the southwest Pacific ocean. Fly Odyssey teamed up with Australian fly fishing guru and journalist, Peter Morse and UK author and TV presenter, Charles Rangeley-Wilson (Somewhere Else, The Accidental Angler) and spent 10 days fishing the flats of the Northern Province.



The New Caledonia bonefish fishery is quite unique. The remoteness and lack of population has ensured that fish stocks in the region are healthy and the bonefish unpressured. The average size of fish is big (7-9lb) with large numbers of fish exceeding 10lb. New Caledonia is a trophy bonefish fishery. We encountered good numbers of bonefish along with huge giant trevally and barracuda on the flats each day despite tough spotting conditions during our stay. The bonefishing was so absorbing that these other species were forgotten about. The bonefish tend to flood on and off the flats in small groups and staking out the points on a flat where bonefish would access and depart provided shots at bonefish that really got the adrenaline flowing. Huge green backs would appear from nowhere and quick accurate casts were required to attract their interest. Most fish were obliging if the presentation was right. Once hooked the bones would run hard and far, further than any I had encountered previously.



Each day we would reflect and compare notes on the fishery and each day we came to the same conclusion that there were some huge bonefish swimming around in the waters of New Caledonia. While New Caledonia is not a numbers fishery (don't expect 10 fish days) it certainly is for those who want to chase double figure bonefish. Between us we had over half a dozen for the 10 days and plenty of fish in the 7-9lb bracket.



I would love to explore the bluewater and reef opportunities for yellowfin and dogtooth tuna, sailfish and the huge Giant Trevally that inhabit the region but I know that whenever I head back I will be drawn to the flats of St Phalle and Balabio casting at the monster bonefish that feed on them.



For further information on New Caledonia or information on our 2008 trips to the country please contact: m.mchugh@flyodyssey.co.uk