New Caledonia: Cast Away

There is a fantastic article on New Caledonia, its people and its bonefish in The Independent newspaper today written by Charles Rangeley-Wilson who accompanied myself and Peter Morse in search of the large bonefish found in the region in September 2007. You can read the online version here.

I will be updating the special offers page early in the New Year on a hosted trip that Peter will be undertaking for us between the 31st and 7 August 2008.

Hosted Trip Report: Ascension Bay

Have just returned from a hosted trip down to Ascension Bay. What a fantastic fishery that remote part of the world is. The bonefishing was exceptional with large numbers of tailing fish in ankle deep water. The group was made up of first time bonefishermen and they managed 30 fish on their first days bonefishing chasing the nervous water and tailing fish in the mangroves. As the week progressed we found individuals and pairs tailing on the lee side of the many islands in the bay and beach flats that really tested your casting and fly choice.



We spent a fair amount of time chasing Permit and saw in excess of 20 fish for the week ranging in size from 10-30lb. You inevitably had a couple of shots per day at Permit. Our best day was seven shots for two fish to eat but unfortunately the hook didn't stick. These fish make you weak at the knees and will draw me back year after year. The guys managed 9 different species for the week including tarpon, barracuda, snook, jacks and trippletail and all were well pleased with the hospitality, quality of the food and accommodations.



Here are some thoughts from Mark on the trip......

"Just like to add , that the place we stayed was brilliant. Food was just off the scale, good crack in the evenings over dinner and a few beers and margarittas, which was so cheap I had to pinch myself. And most of all the organisational aspect was second to none, from the time I was picked up at my house to when I was was dropped off a week later (sadly) it was a smooth and clockwork like run ship. So thanks Matt, your a star mate. See you in Hollbox in May, this time the 12wts will get stretched to the limits."



Punta Allen has been devestated by hurricanes over the past few years and really needs the economic input from foreign anglers to support the local economy and guides co-operative. The road down there has just been re-graded and is now better than ever and took only 3 hours from Cancun. Fly Odyssey is organising another trip for May/June to coincide with the Tarpon, Mahi Mahi and Sailfish migration and this will add another dimension to the fishing available. Cost will be £950 p.p and includes 6 full days guided fishing, transfers, 7 nights accommodation, breakfast and lunches. For more information please email me.

Kokonga Lodge

Sometimes with a non fishing partner it is difficult to find a location that allows time on stream and options for them.
This weekend was the first one home for me, for a while, and my partner and I decided to stay at one of our own lodges, located in the heart of some magnificent central Otago countryside.
Fishing opportunities abound in this area but it is also the opportunities to visit stunning gardens, bike the Rail trail, go curling, pan for gold, check out museums ... you get the idea, that make this area of the South Island special.
Staying with Dorothy and Malcolm was a real pleasure and we were treated to wonderful wines, cuisine and company! The lodge is situated right beside the Taeiri river and the many ponds and dams of the Maniatoto were within a short drive. Do contact me if I can help plan a trip with your non fishing partner in mind and it is with quality accommodation, as on offer at Kokonga which will make your stay extra special.

Report: Las Salinas, Cuba

Las Salinas is a shallow flats fishery situated on the Zapata National Park on Cuba's south Coast. Las Salinas is a fly only fishery and is limited to 6 anglers per week helping to ensure the quality of the fishery into the future. The nearby Rio Hatiguanico provides fishing for Tarpon, snook and snapper. Have just received an email from clients Simon and Richard from the UK and it sounds like they had a fantastic time...

Hi Mat

The trip went really well. The organisation was flawless – apart from the return Virgin flight running two hours late.

The hotel is a bit basic – but there is food and beer (and some wine, but we drank them out of the red). The food is simple. The alcohol is cheap - $1.25 a can, $6 for a bottle of wine. The Salinas flats have a lot of good sized bones. Best day was 13 fish, but had perfect conditions. A better angler would have had 18! We averaged about 7 per day each – was windy and a bit cloudy a couple of days. Average fish size was high – many over 4lbs and up to 8+. But Salinas is bones only. Saw 1 permit.

The river is different. You need a sink tip (I had a 300grain rio which was perfect). Lots of small tarpon at this time of year (easy to hook up 20 in a day) plus snook and snapper. Also some larger fish (saw 80lb + roll).

Regards
Simon

For more information of Las Salinas and prices for this affordable Cuban destination please email me.

Hosted Trip Southland

It was great to have Cam from Australia with us for the last week. 2 days guided and the rest hosted, we had an awesome time!
I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Hosting the last couple of weeks

Well a couple of weeks have passed since my last post and in that time we have hosted friends from the US and made new ones from the UK.

A couple of weekends ago I took friends John and Danny out on a local stream and we had a day of almosts. 8 hookups for only 2 landed were not great odds and some errant nylon took the blame. I like the triple surgeons knot when connecting nylon/flouro and use an improved clinch to the fly. There are a couple of other really good knots out there and I am looking at one called the 40/20 or suchlike. That Saturday night I spoke in Queenstown at the Wakitipu Anglers Club annual dinner. What a great event and thanks to Chris, Mark and Duncan for inviting me and treating me to a great night out. The next day I managed a few lovely fish on the dry but admit a little snooze under a willow tree, helped with excesses of the night before. I hear Chris, John and Ronin headed for the hills and managed to land a very nice fish of 7lbs.

This last weekend was once again plagued with WIND. The usual spots were once again called upon and did not disappoint. Having 10 years of diary entries and some local knowledge of the topography goes a long way to ensure windy days can still be enjoyed. The prevailing wind in Southland is often from the NW in spring. The significant memory of my Saturday was breaking or losing of 9 fish in a row. The poor old 10th fish didn't stand a chance and I brought him in quickly with 7lb nylon! I then wondered why I wasn't using that strength tippet right from the get go!!?? I do believe we sometimes fall into the trap of using light nylon when in fact we can use much heavier tippets.

I fished Sunday with Robbie, Olly and Malcolm. Nicer guys you couldn't find and we had a blast learning NZ techniques, improving our casting and line control. We managed several fish in the bargain and they got to see first hand some of the exceptional backwater fishing on the Mataura. Guys it was a pleasure to fish with you and I know you will take those techniques back home and slay them.

Today Cam (aka Gumwah) arrived from Australia and he has just left for Southland with Robbie McPhee, our backcountry guide. He will stay in Lumsden at Trout cottage and I look forward to joining them on the weekend to hear their tales of big fish.

Fly fishing for Pike

Fly fishing for Pike has become a popular pastime in UK and European waters. With the mainstream fly fishing publications dedicating pages to techniques and tackle for fly fishing for pike, anglers have taken to casting flies at these aggresive freshwater predators. But did you know they could be caught in saltwater? In the waters of Gotland, Sweden there is an interesting project being undertaken by Per Jobs of Fish Your Dreams that is being funded by the EU into the movements of Pike in the inshores waters of Gotland.


Pike here are found feeding on the shallow sand flats and make for an interesting sight fishing prospect. Fly fishermen are an integral part of this project with Pike caught being tagged by the accompanying guides and returned and hopefully at some stage recaptured to generate data on their movements and growth rates.


If you would like to participate in this project and fish the waters of Gotland for their saltwater pike then please email me for more details.

New Destination: Argentina

We have just bought online a range of fly fishing travel options to Argentina. From Fly fishing for huge sea run brown trout on the Rio Grande out of Aurelia Lodge to drifting the streams of Northern patagonia or experiencing the power of the warm water dorado we have a trip to meet your needs. We can tailor a specific journey experience the best Argentine fly fishing. For more information visit the Argentina webpage or email me.

Southland streams and the ZXL

Well it was wonderful to have a weekend without the dreaded wind! Winds last month were measured to 150km around Mossburn and no wonder they have just put a windfarm in down there! It was time to get down and dirty with some "paddock" fishing. Southland is blessed with some amazing trout fishing and we consider any stream or river worthy of a name, as having enough water to carry a fish or two.


I took the 6wt 9ft ZXL for another spin and it was a lot more rod than I normally would have chosen for this waterway. By choice, I would normally choose an 8 or 8'6 rod in 4 or 5 wt. I was pleasantly suprised by the subtlty and small stream fishability of this ZXL! In a burgundy hue, the rod is finished with immaculate cork and a small cigar grip. Generation 5 technology has not made this rod significantly lighter, in my opinion, than the original SLT. However, it is a light rod with a "softer" feel than the Z Axis but a positive butt section with fish on and plenty of power to push even a coneheaded streamer to the other bank. Accurate and responsive would be other terms that come to mind. I feel it has the ability to cast with just the leader out, which I had to do numerous times, and as the day wore on and I needed to push out longer casts it was capable of pushing out 60ft with ease and delicacy. I own plenty of rods and tend to favour a slower action. This rod suits my style of fishing and many of the streams and rivers down here in NZ. I'm in no hurry to return this ZXL as if you could only own one rod, this may be the one. Then again I want more than one rod so will be trying the 8'6 5wt next!!



We had plenty of opportunity to catch fish over the weekend. A few anglers about apparently but we saw no one and certainly no footprints. Access was just up from the bridge and we had leisurely starts both mornings. The fish were caddissing and this is one of my favourite flyfishing opportunities! Tailing trout scudding along the bottom and giving their positions away with flashing sides. We landed a bakers dozen on the first day and fishing further upstream the next day , put 1 shy of 10 in the net. How many busted us off or were missed on the take was anyones guess but lets say plenty! I had one take a streamer walking back to the car and my mate said the nylon crack sounded like a rifle shot.

It was certainly more challenging on Sunday as the day was brighter and accuracy and presentation were paramount. It was nice when a few duns came off mid morning and this lasted till about 3 or 4 in the afternoon, before the wind picked up. The fish were in amazing condition and although the biggest we landed went only 5lbs, several hogs were spotted but eluded us. Just 2 days of exceptional fishing and it looks like the season is really underway. Reports from other rivers such as the Waitaki and tributaries are all positive and it looks like another bumper!

British Fly Fair

It was great to see a huge turnout for the British Fly Fair over this past weekend. Thanks to all who stopped by the Fly Odyssey stand for a chat and hopefully we will see you on one of our fly fishing adventures. Here are a few photos of some of the great creations from the hugely talented group of fly tyers who attended.

NZ Albacore capture

A 19kg Albacore was recently captured on fly by a recent client of New Zealand based guide Nik Mathiesen. It was Cameron's first ever capture using fly gear in saltwater and is a magnificent acheivement. It is believed to be the biggest Albacore caught on fly in NZ. Well done guys.

NZ Diary: Early season

Simon Chu will be providing a diary of how his New Zealand season progresses. Here is the first installment........


The New Zealand trout season is now well underway, with most of the high country rivers and stillwaters open after the weekend. Our weather down south has been a little unsettled and a few anglers would even say it has been windy!

Still no problem for those in the know and anglers that have fished with our local guides have always managed success. The last few days I've been managing the number one flyshop in New Zealand (Stu's flyshop www.stusflyshop.com) and met many anglers who are struggling (including locals!!) but with the right flies and good advice almost all have found some clear water and cooperative fish. Good raingear, an ability to deal with the wind and a positive attitude will be rewarded with some lovely trout. To date, my best day has been on a quiet little spring creek where 7 fish to 5 lbs came to the net all taken over a 2 hour period through the mid afternoon hatch.

Next week I will be chasing some of the big resident browns in one of our coastal rivers. Rumors are about that the whitebait season has been good on the west coast and some big guys have started moving about, in the estuaries. Once the Mataura settles down a little from the recent rains and snowmelt, the mayfly hatches will be impressive and with light pressure on all our rivers so far, I'm looking forward to some topwater action!

I will shortly post a review on the new Sage ZXL 6wt, as its been my go to rod over the past couple of weeks.
Till then, tight lines!
Simon

Alaskan Adventure - Part 1 Steelhead

After a couple of days floating the mighty Kenai River, steelheading on the Alaskan peninsula was something I had been looking forward to. I had always thought of steelheading in the same manner as fishing for Atlantic Salmon. Traditional wetfly methods, skating dries, double handed rods and many casts between fish. How wrong was I on all counts!

My good friend John and I took the opportunity to fish for 3 days on the rivers running into Cook Inlet. As we drove to our first river around 6 in the morning, he regaled me with stories of "11 steelies from 17 hooked" and 36inch fish. John had already spent several days fihsing the run and was desperate to return! Even the passing moose and spectacular scenery could not draw my mind from the fishing possibilities which lay ahead.



To say we scored might be an understatement. We finally tallied out at around 60 sea run rainbows (steelhead!) between us, with almost twice that many hooked. Our fish ranged in size from an impressive 25inch (5lber) to an incredible 38 inch fish we estimate at well over 15lbs! We both landed many fish over 30 inches and I measured at least 3 that I landed over the magical 36.



We were using nymphing techniques as opposed to a more traditional swinging fly and did not stay rooted to any one pool but worked all the water we thought might hold fish. We found pockets of fish and timed the tide push to catch bright chrome fish, with sealice still attached.



I have fished the hard fighting rainbows of the Tongariro here in NZ for many years but bow to the strength of those fresh searunners. These are some of the most incredible fish I have caught and I now understand the addiction which they bring. I did not count lost fish in Alaska but for steelhead I made the exception. The very best day we had, we landed 29 from 40 hooked. Not in my wildest dreams do I believe I may emulate that feat again but I am surely going to try.



Flyodyssey is returning in September 2008 to Alaska. The trip will involve a host and fishing with a guide. Several days will be allocated to floating the Kenai for large rainbows and Dolly Varden. Places will be limited so please email me as soon as possible to express your interest and secure a place. Alaskan steelheading is something you must experience!

Fly Odyssey at the Denver Show 2007

I was fortunate enough to be at the Denver Flyfishing Retailers Show this year. An awesome event it encompasses everything to do with tackle and the fly industry. Watch out for new rods from all the major manufacturers and even some from reel manufacturers!

Associated with Sage, I got to cast all of the new ZXL range and can honestly say I have found several of my new favourite all time rods! These rods will cast at all ranges beautifully and with accuracy, ideal for New Zealand's spooky browns!

I was really pleased to catch up with Zach Mathews from the Itinerant Angler, with whom I podcast earlier this year on fly fishing opportunities in New Zealand.


Going to international events such as this and staying abreast of the most recent developments in the tackle industry, has allowed me to be better informed with best buys and top gear for all things flyfishing. Check out the American Angler magazine website who took the time to video all the stall holders to see all the latest developments.

New Zealand: Turangi August 2007

Once again, several good friends and I spent a week in Turangi, New Zealand, fishing for the winter running rainbows of the Tongariro.This year there was a lot of talk of smaller running fish but more of them and this seemed to be our experience over the week. Plenty of fish and right throughout the river!I fished a new rod this year. A 7 weight 11ft Sage Z Axis "switch rod". It was perfect for the weighted flies and long deep nymphing drifts essential for success on the river.


The Delta didn't fire for us, as it has in previous years, but of course up river made up for that and if was a pity we never made it to the Tauranga Taupo, but I understand it too was fishing extremely well.Over the period of the week, we caught plenty of rainbows and one brown. The best performing fly was the ubquitous "string fly" with a chartreuse head.

In 2008 we will be hosting a trip to Turangi, which will coincide with the annual Bledisloe cup rugby clash between Australia and New Zealand. Its going to be a great week of Rugby and running rainbows! Please contact me for more information on this trip, my thoughts on the new Z switch or tying instructions for the string fly. I look forward to hearing from you!

New Destination: Isla Holbox

Here at Fly Odyssey we are pleased to add Isla Holbox as an exciting new tarpon destination for fly fishermen in search of silver. Holbox is unique in that you can be fishing for 100lb migratory fish during the morning and chasing baby's in the mangroves in the afternoon. For those addicted to tarpon fishing this is one place you need to visit.



For moe information please visit our Isla Holbox webpage.

The trip of a lifetime - kingfish on fly in New Zealand

It took me four trips to New Zealand to finally discover the true gem of the country. I’ve fished a combined period of more than 6 months in the fresh in New Zealand and only 5 days in the salt. But my best memories and fly fishing experiences are definitely from my last trip in March 2007. I had the privileged to fish with my fellow Dane Nik Mathiesen who operates a successful guiding business out of Tauranga on the East coast of the North Island.
 
I was in New Zealand for 5 months with my family and in November 2007 we meet up with Nik and had 2 and a half days on the water just outside his new home in Tauranga. Nik showed me his local playground and I had the chance to play with his “toys” – that’s his collection of  #10-14 weight rods. Big guns that I only had seen in magazines previously. Nik did a brilliant job finding fish for me. It was a bit too early in the season for catching kingies but instead Nik put me on endless numbers of well fighting kahawai. A fish you just have to admire for the pure strength and stamina. Much faster and stronger than you would ever expect from a fish of that size – and on top of that – they are very beautiful too.
 
In March I had another shot and this time we were spot on for 3 full days. We still caught a good number of kahawai but this time the kingies showed up feasting on the poor kahawai. We landed fish up to 12 kg and was reefed a number of times with fish more than twice that size. It took me a few fish to get the hang of it. But once I’d put away my good manners and instead turned on the mean fighting machine in me  - then the kingies finally started to surface more frequently. Kingfish fight hard and dirty and if you want to bring them up you have to do the same and show them who the boss is. In my process of learning how to fight kingfish I had to suffer a broken #12 rod a couple of flylines lost and more than a few flies. But it was worth it all.  
 
Apart from all the kingfish and kahawai we also caught snapper, silver trevally and believe it or not a mako shark on fly - but thats another story...I have tons of  photo's on my lap top from the trip and I frequently look at them and they all remind me of the trip of my lifetime.
 
Am I going back for my fifth NZ-trip? You bet I am…and next time I'll leave my trout rods at home. I’m totally hooked on kahawai and kingfish on fly. Just bring’em on as the kiwis likes to say…
 
Claus Arnfeldt Andersen



For more information on saltwater fly fishing opportunities in New Zealand please email us at Fly Odyssey.

New Destination: Salmon and Trout in Iceland

We have just added our 2008 rates and dates for fly fishing in Iceland. The salmon, sea trout, brown trout and arctic char fishing on offer is some of the best in the world. Iceland offers a stunning setting of volcanoes, geysers, and rugged mountain backdrops in which to pursue salmon and trout. Rods on the salmon and sea trout beats book out well in advance so if you are interested in fishing Iceland in 2008 please email m.mchugh@flyodyssey.co.uk. or call +44 (0) 1621743711.



For information on rates and dates for 2008 please visit Fly Odyssey.

Orvis Clearance Sale

Orvis are currently having a giant tackle clearance sale with up to 70% off selected rods, reels, lines, accessories, waders, boots, clothing and luggage.

Follow the link www.flyodyssey.co.uk/ourpartners.html to be taken to the Orvis site and view all that is on offer in their sale outlet.

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

Fly Odyssey News

Welcome to the Fly Odyssey news page where we will endeavour to keep you up to date with everything that is happening in the world of fly fishing. This page will provide information on new destinations, client trip reports, and the latest developments in the travel and tackle world so please drop by regularly and join us on a Fly Odyssey. A sample of what is in store over the coming month includes:

• New Caledonia fishery update
• Impressions of the Denver Tackle Show
• Client Report: A Christmas Island odyssey
• Alaskan adventure
• New Fly Odyssey Destination: Argentina

Good fishing
Mat