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.