Maldives Information Day Farlows, Pall Mall 20th December, 2011

On Tuesday the 20th of December we are pleased to be hosting a Maldives fly fishing day at Farlows, Pall Mall, London. This day is being supported by Island Hideaway Resort, Dhonakulhi Island and Fly Odyssey and will be showcasing the only resort offering fly fishing opportunities in the Maldives.

Fly Odyssey has helped to establish the only land-based fly fishing opportunities in the Northern Maldives at the barefoot chic resort on Dhonakulhi Island. The Dhonakulhi Spa, resort and Marina offers a range of luxurious accommodations to suit all budgets. This Maldives location is ideally suited to both the dedicated fly fishermen and also for those who wish to combine a few hours tropical fly fishing on a holiday with spouse or family. Our recent visit to the island resulted in good numbers of Bonefish to 6lb and Giant Trevally up to 45lb along with some of the best Bluefin Trevally fishing we have found anywhere in the world.

In store will be Gerrit Chng-Luchau representing Dhonakulhi Island resort and Spa. He will have brochures detail each of the luxurious rooms available on the island and will be able to discuss bookings for 2012. Mathew McHugh from Fly Odyssey will be in store to discuss tackle requirements and logistics for a trip to the Maldives.

To find out more about this new and exciting destination please come by the store from 10AM.

For more information please contact Farlows on 0207 4841000 or Fly Odyssey on 01621 743 711

Jonathan Tomlinson's Ascension Bay fly fishing report

Jonathan Tomlinson from Sportfish Reading has just sent through his fly fishing report from Ascension Bay, Mexico. Jonathan has now done over 10 weeks down in Ascension Bay so for expert advice on saltwater fly fishing tackle and the 'must' flies to have drop into Sportfish Reading....

Well it was that time of year again for our regular trip back to casa viejo Chac and ascension bay and what a trip we had. It has become the norm for us to take at least a 2 week trip as the lodge offers such good value for money and great service. The food is excellent and the portions are big, a great bar on hand and one of the best opportunities in the world to not only grand slam but super slam. In my opinion previous trips have highlighted that this part of Mexico offers the best Permit fishing in the world and this latest visit didn't fail to produce. The first of our 2 weeks saw 10 anglers hit the flats, the first 2 days gave us excellent conditions with cloud rolling in and out throughout the rest of the week making things tough at times. With such a variety of species to chase it was at times difficult to decide which rod to reach for but many opted for the 10 weights and permit flies. Tarpon, snook, bonefish and jacks to name a few all made big appearances.

Final figures on permit for the first weeks saw 7 permit landed with bones to 61/2lb with a sprinkling of tarpon and snook along with the obligatory barracuda!

The second weeks saw 4 go and 4 join the group keeping us at 10 and what a week we were set for. Excellent conditions with bright sunshine and little wind meant that even more time being spent chasing permit which turned out to be the the best decision. Permit we're seen all over the bay and shots were had almost at will at times. Several days anglers returned with more than one fish to the boat including a 3, 4 on 2 occasions and a gob smacking 7! The last day of the trip and a staggering 13 permit were landed with a grand slam for Geoff and a double grand slam for Mark.

Shark, triggerfish, ladyfish and Spanish makeral with a whole variety of jacks and snapper added to the list.

A massive total of 30 permit (to 28lb with 2 over 20lb), 12 tarpon, 15 snook (to 18lb) and some great bones of much bigger than average size than we would normally expect topping out at close to 8lbs.

If all the permit hooked or that ate had been landed god only knows how many we would have had, perhaps even as many as 50!

This trip once again has shown that if you want to catch a permit on the fly and are prepared to put the time in then there is NO place better in the world to go than Mexico's ascension bay. Grab your 10 weights and a box of creole crabs, Bubba Gump shimp's and Homer Shrimpson's and get your self on a plane!

Already Looking forward to our annually trip next year - get it booked Mat!!

All the best
Tomo

FOR INFORMATION ON OUR UPCOMING TRIPS TO MEXICO PLEASE CALL US ON +44 (0) 1621 743711, VISIT OUR WEBSITE or email us.

Espiruto Santo Bay Fly Fishing Report

Espiruto Santo Bay is one of the Yucatan peninsula's most remote fly fiashing destinations. Last week we had a group fishing out of Playa Blanca lodge which allows 6 skiffs to access this wonderful wilderness. The group had some extrodinary bonefishing and saw huge numbers of permit. 5 fish came to the boat using both conventional and un-conventional (funny story to that one) means. Fish of the week went to Kevin Pallet who landed a guide estimated 33lb permit. This resulted in the Permit first timers tequila and scorpion shot. Two other anglers also landed there first permit.

This now brings the NOVEMBER PERMIT TALLY for our clients to 39 PALOMETA!!!!

FOR INFORMATION ON OUR UPCOMING TRIPS TO MEXICO PLEASE CALL US ON +44 (0) 1621 743711, VISIT OUR WEBSITE or email us.

Permit Bonanza: 23 permit in a week!!

Fly Fishing Ascension Bay Report

Our clients have produced some unbelievable numbers of permit on fly this month down in Ascension Bay Mexico.

Jonathan Tomlinson returned from Mexico on Sunday after two weeks fly fishing in Ascension Bay leading two groups of fly fishermen with tales of some unbelievable permit fishing. A total of 30 permit were landed over 2 weeks, 23 permit landed last week including 13 in one day. Fish ranged from 6 lb to a fish of 28 lb with many in the teens. Jonathan will report in full in the near future but here are some images of some great fish.

PERMIT MONTHLY TOTAL = 34

Ascension Bay fly fishing update

Week 2 our our clients visit to Ascension Bay finishes with 7 permit and some memorable captures including a 60lb lemon shark on fly.

NOVEMBER PERMIT TALLY =11

UK photographer George Kavanagh was kind enough to share some of his images from their trip earlier in the month. Please visit his website as it is filled with stunning images.











Images copyright of George Kavanagh.

For more information about fly fishing in Ascension Bay Mexico please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Ascension Bay Permit fishing Update

A mid week update from our second group of 10 anglers in Punta Allen has reported 5 permit for the first few days with several clients landing their first ever permit.

NOVEMBER PERMIT TALLY = 9

Photos to come................

Fly Fishing report Ascension Bay, Mexico

MEXICO MONTH

We have a large number of fly fishermen (46 in total) traveling to Mexico throughout November to both Ascension Bay and Espiruto Santo Bay. We will keep a permit tally for the month so keep checking in on how each group fairs. The first group of 8 anglers arrived just after Hurricane Rina. The group was lead by Tom Festing of SPORTFISH who experienced Ascension Bay for the first time last year. The weather was still a bit patchy but did not hamper the fishing too much. The bonefish were willing and with the guides locating some new tarpon lagoons there was a great mix of species caught by all anglers.

And the permit tally for the end of week 1 was 4.

NOVEMBER PERMIT TALLY = 4



Photo courtesy of Mr Chris Bowling

Maldives website pages now online

You can read more about our Maldives fly fishing options and view a selection on images of the resort and fishing on our Maldives fly fishing webpage which can be found at the following links:

Fly Fishing Maldives

Fly Fishing Dhonakulhi island



For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Fly fishing in the Maldives

Over the years we have had many requests about fly fishing opportunities in the Maldives. We also get many requests for tropical holiday locations that are suitable for the family and non fishing partners as well as for the angler. Well, we have just returned from Dhonakulhi island in the Maldives and think we have found a location that offers much for everyone.



From the moment you arrive until the day you depart nothing is too much trouble. The island is one of the most relaxing locations I have had the pleasure of visiting. From the bar that sits over the water where each evening you can view the fish feeding, the two restaurant's with glass bottom viewing of the pristine underwater world, the unique butler service who will take care of any needs during your stay, and the huge variety of water sports (diving and snorkelling) and Spa facilities make this a special place to visit.



From a fly fishing perspective we spent 7 days exploring the areas around Dhonakulhi island in search of giant trevally, bonefish and any other species that would be on the radar of most fly fishermen. What we found was a first class trevally fishery with good numbers of Giant, bluefin and goldspot/striped trevally. On both sandflats and on the edge of reef trevally were a constant. Fishing the edge of the reef proved the most challenging. Daily we targeted giant trevally in the 40-100+lb range. Mornings produced excellent numbers of fish cruising the reef edge, herding the schoals of mullet and snapper hard against the reef. The fish proved more fussy than you would expect for giant trevally. Consistently they would charge the big 6/0 flashy profile fly's. A number of fish ate and one bust off on the coral but generally there would be a refusal at the last minute. Maybe we were fishing too heavy (130lb leader), or maybe just didn't have the right fly for the job but the fishing was as exciting as it gets and I look forward to getting back out there to try and unlock the secret to these fish because they were huge!!



The bluefin and striped trevally were found cruising the flats/beaches and sand islands in good numbers. These are great fish to target with a 7 or 8 wt rod and baitfish pattern. I had recently got hold of the new SAGE ONE saltwater 7 wt and it was a great stick to target these fish with.





Bonefish were high on our priority list and while there is a few reports of bonefish in the Maldives the information is quite patchy. While the habitat on the satellite images looked great you just never know until exploring new water what you will find. What we did find were good numbers of bonefish with a good average size of 4lb with the biggest pushing 6lb. The fish were generally found coming off the edges of the deeper channels up onto the sandflats.







On the same flats giant trevally would be found on the back of reef sharks or travelling as singles or pairs of fish. Early morning they would also be found cruising the beaches and angling writer and photographer Toby Coe managed this good fish of around 45lb.





One of the best parts of a stay at Dhonakulhi island is the fact that your family and children get to experience why we all love saltwater fly fishing so much.



For the week around 20 species of fish were landed on fly including those mentiones above as well as bonito, picaso triggerfish, coronation trout, various cod species and a solitary goatfish. According to the local diveteam based on the island Indo-pacific permit are also commonlu encountered in the lagoon and good numbers fo sailfish and dogtooth tuna are also found close to the resort. We will continue to explore the fly fishing opportunities at this location over the coming year and believe that we have only just scratched the surface.

In summary Dhonakulhi island (Island Hideaway) makes the perfect destination for both family and angler. For more information on fly fishing in the Maldives or if you are planning a family holiday to this part of the world please get in touch and we can help to tailor a package to suit your needs.

For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Iceland sea trout fishing- Huseyjarkvisl River report

We have just had Tom Festing of SPORTFISH and writer Toby Coe in Iceland ly fishing the sea trout river Huseyjarkvisl located in Northern Iceland. The guys landed just over 60 sea trout along with a couple of salmon, brown trout and arctic char for their 3 days fishing. We will put up a longer report shortly but below are some images of the fish they landed.

The sea trout season is best early and late in the season. We have rods available in April 2012 and also again in September/October 2012 which are the two prime periods for ocean fresh sea-run brown trout. Biggest fish landed in 2011 was a 93cm monster pushing the 20 lb mark.

If you are interested in fishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

SPORTFISH AND FARLOWS: SAGE ONE LAUNCH UK

We are please to be attending the Launch of the SAGE ONE rods in the UK. We have been invited by SPORTFISH and FARLOWS to be present for the launch of these rods. Events will be held at the respective stores on the following dates:

16th Septmeber, 2011 - FARLOWS, PALL MALL, LONDON from 9AM.
17th September, 2011 - SPORTFISH, READING from 9AM
18th September, 2011 - SPORTFISH, READING from 9AM

More information on the Sage ONE can be found here: SAGE ONE

At each store we will be on hand to discuss where and when throughout the world this new range of single handed rods from Sage will be best used. We will have information at hand on destinations such as New Zealand, Iceland, Chile, Argentina and many more.

For more information or to let us know that you will be attending one of these events please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Iceland Fly Fishing Report: Huseyjarkvisl River

US clients Glen and Tom recently returned from a multi-river trip to Iceland. The 'hitch' fishing on the Huseyjarkvisl proved a hit......

Thanks for putting together a great trip to Iceland! Here is the biggest fish caught in the first 30 minutes of the trip on the Brieddalsal. Perfect fish: soft take, three big runs and jumps and to the net on the second try. The Huesyjarkvist was really special with just two of us and Christian. Second picture is from there where fish took hitch and big jumps and runs on my 7 wt rod. I definitely would consider going back to Iceland and fishing with Chris. I have many fine memories and it will go down as a really good trip – especially the Huesjarkvist and Chris. I hope we can meet again on a future trip.





If you are interested in fishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Iceland Fly Fishing Report: Breiddalsa River

The Breiddalsa is still fishing well. A total of 583 fish have now been landed with an average weight of 3.9kg. Largest fish this season has been a 22lb fish. Jokla has passed the 200 fish mark. Client Paul Beasley had this to say about his trip....

I would like to thank you for my week's fishing at the Jokla and Breiddalsa lodges. I had an excellent time, with very good fishing, particularly on the Breiddalsa river. The organisation of the trip was first class, and my guides Hutti and Siggi were amoung the best I have had anywhere. I attach a few of the many photographs I took - there is a good one of Siggi with a 92 cm fish, which perhaps you could pass on to him.





If you are interested in fishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Client Report: Varzina Trout Camp

Just had some clients return from Varzina Trout Camp. I think the images and words sum up their trip perfectly...

salut Matt

it was FANTASTIK !!!

Pascal and me was very very very happy :

the trout camp
the guids and staff
trout
ambiance with russian clients

top of the top













Images copyright of Jean-Chrstophe Rouxel

If you are interested in fishing in Russia in 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Iceland salmon fishing: Breiddalsa/Jokla report

A record July in the North east of Iceland with our rivers surpassing previous July records. Have had the latest update from these rivers. Numbers of salmon for Breiddalsa has gone past 300 fish (80 fish better than any previous July) and for Jokla river past 100 fish even though this 6 rod river has been lightly booked. Both excellent starts to the season. A client of ours from the US managed an 18lb fish on the first evening of his first Atlantic salmon trip. Hopefully the strong run continues.

Some pictures below:





If you are interested in fishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Kalum River Lodge, British Columbia - 2011 Fishing report

Had a note from Kalum River lodge. Sounds like the fishing is starting to fire...

Hi Mat

We are having some great fishing on the Skeena and Kalum rivers. In the last week we have caught some superb Chinook and Sockeye Salmon. Our long time client Gerald Gumpert from Germany also landed a 20lb Steelhead shortly after arriving at the lodge. Gerald has been fishing the Skeena since 1987. First time guest, Dave Armstrong from Cambridge UK, landed 4 Chinook
salmon on his first day. The largest fish being 27lb. Dave continued to catch some respectable Chinook and Sockeye through
out the week. All of Dave's family and friends are anxiously awaiting his return this weekend for a wild salmon barbeque.



Everyday more fish are entering the rivers as well as the tackle breaking massive Chinooks. It is not unusual to hook salmon over 50lb at this time of year. Our lodge record is 73lb on gear and 65lb on the fly for Chinook Salmon and 30lb for Steelhead.
Kalum River Lodge anglers arriving next week will be targeting the big Chinook as this is prime time for these monster fish.




If you are interested in fishing in British Columbia in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for Pacific salmon, steelhead and trout to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

CLA GAMEFAIR 2011 Blenheim Palace

We will once again be attending the 2011 CLA GAMEFAIR which attracts over 140,000 people. The CLA Game Fair 2011 will be held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on Friday 22 July - Sunday 24 July.

For more information on the CLA gamefair please visit their WEBSITE.

We will be on stand K0914 which will include SPORTFISH/SNOWBEE/COSTA/FULLING MILL and FLY ODYSSEY all under the one roof in the main area of the world of fishing.

Please feel free to drop by and discuss any of your travel plans for 2011/2012. We will have information on fishing throughout the world including countries such as ICELAND, RUSSIA, NEW ZEALAND, ARGENTINA, CHILE, AUSTRALIA, SEYCHELLES, MEXICO, CUBA, BELIZE, CHRISTMAS ISLAND, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC. We look forward to seeing you there.

Iceland salmon report: Fly Fishing Huseyjarkvisl River

The Huseyjarkvisl river is a two rod river located in the Skagafjordur disctrict approximately 3 hours drive from Reykjavik. This is an ideal river for those who enjoy fishing the hitch. Reports from Stjani Ben our local guide in Iceland have the river fishing very well. Lots of big salmon in the river and the grilse have already started to move into the river in numbers. The fish below was one of a number of fish landed yesterday for a group learning the art of fishing the 'hitch'.



If you are interested in fishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Iceland salmon report: Fly Fishing Breiddalsa River

After 12 days salmon fishing on the Breiddalsa river in Iceland total catch is nearly at 150 salmon. This is a great start on this river that does not usually start to get strong runs until mid July. Most fish landed are multi-sea winter fish in excess of 8lb.





If you are interested in fishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

Iceland salmon report: Breiddalsa River

The Breiddalsa river in Iceland opened on the 1st of July and was off to their best start ever with 10 salmon landed. All were multi-sea winter fish in the 10-14lb range. The Breiddalsa is one of the finest rivers in Iceland for big multi-sea winter fish with the biggest caught in 2010 weighing 26lb. These early results bode well for the upcoming weeks and we will keep you updated on how the river performs.





If you are interested infishing in Iceland in 2011 or 2012 well have a comprehensive range of options for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and char to suit all budgets. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621 743711.

ICELAND SALMON SEASON BEGINS

Good reports are coming out of Iceland with several of the early starting rivers opening with good catches. The Nordura was one of the first rivers to open and a group fishing the river had 5 fish over the first few days. The West Ranga and Blanda rivers opened strongly ane reports from the guides at Breiddalsa is that there are big mutli-winter fish already upto the Beljandi fall. The Beiddalsa will open on the first of July and we will have weekly updates on the fishing.

If you are interested in joining our trips to Iceland we have a number of rods available in JULY and AUGUST, 2011 on Brieddalsa, Jokla and Laxa in Leirarsveit. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621743711.

REPORT: Varzina River, Russia Week 2 update

Varzina continues to produce big fish. This 17.7kg (117cm length) was landed on the first afternoon of the weeks fishing. A number of other fish over 9 kg also landed on the same day.



Copyright @ Varzina river lodge.

We will update further as the week progresses.

If you are interested in joining our trips to Varzina River, Russia we have a number of options in JUNE/JULY 2012. For more information please email us or call on +44 (0)1621743711.