Two New Maldives fly fishing destinations

With the popularity of the fly fishing program we set up at Dhonakulhi island in the Maldives we are excited to announce that we have now found two new destinations in the Maldives to add to our portfolio.

In mid July we visited two stunning resorts, Six Senses, Laamu in the South and Kunuhura in the North. Both these resorts provide unique luxury accommodation and have extensive flats systems nearby. We found all the usual tropical Maldivian species (bonefish, bluefin trevally, titan triggerfish and GT's). We even ran into several into-pacific permit (as fussy as there Atlantic relations).

There are some great deals to be had for the remainder of the year so if you are interested in a family holiday to the Maldives with some nice flats fishing nearby then please email us at enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 1621743711.

Some images from our recent trip below.

Iceland salmon season update: Huseyjarkvisl river

Just had a report through that the Huseyjarkvisl river is having its best season in many years. With 131 fish landed in the first 3 weeks of the season this looks to be a record year. This river is famed for it's two sea winter fish and with many of the fish coming to surface flies this makes for great fishing.

Some images of recent catches below. We have some last minute rods available if you would like a quick trip away to Iceland.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL US ON +44 (0) 1621743711 OR EMAIL: enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk

THE HUNT FOR A DOUBLE DIGIT BONEFISH, BAHAMAS WITH TOM FESTING

We had a number of anglers fish Swain's Cay Lodge in April on the hunt for big bonefish. Tome Festing of SPORTFISH has provided the following report of his experience.

Swain’s cay Lodge, Mangrove Cay, Andros, Bahamas

In April of 2013 I took a small party of rods to Andros, the sole purpose of the trip was to catch a Bonefish that would reach double figures in weight, Or, to at least see such a specimen. 

If your intentions are the same as ours, you will not be disappointed. Considering the weather conditions were not always in our favour, a day did not pass where we did not get a good shot at one of these legendary fish.  However do not kid yourself; they do not get to being a fish of a life time by being stupid. You could pitch your un-weighted shrimp at one fish giving it 20-30 ft lead and it still spooks. You ask yourself why, you turn to the guide who inspects your fly and you find that one of the rubber legs has twisted over another, making the movement un-natural. This seemed to happen more often than not. Saying that sometimes luck has to be on your side, you always have that window of opportunity!!! When it comes your way you need to be ready to take it. I personally was lucky and managed to sample the delights of two specimen Bonefish the first fish was estimated to be 10/11 lbs however the highlight was a fish estimated to be 14lbs. It measured 31 inches and produced a fight to remember.

 The guides were old hands at knowing where these brutes were holding up and at what part of the tide we should be fishing for them. The Lodge was very clean with great rooms and very friendly staff.

The party ended up with three double figured fish to the boat with Gareth Mitchell catching the third. Personally if your dream is a double then there can’t be too many other destinations that would beat Andros.

Tom Festing

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.FLYODYSSEY.CO.UK, CALL +44 (0) 1621743711 OR EMAIL: enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk

FLY ODYSSEY AT CLA GAMEFAIR 2013 - STAND KO670 FISHERMAN'S ROW

The CLA gamefair is fast approaching and we will again have a stand at the show. Dates for the fair are the 19th, 20th and 21st of July with the event being held at Ragely Hall near Stratford upon Avon. We have a number of people helping out on our stand this year including:

• Ian Cole, long time fishing guide from New Zealand.

• Paul Procter, one of the UK's finest trout anglers

• Jonathan Tomlinson from SPORTFISH, an expert on saltwater fly fishing tackle. 

We will have information on all of our destinations along with planned group trips for 2013/14. 

Our stand number is KO670 so please drop by to discuss upcoming plans for travel to any of our destinations. 

www.flyodyssey.co.uk

Saltwater fly fishing in Cuba : Client feedback

A great report from Duncan Goldsmith who joined us on a recent visit to Isle de Juventud aboard Perola.

Cuba June 2013

Just returned from my 4^th salt water trip with the Fly Odyssey team, and as in previous trips, the experience will remain imprinted on my fishing memories.

Every trip I learn more about the challenging environment of salt water fly fishing, more than books or dvd’s will ever teach you, but the more you go, the more you discover beyond the fishing.

During our week in Cuba I was fortunate to fish with several other members of the team and during conversation, one of the common points that came up,was that fishing with like-minded guys, meant everyone derived an enormous pleasure in seeing their boat partner for the day landing a fish or suffered with them the agony of losing one. I think it comes from the common understanding of mastering the challenge. Presenting the fly and then not lifting the fly from the fishes mouth at the crucial point instead of sticking it like you should have done, and told everyone you did ( I think the video footage revealed a world of lifts instead of strip strikes! ). Wondering whether that fantastic knot actually had the line going the right way through the loop, or the wind was from the wrong side – we heard it all, we said it all and we understood when it went wrong for the other guy as it did for all of us.

But then we felt the exhilaration for the other guy when he got it right, and finally held his prize up for the camera.

Suddenly, I realised that fishing alone is great, but fishing with such a like-minded group in such a special place added more.

And Cuba is special. The area we fished was deserted. Not just quiet, but devoid of presence.  You felt privileged to be there, as if you were fishing your own part of the world. You might think that means the fishing was easy. Well I couldn’t comment as someone with a wealth of salt water experience, but I think the general feeling from our group was that there were ample chances at worthy adversaries! But isn’t that what you want? Okay we found willing bonefish, but they weren’t all easy, and my personal best was a thrill. I found the variety of species as good as any where I’ve been so far, but I don’t think we scratched the surface.  To be honest, we all concentrated on the tarpon. 

I think the group had around 27 boated with over 40 jumped. There were plenty of fish in the 20 to 40 lbs class with a few bigger ones landed and lost. Its difficult to explain how you can lose a fish but still be happy. To survive the guides barrage of well-meant information, make a cast that you know you are capable of but don’t always, deliver under pressure, miss the mangroves, don’t wrap the tail round the hook etc etc etc, and then actually hit the fish hard as you know you should, only for it to fall off after a few jumps, well, hey do you know what, sometimes it was just great……

The guides were fantastic. We were blessed with 3 very different characters who, by the end of the week, had become good friends with the party, and they certainly put us on the fish.

For the week we were based on Perola, an old German luxury yacht, built around 50 years ago, and perfect for our trip. Comfortable and cool cabins, with plenty of storage for the gear, a spacious deck area to enjoy meals and the sun set, and an attentive and professional crew. The food, mainly fish based, was exceptional. Diving with the crew to help gather the lobsters was an added bonus.

And the fishing? It’s a mix of flats, reef and mangrove. All stunning, and each with its own challenge, offering endless variety. I had set myself the goal of a decent fly caught tarpon. A proper fish that jumped and screamed off into the distance. 

I came away with that memory and a lot more. Tarpon, bonefish, jacks, barracuda, and more, all on the fly.

Cuba is a very special place to fish, and to enjoy its challenges with such a great group of anglers seeking the same thrill just adds to the experience. To sit and relive the day with a cold beer or two, look at the pictures as the sun goes down and east fresh fish and lobster, that’s great fishing.

Thanks to the team Fly Odyssey.

Iceland Paul Procter report: Big Laxa and Reykjadalsa rivers

Paul has sent through a brief report and some pictures from our most recent hosted trip to Iceland. We will be up there in August exploring some new water. For trips to Iceland with Paul in 2014 please get in touch.

2013 Iceland Report

Our annual pilgrimage to Iceland started under a cloudless sky with daytime temperatures soaring well into the 20s.  Blessed with light winds, dry fly fishing on the mighty Lax equalled that of anywhere in the World.  Huge trout, poking their noses through a calm surface to meet tiny midge is a spectacle in itself which I’d urge everyone to sample at least once.  Thankfully the long, hard winter had made these fish hungry, so they weren’t too choosy when it came to taking our flies.  Although the naturals were best copied on a size 18 hook, fish seemed more than happy to snaffle our size 14 imitations.  Hooking them is only half the battle though as Iceland’s trout are extremely tenacious and defiant.  Yes, fish “smoked” us on submerged lava, but plenty were landed too and what trout, fat, strong specimens that contradicted their harsh environment!

Phase 2 of our adventure took us to the delightful Reykjadalsa, a modest sized stream set in a more fertile valley.  Considering its size this river produced some thumping trout with plenty of fish in the 2-4lb bracket.  Those long, flat glides were best tackled with fine leaders and small shuttlecock type patterns.  Where the pace quickened, we found obliging trout, which eagerly lifted to an elk hair caddis.  With Stjani Ben at the helm, as you’d expect our trip ran like clockwork.  Talking of which, given 24 hours of daylight, burning the candle at both ends can’t be helped.  Admittedly the wind did its worst to deter us, but our whole group of Bob, James Ian, Pat and Rob enjoyed an action packed visit with dry fly tactics winning the day.

   

Paul Procter July 2013 

www.flyodyssey.co.uk

Varzina River Lodge, Russia - Client feedback

Some words from Chris Ward after his regular week on Varzina River Lodge.....

Hi Mat,

Good to hear from you! It was a cracking trip thanks.  I think we had 75 fish for the week and I had 17 of them so no complaints from me.  There were a couple of blanks amongst the guests but everyone else seemed to catch.

I caught fish every day and in every pool.  Highlight of the week was an eight fish day on Drosdovka with a night in their tented camp (a nice contrast to main camp - very peaceful and rustic and a bit of an adventure)and a 17kg fish from Varzina, Big Falls....picture attached.

Overall I think things were fine.  We didn't get met by anyone at the airport until about 90 minutes after we arrived which was a bit of a shame.  We then had to wait ages for our chopper to come in due to bad weather. Not being met was a bit of a contrast with the other groups!!

The camp was in reasonably good shape and all the guides did an excellent job. There was some grumbling about the fishing rota because it was not published up front and in advance by Alex.  To be fair, I don't think this is because he is favouring the russian guests, rather, he is just trying to say yes to everyone which doesn't always work.

Overall, I had a great trip and Alex told me my big fish qualifies me for another 30% discount next year so I guess that's me signed up for another year!!

Thanks and speak soon
Chris

Iceland Big Laxa and Reykjadalsa River Report

Iceland brown trout fishing is growing in popularity in every year. This is for good reason. The quality of the fish matches those found in my favourite trout fishing location: New Zealand. Large, wild brown trout can be found and often feeding on the surface on the prolific midge hatches that occur. We have a large number of clients fishing Iceland for trout this year and our first group has just returned. Hosted by one of the UK's finest brown trout anglers this group spent 5 days fishing both the Big Laxa and Reykjadalsa rivers.

For a full report you can follow Paul Procter' Blog who will go into some detail the daily fishing experiences. It is well worth the read.

Some pictures of the trip below:

WE HAVE A NUMBER OF TRIPS RUNNING TO ICLEAND IN 2014 AND ALSO SOME LAST MINUTE AVAILABILITY FOR THE 2013 SEASON. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL US ON +44 (0)1621 743711 OR EMAIL: enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk

Varzina River Lodge, Russia: Season so far....

We have had two groups up on the Varzina River on Russia's North Kola Peninsula over the first two weeks of the season. This river has had it's ups and downs over the last few years. Fish numbers have been down and low water conditions have not helped. It seems the run of fish has been much stronger in 2013. While the early walking week was slow and hampered by unfavorable weather conditions week 2 produced around 80 fish. Regular Chris Ward having joined the 30lb club in 2012 (and a nice 40% discount on his 2014 trip) went one better landing this cracking fresh salmon of 117cm weighed in at 17kg.

Week 3 produced 110 salmon with 90% being 2 sea winter fish. With the weather warming up now the salmon are above the falls and the grilse run should arriving in large numbers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR GROUP TRIPS TO VARZINA RIVER LODGE IN 2014 PLEASE CONTACT US ON +44 (0) 1621743711 OR EMAIL: enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk

Fly fishing lodge, Casa Blanca Feedback: First Permit

The fly fishing in Ascension Bay is a consistent producer of Permit and a great place for first time bone fishermen. Two of our clients, a first time bone fisherman and his farther searching for a permit visited in late June.  Both aims achieved from a great lodge....

Hi Mat, the trip was great thanks – the team over there couldn’t have been more helpful. Andrea had arranged to fly us down late on the Saturday (even though the Virgin flight was a bit late and our bags were last off!) so we didn’t need the stopover at Cancun. Matt caught plenty of bonefish – key aim for the trip and also a number of tarpon down at the lagoon as a bonus. We were also taken for a days fishing out of Playa Blanca where I caught my first ever permit – my key aim! All in all fantastic thanks. 

Cheers J

                                Hooked into your first bonefish is an unforgetable experience.

                                And so is your first permit!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FLY FISHING IN ASCENSION BAY, MEXICO PLEASE CALL US ON +44 (0) 1621743711 OR EMAIL: enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk