Milkfish have become to be known as one of the hardest fish to catch on a fly. Milkfish often referred to as a fish of a 1,000 casts have quickly built a reputation equal if not harder than catching Permit. Some might ask, why bother, if they are that hard? It is all about the challenge and fight. Imagine a Bonefish and Tarpon combined and you have all the flights capabilities of a big Milkfish. Once hooked, Milkfish not only run a long way, they do greyhound jumps all the way.
Astove Atoll gives six lucky anglers each week the exclusivity of one of the wildest, most rugged atolls on the globe. This is a wild, secluded and remarkably remote small-scale destination for anglers seeking adventure and a unique fishing experience not to be missed... Read more
Alphonse Island needs to be experienced to be believed... world class saltwater fly fishing, quiet picnics on secluded beaches, sunset cruises with loved ones, mesmerising encounters with marine life and blissful pampering treatments all in picture-perfect surroundings... Read more
Fly fishing Oman's vast coastline gives anglers the opportunity to catch a multitude of the different species that inhabit the Arabian sea. Our guides have a huge amount of knowledge regarding fly fishing for the different species and have played a huge part in pioneering the targeting of some of these! A perfect destination for any small group wishing to experience the hospitality that this area is famed for as well as world-class saltwater fishing... Read more
Our famous hosted trips to Christmas island have become legendary, they offer you the best saltwater fly fishing along with world class popper, jig fishing. Combine this with light offshore trolling provides one of the most diverse fisheries in the world. A fishing adventure that should not be missed at any cost... Read more
A true paradise where one can wade and sight fish to an impressive variety of species such as, Bonefish, Trevally including the ferocious Giant Trevally, the finicky Permit, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish and Milkfish. Farquhar is best known for the sheer diversity of species it offers anglers fortunate enough to visit her shores... Read more
Providence is the final frontier! It is the largest fishable coral atoll in the Indian Ocean. The hottest and newest destination in the Seychelles for all fly fishermen, who have ever wanted to target huge GT’s and monster Bonefish. This Atoll ranks among the best fly-fishing destinations in the world... Read more
Name: Milkfish
Also Known As: Awa, Ava, Bangus
Scientific Name: Chanos Chanos
Description: Milkfish are characterised by their torpedo-shaped body and the large V-shaped tail that sets them out from other fish and earns them the name “Forked devil”. Milkfish have large eyes and a white underbelly which gave it the name Milkfish. The small scales that cover the distinct lateral line give the sides a silvery appearance while the top of the fish is normally olive green to blue. Milkfish are one of the few toothless flats species, their mouth has a slightly upper-facing jaw filled with rakers that are perfect for eating the algae and weed that they feed on.
Average Size: The Milkfish can reach sizes in excess of 30lb but the average sized is about 6-7lb.
Where To Catch: The Milkfish is a species that loves patrolling the saltwater flats of the Pacific and Indian oceans, these fish love to congregate together after a big spring tide on either a full or new moon making these tides the best time to catch them. When it comes to destinations to target the Milkfish there are many available for fly anglers to visit but the ones that we would suggest are the Seychelles, Mauritius and the world famous Christmas Island.
Fishing Methods: The Milkfish is not an easy beast to tame. These stunning fish are predominantly algae eaters, this does not mean you cannot target them whilst fly fishing though. By using very small flys of a green colour you will be imitating weed floating in the tide and trust me when I say that the Milkfish will hit these and hit it hard. You can also add egg imitations into these flies which will also attract the Milkfish to feed on these as these look like a valuable and tasty source of protein to the Milkfish.
