The Milkfish is the only living species in the Chanidae family, distributed in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean; it’s commonly found in tropical offshore marine waters around islands and along continental shelves, in depths of 1m to 30m. They can live for up to 15 years and grow to a maximum size of around 30lb; however, the all-tackle IGFA record is a monster of 43lb 7oz, caught in El Salvador, Central America. The average is around 6-7lb.
Generally feeding on algae and small invertebrates, they’re one of the most challenging fish to catch and amongst fly anglers, often referred to as the fish of a thousand casts. They have built a reputation as being equal, if not harder to catch, than the Permit. Some might ask, why bother if they are that hard? Well, it’s all about the challenge and the fight; imagine a Bonefish and Tarpon combined, and you have all the fighting capabilities of a big Milkfish. Their torpedo-shaped body and the sizeable V-shaped tail has earned them the name “Forked devil”, not only do they run hard during the battle, they frequently jump throughout.
Predominantly found on shallow flats, they are usually seen in small pods cruising over algae patches with their tails protruding out of the water as they feed on the bottom, making them easy to spot but no easier to catch. Tiny yellow and green coloured flies, imitating floating weed, will give the saltwater fly fishing angler the best chance of hooking into one.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Milkfish Fishing.
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 miss at any cost.
Astove Atoll gives six lucky anglers each week the exclusivity of one of the wildest, most rugged atolls on the globe for a wide range of saltwater flats species. This is a wild, secluded and remarkably remote small-scale destination for anglers seeking adventure and a unique fishing experience not to be missed.
Fly fishing Oman's vast coastline allows anglers to catch many different species that inhabit the Arabian sea and for many years it has been making fly anglers dreams come true. Our guides have a huge amount of knowledge regarding fly fishing for the different species and have played a huge part in pioneering some of these.
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.
Alphonse Island needs to be experienced to be believed. It's famed for its world-class saltwater fly fishing for numerous flats species, quiet picnics on secluded beaches, sunset cruises with loved ones, mesmerising encounters with marine life and blissful pampering treatments all set within some of the most picture-perfect surroundings on earth.
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.
Nubian Flats is home to some of the best saltwater fly fishing available with miles of untouched and unspoilt areas to explore. Previously these waters were inaccessible until now. With our partners, we can now offer two liveaboard fly fishing operations, one in the north and a longer trip in the deep south giving you access to some of the most virginal saltwater fly fishing around.
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