Saltwater fly fishing has exploded in the last 30 years due to huge fishing magazine distribution of new destinations being available to intrepid anglers willing to travel further afield in search of many hard fighting fish. Each of these destinations has its unique plus points giving the reasons why anglers wish to travel there with their fly rod in hand. This article would turn into a book if we tried to account for all of the destinations that deserve mentioning.
Our Best Saltwater fly fishing destinations
Because there are just so many different destinations from the flats of the Seychelles to the sands of Cuba, we are regularly asked destinations we would recommend, so we have chosen a few of our best saltwater fly fishing destinations below.
Cosmoledo Seychelles
One of our highly regarded salt water fly fishing holidays is Cosmoledo which is over 500 miles south-west of Mahé. This destination has world-class flat fishing with some of the best guides in the game. If it’s Giant Trevally fishing you are interested in then Cosmomoledo has fantastic stocks of big fish that readily charge and eat the fly in knee deep water on stunning white sand flats. It isn’t just out of this world GT fishing that Cosmoledo has to offer but it also has stacks of big Bluefin Trevally, Milkfish, Moustache Triggerfish, Yellowmargin Triggerfish, Bonefish and Indo-Pacific Permit all readily available to the fly for those looking for a grand slam!
Providence Atoll Seychelles
Another Seychelles destination that is in a class of its own and also a good bet for multiple shots at huge Giant Trevally is Providence atoll. This destination is considered the largest fishable coral atoll in the Indian ocean and because of this, it allows areas to be regularly rested. Perhaps the most significant species, other than the GT, is the Bumphead Parrotfish of Providence due to their huge proportions.
Belize
Belize is another favourite of ours for saltwater fly fishing, and it is well known as a world-class fishing destination. Visitors to this beautiful country can experience fishing for the “Big 3”: the prized Bonefish, Tarpon and the elusive Permit. There are some fantastic lodges to choose from like El Pescador Lodge and Turneffe Flats which when you look at all the other non-fishing activities they also offer. You can soon see why they are very popular with anglers who wish to take along their families.
Mexico
Aside from some amazing fishing, Mexico offers probably the best value. With easy flights from the UK and terrific rates, it’s a favourite destination for many first-time saltwater anglers. Ascension Bay in Mexico is ranked as one of the top fly fishing destinations for beginners offering Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and Snook. We have so many happy customers returning from this destination it is a real testament to the fishing and services provided by the lodges outfitters.
Christmas Island
Christmas Island offers lots of species for the first time angler, there is everything from Bonefish through to Giant Trevally’s, This largest coral atoll in the world is home to vast shoals of Bonefish in the ranges of 2lb to 4lb. These fish are perfect for beginner saltwater fly anglers. For the experienced fly angler, the opportunity to cast your fly at large Bonefish over 10 lb also awaits. For the experienced fly angler keen on the challenge of Trevally, (Giant, Golden, Blue Fin, and Striped) our guides are highly skilled in their pursuit, They have been fishing and guiding these flats for many years.
Cuba
For many years one of the most unspoilt saltwater destinations worldwide has been the fly fishing in Cuba. The saltwater flats offer numerous opportunities for fly fishing anglers for Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and Snook. At certain times of the year, the migratory Tarpon comes into the channels and flats providing fly fishing anglers multiple chances at Tarpon well over 100 pounds on the fly. Fishing in Cuba is available both – on the north and southern coastlines and some remote islands Cayo Largo and Isle of Youth.
Sudan
Sudan was once one of the largest states in Africa; however, in July 2011, it split into two countries after the people of the south voted for independence. The government of Sudan gave its blessing to an independent South Sudan. Sudan is known as a unique dive centre for many years with the rich and diverse Red Sea. This same Red Sea started to attract anglers back in 2013, as tourism is relatively small, finding places to stay or base an operation suitable for fishing was hard to find. With the introduction of liveaboard motherships for both diving and fishing, a whole new world opened up. It was possible to reach and explore virgin Sudan fly fishing territories that had never seen any anglers, resulting in Sudan becoming a hot new destination for saltwater fly anglers. Our Nubian Flats destination now gives you full access to these waters, check out all the details.
Tight lines,
Peter
Contact Us
If you have any questions on the above destinations or would like to enquire about a fishing trip, you can contact our experienced fly fishing team, who will be happy to help you on 01603 407596 or by emailing peter@sportquestholidays.com. For those of you who would like to see the action at any of these lodges, take a look at our dedicated Saltwater Fly fishing playlist.
