There’s no doubt that the Seychelles is one of the most exotic fishing destinations anywhere globally, and Farquhar is another Island gem in the Indian Ocean. Synonymous with the term’ fly fishing paradise’, it’s one of the finest and most productive flats destinations on offer for the travelling saltwater fly fishing angler, and it may well be the most diverse fishery on the planet – few could argue.
Situated over 700 kilometres southwest of the main island Mahe, the Farquhar atoll is the most southerly of all the Seychelles islands. The bulk of its landmass it’s made up of two large islands, the island of Goelette in the south and a group of islands called Tros Iles in the north. While the total landmass of the atoll is only seven and a half square kilometres, the entire area is 170 square kilometres, thanks to the vast lagoon and endless flats, channels and reefs.
The atoll is inhabited by only a small population of local Seychellois, who provide the human resources to manage the airstrip, care for and maintain the installations and make it possible to supply the fishing lodge and sustain a high level of comfort for guests in such a remote location. It’s this remoteness that has, however, preserved an incredible saltwater fishery. Indeed other than the handful of lucky fly fishers that visit the atoll every year and a reduced number of locals, the atoll’s waters are virtually untouched. For saltwater fly fishing in the Seychelles Islands, the Farquhar Lodge offers an unforgettable world-class experience.
The vast ear-shaped lagoon of Farquhar provides easy access to the countless flats, channels and surf zones which make it such a diverse fishery. Consisting of hard white sand, turtle grass, and broken coral, eye-watering numbers of fish call the waters in and around the atoll home. Farquhar Lodge is undoubtedly best known for the sheer diversity of species it offers to anglers.
The Bumphead Parrotfish are a favourite. These powerful tailing fish are one species the islands is famous for and shoal in numbers between five and thirty; they can often be seen from miles away when waving their big blue tails in the air. The Bonefish stalk the edges of the white sand, in between the colourful and charismatic Triggerfish hunting crab. The Giant Trevally, or ‘gangsters of the flats’ as there known, charge around the reefs, looking out for anything they can inhale. The whole fishery in and around Farquhar Lodge is alive. Together with its diverse range of opportunities and scenarios, it creates a complete saltwater flats fishing experience for the travelling angler.
As well as the flats fishing, there’s also an incredible bluewater fishery. Just offshore from the atoll, the bottom drops off quickly, providing some explosive sport for species like Milkfish, Sailfish, Barracuda, Wahoo, Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, plus a whole host of other prowling predators. This offers the angler a chance to tick off even more species from their bucket lists.
In any saltwater fishery, guides are essential, perhaps even more critical than the angler’s skills, as it’s their eyes and knowledge that will put you onto the fish. Like all our destinations in the Seychelles, the guiding team at Farqhaur are world-class and feature some of the Indian Oceans best. Handpicked locally or from South Africa, each has amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience gained from years and year of fishing the waters in and around the atoll. Each is also a qualified skipper, has first aid experience and speaks English. Their passion and dedication is infectious, and rest assured, they will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime.
Whether stalking finicky Triggerfish, enticing, hooking and fighting huge Giant Trevally’s, targeting pods of tailing Bumphead Parrotfish or taking Yellowfin Tuna or Wahoos on the fly offshore, the team has the knowledge and communication skills required to give you the very best chance of catching.
Utilizing custom-built Skiffs and Pangas, specifically designed for fly fishing from Farqhaur Lodge and moving anglers throughout the fishery, the fishing team usually comprises of two guests fishing with a different guide each day. The fishing itself is a mixture of either wading, fishing from the skiff over larger areas inshore or from the Pangas offshore.
To find out more about Seychelles and the saltwater fly fishing from Farquhar Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
Each season the fly fishing from Farquhar Lodge is split into two parts. The first part of the fishing season begins in early October and runs through to late December. A mid-season break is then taken until the second half of February, as this is generally the time of year with the most unsettled weather. The second part of the fishing season runs from late February to early May. The operation shuts down from mid-May to the end of September for the monsoon season.
Weeks with full or new moons tend to be at a premium as the increase in tidal range and flow of water, in and out of the flats, benefit the GT’s that lie in ambush. Sometimes when fishing for the other flats species, the opposites may apply, as many of them form part of the Giant Trevallys diet. With the tides playing a massive role in the fishing, dictating where each species is at which time of the day, it’s possible to have many different ‘sessions’ at various locations within the same day. But the world-class fishing guides on the island know the area and fishery well and will plan and execute each day based on the tides, overall conditions and the species you’d like to target.
Over a typical six days of fishing, you should always experience a wide variety of conditions and scenarios. This variety is one of the significant attractions of fishing in the Indian ocean and the little gem that is Cosmoledo Island.
Farquhar Lodge was rebuilt in 2017 and took the form of a basic but comfortable guesthouse, catering for eight to ten anglers at one time. All guests stay in the fully air-conditioned main lodge with five twin en-suite bedrooms and a central lounge. All double-occupancy bedrooms are fully air-conditioned and spacious, with two single beds, bedside tables, mini bar, and coffee station. Each room also has a phone, and as of this year, there is also reasonably dependable wi-fi. The lodge features 24-hour electricity, air-conditioning, and a constant hot water supply. There is also full housekeeping as well as a daily laundry service available.
The old ‘house’ where all the rooms were is now an indoor dining area, bar, and lounge. The bar also faces onto the veranda, where there is an outdoor lounge. This undercover dining area overlooks the water’s edge with a magnificent view, forming an idyllic backdrop for breakfast and dinner. All meals are served around the outside dining area, with the chef preparing a mix of Creole and international food.
All mineral water and soft drinks are included in the price. The lodge has plenty of local beer for sale. Spirits and wine may be pre-ordered to ensure you have your preferred order. Alternatively, you may bring your own bottle of chosen spirits and wine.
All Farquhar Lodge trips are seven nights and include six and a half days of guided fishing. Because the island can only be accessed by a charter flight that runs once a week, all packages are fixed at one week in length.
The reason to make the trip to Farquhar is to fish. There is minimal infrastructure on the island; aside from wading the flats, walking the beach or snorkelling, there’s very little for the non-angler to do.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart UK (alternative routes available)
Arrive Dubai Depart Dubai
Arrive Victoria Mahe
On arrival, you will take a taxi to your hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Le Relax Hotel (Twin Room) B/B
You will take a taxi back to the IDC Hanger for your flight to Farquhar.
Depart Mahe
Arrive Farquhar
On arrival, you will then be transferred to the lodge. Once everyone has settled in, there will be a briefing from the head guide on the fishing at Farquhar.
Overnight Accommodation: Fishing Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
You will be up early and after a quick breakfast head out to the flats to fish the first tide. You will stay out on the flats for the whole day taking packed lunches with you. There is, however, an option to return to the lodge for lunch before heading out later that afternoon for the second fishing session.
Overnight Accommodation: Fishing Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
Each day you can wade and sight fish to an impressive variety of species such as, Bonefish, various Trevally species including the ferocious trophy sized Giant Trevally, Permit, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish and Milkfish. Fishing is based on two anglers per guide and boat. You can try for some of the deepwater species like Giant Trevally, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Grouper and Sailfish.
Overnight Accommodation: Fishing Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
In the morning fly back to Mahe.
On arrival, you will take a taxi to your overnight hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Le Relax Hotel (Twin Room) B/B
You will take a taxi back to the International Airport for your return flights.
Depart Victoria Mahe
Arrive Dubai Depart Dubai
Arrive UK
The season runs from October to December & February to May.
Season: Oct to Dec & Feb to May
Peak: Oct, Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 11lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: Oct to Dec & Feb to May
Peak: Oct, Dec& April
Weight: 1lb to 18lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: Oct to Dec & Feb to May
Peak: Oct, Dec & April
Weight: 5lb to 120lb
Average Weight: 32lb
Season: Oct to Dec& Feb to May
Peak: Oct, Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 2lb
Season: Oct to Dec & Feb to May
Peak: Oct, Dec & April
Weight: 20lb to 80lb
Average Weight: 37lb
Season: Oct to Dec & Feb to May
Peak: Oct, Dec & April
Weight: 12lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 14lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| Departing | Returning | Days | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/10/2023 | 30/12/2023 | 11 | £13,063 | Enquire Now | ||
| Birthday Special Save £1,100 off advertised price per person | Birthday Special Save £1,100 off advertised price per person | |||||
| 02/01/2024 | 27/04/2024 | 11 | £12,556 | Enquire Now | ||
| Birthday Special Save £1,100 off advertised price per person | Birthday Special Save £1,100 off advertised price per person | |||||
| 03/10/2024 | 30/12/2024 | 11 | £12,556 | Enquire Now | ||
| Birthday Special Save £1,100 off advertised price per person | Birthday Special Save £1,100 off advertised price per person | |||||
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
Our primary focus revolved around GT’s, Triggers, Bumpies but with Farquhar being Farquhar we could easily run into 100lb Naleon Wrasse, monster Barracuda, Golden Trevally and a host of others. I am pleased to report we found everything we were all looking for.
A special mention has to go to the guide team who took such good care of the whole group.
Wow Colin that sounds like a trip of a lifetime... Can you share some of the pictures.
Cheers Peter
What a perfect destination, first fished it back in 2013 and our group managed 17 landed GT's in the week. Since then we have travelled back and the numbers and quality of the fish have got better. As the guides have learned more about the destination, places to fish, tides etc our catch have increased.
Highly recommend this destination. John
James
That makes me jealous as you have been there many times now. Thanks for the destination review.
Might see you out there soon.
Regards Peter
I was lucky enough to visit Farquhar as a single angler and also fish with Gerhard one of the main men who runs this operation.
The lodge is basic but has everything any angler could want while staying on this stunning Atoll
The fishing was very mixed and varied for the whole week with lots of opportunities to be had, caught and missed.
Amazing fishing for GT's, bonefish and triggerfish. Although i did not venture offshore some of the group did and had amazing success.
A real fisherman's paradise and as about close to paradise as an angler can get.
Ian, thank you for the feedback and also taking the time to call me back
So happy that you had a good time and that you caught plenty of fish. It was really lucky that we could find you space right at the last minute.
I look forward in seeing some of the pictures.
Regards Peter
I found Farquhar and amazing place and the guides first class.
basically a first class operation.
James
Thank you so much for the destination review and your kind words.
Regards Peter
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