St Brandon’s, also known as Cargados Carajos Shoals, is an Indian Ocean archipelago found about 430 kilometres northeast of Mauritius; it’s a coral Atoll consisting of over 50 small islands, coral ridges, and vast sand flats and stretches for over 50 kilometres from north to south. The Atoll is one of the most remote, off-the-grid, untouched flats fishing destinations on the planet, incredibly rich in fish stocks, flora and fauna and often described as ‘the next frontier’ in the world of saltwater fly fishing. It’s a destination on the top of many anglers bucket lists.
Access to St. Brandon’s can be long and challenging; however, upon arrival, you will find a totally untouched and incredibly pristine ecosystem. When you take your first steps on the flats, it may feel like you’re the first person to do so, and in all likelihood, that’s because you probably are. It’s a true saltwater fly fishing wonderland with scattered islands, vast connecting sandbanks, flats of hard white sand and broken coral, all of which is the perfect habitat for all manner of traditional flats species.
For many years, anglers and tourists were banned from visiting St Brandon’s shores, but thankfully in 2014, this ban was lifted, and a small group of visitors are now permitted each year. Originally anglers were based on a live-aboard mothership, but thanks to a new programme put into fruition in 2016, a land-based guesthouse has been created on Raphael Island.
St Brandon’s Island fishing offers the saltwater fly angler a myriad of angling opportunities; the fish-rich waters of the Indian Ocean around the Atoll are home to prolific numbers of Bonefish, monster Trevally and wary Indo-Pacific Permit, to name a few. This magical Atoll has quickly risen to iconic status in the world of saltwater fly fishing.
St. Brandon’s has one of the most fantastic populations of Bonefish you will find anywhere in the world and can certainly offer some of the most spectacular Bonefishing you will ever encounter. On most tides, you can expect to see vast shoals of these shallow-water speed demons, as well as enormous singles and doubles. The largest Bonefish ever landed on the Atoll was an incredible specimen measuring 87cm, which according to studies, puts the fish in the region of 15lb.
As well as unbelievable Bonefish fishing, the Permit fishing is equally exciting. St Brandon’s is home to an abundant population of Indo-Pacific Permit. Fish ranging between 5lb and 15lb are common, and trophy fish to over 20lb get caught every season. All the Permit fishing takes place on foot and offers the angler the ultimate walk and stalk flats fishing experience; even though the fish are exceptionally wary, anglers can expect multiple hook-up opportunities per day.
The Giant Trevally aren’t what you’d call abundant on the flats of St Brandon’s, but each week you’re almost sure to get a shot at some real monsters. The fish landed each season on the island are of great average size; anglers catch more fish over a metre in length than what they do under a metre. Huge specimens of over 130cm get caught each year. As well as the GT’s there’s also Bluefin Trevally; although of a smaller size, fish between 15-20lb are average, they are a lot more abundant. Notable other Trevally species you can encounter include the Golden, Yellow Dot and Green Spot.
All trips to St Brandon’s Island fishing lodge get led by a team of world-class professional fly fishing guides made up of four young and highly energetic South Africans with over 15 years of experience in their profession. As well as guiding in the Indian Ocean, they have led trips and fished multiple venues across the globe. Each guide is a licensed skipper, qualified in first aid and experienced regarding all facets of fly fishing in the remote saltwater destinations of the Indian Ocean. Their passion and dedication is infectious, and rest assured, they will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime. Determined and easy to spend time with, their passion for the Bonefish, Permit and Trevally, which call this incredible Atoll home, make them a team you want to fish with. There are four guides when fishing in St Brandon’s, including one head guide, which allows two anglers per guide.
The boats used daily by the guides to access the flats are small 20-foot wooden ‘tenders’, based on the scenery of the Atoll. These are purely used for transportation, as the vast majority of the fishing is done on foot, wading. The hard white sand, turtle grass or coral flats make for easy wading, separating it from some of the other saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world; however, suitable protective wading boots or other such footwear is a must.
To find out more about St Brandon’s Island fishing, visit our YouTube channel.
With St Brandon’s Island fishing being so remote, we suggest that all travelling anglers take a comprehensive range of saltwater fly fishing tackle with them. Rods, reels, extra fly lines, and quality, heavy-duty wading boots are all essential. Single-handed 9-foot rods in 9 to 12-weights, smooth drag reels and a selection of tropical floating lines are all recommended.
However, if you prefer to travel without your tackle, then a quality range of 8, 9, and 12-weight G-Loomis Rods and Shilton Reels are available from the guesthouse if you’d prefer to rent your tackle. The guides also have flies available for purchase at the guesthouse, and pre-organized fly selections can be pre-ordered.
Originally, St Brandon’s Island fishing was a mothership-based operation; however, in 2016, with special permission, the Raphael Island Guesthouse was built. A spacious and centrally-located guesthouse, not overly luxurious, but simple, clean and comfortable, it can accommodate a total of six guests and now allows for a land-based operation for travelling anglers.
The guesthouse offers four twin rooms for sharing and two fully functioning bathrooms with showers, toilets and hot running water. Although basic, each room has space to store all your fishing tackle and personal belongings.
There is a central space used for dining and a social area used as a place to relax and share each fishing stories from your day and chat about the ‘one that got away with fellow anglers.
There are also new staff and guide quarters and a ‘saltwater mud room’ area with freshwater facilities located right at the boat ramp. This area provides the ideal location for guests to ‘boot up’ each morning and is the perfect place to rig, store, and clean all gear and equipment each day.
During your stay at St Brandon Island Fishing Lodge, the onsite chef will prepare a mix of Creole cuisine and international foods, including meat, pasta, fresh vegetables, and fresh seafood.
Although a selection of wine and spirits can be pre-ordered and pre-stocked and that all mineral water, soft drinks, and local beers are included, guests are more than welcome to bring their own bottled spirits.
All St Brandon’s Island fishing trips are ten nights and include seven days of guided fishing.
The reason to make the trip to St Brandon’s 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.
Once you depart Mauritius for St. Brandon’s, phone and internet service are non-existent. A satellite phone is needed if you want to call home or if the ability to communicate is a factor. The guesthouse is equipped with an emergency satellite phone which guests can use for an additional cost.
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 Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Mauritius
On arrival take a taxi to your overnight hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel (Twin Room) B/B
Take a taxi to Port Louis where you will find our support boat that will depart Port Louis. Try to be there at around 1 PM.
Cruise overnight.
The following day, once you have arrived at the resort and show to your room, the rest of the day will be free to relax
Overnight Accommodation: Onboard (Quad Room) F/B
Over the next 4 days you typically will be up early and after a quick breakfast, head out to the flats to fish the first tide. You generally stay out on the flats for the whole day, taking wholesome and tasty packed lunches with you when leaving in the morning.
Overnight Accommodation: Raphael Island Guesthouse (Twin Room) F/B
The flats, as a rule, are absolutely huge. It is not uncommon to spend the whole morning walking a flat, only to realize, you have only covered half of it. Spend your last two days wading and sight casting to double-figure Bonefish on powder white sand flats or hunting monster GT’S. On most tides, you can expect to see shoals of small Bonefish as well as enormous singles and doubles well into 15lb.
Overnight Accommodation: Raphael Island Guesthouse (Twin Room) F/B
On these two days, you will start your journey back to Port Louis ready for your international flights. The first part of the journey will be an overnight cruise.
Overnight Accommodation: Onboard (Quad Rooms) F/B
Once you have arrived at Port Louis you will need to take a taxi to the international airport.
Depart Mauritius
Arrive Home
The season runs from October to December - April to May.
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 1lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 7lb
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 1lb to 18lb
Average Weight: 9lb
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 10lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 40lb
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 1lbto 15lb
Average Weight: 7lb
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.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/09/2024 | 20/09/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 14/09/2024 | 27/09/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 21/09/2024 | 04/10/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 28/09/2024 | 11/10/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 05/10/2024 | 18/10/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 12/10/2024 | 25/10/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 19/10/2024 | 01/11/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 26/10/2024 | 08/11/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 02/11/2024 | 15/11/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 09/11/2024 | 22/11/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 16/11/2024 | 29/11/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 23/11/2024 | 06/12/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 30/11/2024 | 13/12/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 07/12/2024 | 20/12/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 14/12/2024 | 27/12/2024 | 14 | £10,880 | Enquire Now |
| 05/04/2025 | 18/04/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 12/04/2025 | 25/04/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 19/04/2025 | 02/05/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 26/04/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 03/05/2025 | 16/05/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 10/05/2025 | 23/05/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 17/05/2025 | 30/05/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
| 24/05/2025 | 06/06/2025 | 14 | £10,793 | Enquire Now |
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.
I thought i had seen some fantastic places in my time, but this will take some beating. I managed all my targets including a 10lb Bone all thanks to our Guide who spotted fishing tailing when i couldn't anything. Beautiful place and highly recommend it to any one who wants a Big Bonefish
Mr Knowles, congratulations on such an impressive Bonefish, looking forward to the pictures.
We really thought we had died and gone to heaven. i didnt think there were places like this, the fishing was just out of this world and all thanks to our guides. Hope they are still there next year when we return. Thanks
What an amazing trip you all had, that is going to take some beating so yes I agree probably best to rebook for next year. Thanks again for the feedback.
My first fly fishing experience at St Brandon's and and can say the guides at fly cast away are first class. One of the best places we have visited to big bonefish.
Thanks for organizing everything.
Gary
Gary thank you for reviewing St Brandon's, it sure is famous for the big bones. Send me some of your pictures as I would love to see them
Again thanks Peter
Thank you for an amazing trip, well worth all the travel which is an adventure on its own.
We had 4 perfect days and 2.5 with a could front that made spotting fish a little harder, guides did an amazing job.
Ian thanks for calling me back and the feedback.
shame about a odd few days of cloud, but as we all know thats quite often the case saltwater fly fishing and is always good if you manage a complete clear week.
The guides are first class and how they spot fish on some of the dull days never ceases to amaze me also.
Talk soon Peter
The best run fly fishing trip we have ever been on. yes its quite some travel but agree with others it is very well worth the effort.
Have to sell the kids so i can go back as soon as possible, I got very close to a double figure bone just under 10LB so until next time.
Regards Wayne
Wayne, thanks for the pictures and talking the time for the feedback I know thats not normal your kind of thing, but it is important.
When you are ready lets look at getting you back.
St Brandon's for me was a very special place to fish not only for the excellent variety & size of fishing area but the stunning colours of the ocean. which change constantly with the light.Miles of flats, reefs & Islands to fish.The bonefish are well above average size had my personal best of 9lbs with lots of fish 4 to 7lb caught.Blue Trevally were also in abundance i was lucky to catch the biggest of the season at 24lbs.Also had Golden Trevally to 10lb.Unfortunately never had a GT had 4 good shots but no joy.There was 3 caught for the week in the group.The guides are the best i have ever had the privilege to fish with,thouroughly professional & helpful.Learned so much from this week.The accommodation is very basic (on par with xmas Island) food was also basic but very good & plenty of it.Le Suffren hotel is very good in Mauritius excellent service, when we arrived back from St B at 6.30 in the morning they arranged a room straight away for us.The only negative about the trip is the 24hr boat ride.On the way out the sea was very rough which made it quite brutal.The boat is only 30ft (my 16yrs in the RN put me in good stead) So unless you have good sea legs this may not be for you? it took 30hrs going out.Way back was calm & 24hrs.But having said that the reward is worth the effort in the end, you need to be a bit hardcore for this holiday due to the remote location only 840 anglers in the world have fished there? I was one of them.Very special place.
PS lots of sharks just to keep you on the boil.
Neil, was great to catch up again on the telephone so glad you had such a great time. I thought you would love that place, as you said the travel is quite long but that is the reason the destination is so special. The further it is to travel the less people travel which makes the fishing better. Simple fact less people = more fish every time. Also thanks for all the great pictures we will share some on social media and on our website . Again thanks for your support and custom and I look forward in looking after you again. Tight Lines
Fishing was a bit tougher than my visit here in 2019. But the guides were absolutely first class,best team I have had the pleasure to be with.They certainly go the extra mile to get you fish.This is a special place to fish with so much variable water to fish👏The only down side is the brutal 28hour boat trip to endure,not for everyone.This needs to be highlighted to any client interested in fishing St Brandon’s? Not a problem for me,but the others may find it so.Flycastaway are a thourolly professional outfit & good communication from them pre trip, Would go again.cheers Neil
It was really good to hear from you today and thank you very much for your feedback, i'm glad you had another great trip to St Brandons! I completely understand about the boat trip but by the sounds of it it was definitely worth the sacrifice. Have a great time in the Maldives and hope you catch some more GT's and we will speak to you in the new year. All the best, Benjamin
Thanks to its excellent fishing and easy access, the beautiful National Park of Los Roques has gained a reputation for being one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean, attracting travelling rods from all around the globe.
Think about a place where you can fish more than 100 miles of flats without seeing another fisherman. A place where the flats fishing is so good, you can catch seven fish species in one day and a place where you have a legitimate chance for a ‘Grand Slam’ every day of the year; that’s Canarreos.
The Maldives Liveaboard trip allows travelling rods to experience some of the most exciting and explosive bluewater fishing in the world, casting poppers and jigs to some of the most remote areas of the Laamu Atoll. Situated in the rich waters of the Indian Ocean, it's home to over 1,100 fish species, from small reef dwellers to giant pelagics.
The Maldives is one of the top five names that appear on anglers' bucket lists worldwide. Home to over 1,100 fish species, from small reef dwellers to giant pelagics, it offers travelling rods the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest bluewater popper and jig fishing found anywhere on the planet.
This exciting new hosted popper and jig fishing trip is hosted by our guide Ross Johnson and will give you the opportunity to fish the rich waters off the coastline of Madagascar and Nosy Be, for a vast array of blue water species including Giant Trevally, huge Dogtooth Tuna, Grouper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Black Marlin, and Sailfish, to mention just a few.
