ALPHONSE FISHING REPORT
Our first official week of the season kicked off in true Alphonse style — with a bang. Spring tides and a welcome break from the heavy winds of previous weeks meant conditions were finally lining up for something special.
Day one saw the team hit the ground running. With rods rigged and flats glowing, guests were eager to shake off the rust and cast into the season. Laurentius started strong, landing a 44 cm batfish — a species that continues to win the hearts of guides and anglers alike with its quirky fight and striking shape.
All across the atoll, the radios crackled with excitement as reports poured in of feeding fish and shots being taken. Whitney made the most of every opportunity thrown his way, hooking and landing a beautiful 64 cm GT. Carl, deciding to dial things down for a more technical approach, swapped his twelve-weight for a nine-weight — a move that paid off when he brought in not one, but two stunning yellow margin triggerfish. Gavin also started his week with a finesse approach, racking up an impressive twenty-two bonefish and a permit by day’s end. Not to be outdone, young Hugo proved he was here to play — landing two batfish and a 53 cm yellow margin triggerfish. A fantastic all-round start across the board.
Day two and the energy remained high as anglers began finding their rhythm. Gavin capitalised on a solid window, landing his first GT of the trip — a 69 cm slab of silver muscle. Carl continued to show his skill on the triggers, adding a moustache triggerfish to his growing list. Martin, eager to get in on the action, put in the work with guide Reece and was rewarded with two beautiful permit to end the day on a high.
The final day arrived, and with it came a renewed determination to end the week with something memorable. The morning started with a bang as Laurentius and Andrew both brought milkfish to the net — a prized catch for any saltwater fly angler. Laurentius’s fish measured an impressive 93 cm, putting up a thrilling fight before coming to hand. Gavin and Martin decided to lean into what Alphonse is famous for: bonefish. Together they put on a show, landing fifty bonefish between them — a true testament to the world-class fishery we call home.
Having already landed a milkfish earlier, Andrew — guided by Matt and Kyle — wasn’t done yet. He returned to the flats for one last mission and nailed it: a yellowmargin triggerfish, a moustache triggerfish, and a bonefish to top it off — securing himself a well-earned flats slam. Wrapping up the week just as it had begun, Regard landed a beautiful, golden batfish — ending the trip in style and sending everyone home with big smiles and even bigger memories.
