Soon to be: Blue Safari Fly Fishing, a new name with the same extraordinary Seychelles adventures.
Species
Barracuda
BEST ISLANDS FOR CATCHING THIS SPECIES
Alphonse Atoll
Farquhar Atoll
Cosmoledo Atoll
The Search
Barracuda are generally not hard to spot. Up until the moment they attack, they are slow-moving saltwater fish, often lying motionless in ambush. Many of the large barracuda that inhabit the flats, mangroves, and surf are territorial fish and can often be seen on the same tides as they follow baitfish into the shallows. It is not uncommon to find barracuda over a metre in barely a foot of water.
Catching Barracuda
Deceiver Flies
Barracuda hunt bigger prey, so when targeting them, it’s ideal to use a baitfish imitation. A Deceiver pattern works best when lightly dressed, sparsely tied and stripped through the water as quickly as possible. Fishing on sand requires more natural colours such as white, tan, and olive. When fishing in the surf or on a darker bottom, using slightly darker colours such as black-red, blue, dark green, and brown to match the habitat is suggested.
Sempers
The sempers fly, like all semper patterns, have an incredible movement in the water, which makes them irresistible to any cruising Barracuda fish. These flies are generic fly patterns, which can copy various lifeforms, such as squid or baitfish. Made from mostly natural materials, such as bucktail and feathers that give it a great movement underwater. Do note that with these flies, long and fast-as-possible strips or retrieves need to be made.
Poppers
Traditional popper patterns are becoming very popular as they create a greater disturbance on the water, which can assist in drawing the fish’s attention from some distance away. From the splash and sound they produce, these flies will be noticed from a much further distance. Poppers are generally fished over deeper waters, such as drifting on the skiff in the lagoons, casting into the channels as well as floating on the shallow outer reefs of the atolls.
Tips & Tricks
Best Tides
As a rule of thumb barracuda are targeted throughout the tidal range. Due to them being ambush predators they are often found on coral heads during low tides and higher up on the flats during higher tides hunting smaller fish species on high spots.
Approach & Casting
When casting, look at where you want the fly to land rather than at the fish to avoid spooking them. Large barracuda must be tempted onto the fly, so let it sink. Once the fish is about 2 m (6 ft) away, use one long, fast-paced strip and then pause. Big fish often reverse to build momentum before striking, so patience is key.
Taking the Fly
On taking the fly, keep the rod low and perform several firm strip sets. Clear your line and maintain a low rod angle while playing the fish. Big barracuda may jump, but with a 6/0 hook and 100 lb line, they can be controlled without yielding. Repeat the long strip technique until the fish responds positively and is hooked securely.
Barracuda Caught on Fly
Packages
Our packages are tailored to each destination and every guest, whether you fishing alone, with a friend or have the family join you, we have you covered.
Alphonse Island | Fly Fishing package | Shared Skiff
From: $15,280 per person
A seven-night fly fishing package staying in single accommodation, with six days fly fishing on a shared skiff.
Farquhar | Fly Fishing Package | Shared Skiff
From: $16,600 per person
A seven-night fly fishing package in shared accommodation, with six days fly fishing on a shared skiff.
Cosmoledo | Fly Fishing & Leisure Couple Package
From: $33,568 per couple
A seven-night couples package staying in shared accommodation, with six days of fly fishing on a shared skiff for one guest and all inclusive activities for the other.
Immerse Yourself In A Fly Fishing Trip That Protects Our Future
Join us on more than just a fly fishing trip, but a chance to protect some of the last pristine marine environments.