Fly Fishing AdVentures in Seychelles:
Providence Atoll
- Extremely Remote
- GTs, Bumpies, Triggerfish, Bonefish
- Virtually untouched
- Extremely Remote
- GTs, Bumpies, Triggerfish, Bonefish
- Virtually untouched
Overview
Providence Atoll is one of the newest and hottest flats fishing venues in the Indian Ocean or the Seychelles. Providence Atoll is extremely remote, virtually untouched, and has to rank as one of the wildest fly-fishing destinations available.
The variety of fishing areas and the incredible number of species available for anglers to target makes Providence Atoll stand out. Providence has it all – schools of up to 50 GTs wreaking havoc across a turtlegrass edge, Bumphead Parrotfish waving their paddle sized-tails as they scour the bottom in search of a feed, fields of Yellowmargin and Moustache Triggerfish on the slower neap tides and supreme bonefishing – very few fall below the 5lb mark. There are populations of large bonefish on both North and Surf Islands and bonefish of 10 lb and over have been landed. The Giant Trevally fishing can equally exciting with one notable afternoon session, where a group of anglers caught as many as 35 GT’s in a few hours.
More about Providence Atoll
According to the authorities who govern this tropical paradise when we first started sending anglers to Providence Atoll in 2015, less than 1,000 people have visited the atoll over the last 100 years.
Providence Atoll is situated 380 miles South by SouthWest of Mahe and is just short of being the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles group. This huge atoll 28.6 miles north to south and just under 10 miles, east to west (nearly three times the size of Cosmoledo Atoll).
Providence Atoll consists of two Islands, Providence North and the spectacularly beautiful Cerf Island. These are surrounded and separated by vast sandbanks, flats and channels offering anglers a diverse array of fishing scenarios. Providence offers superb flats fishing for Bonefish, Indo-Pacific Permit, Giant Trevallys, Barracuda, Milkfish, Triggerfish, and is one of the few places on the planet to target Bumphead Parrotfish on the fly. This atoll could become known as the place with the biggest Bonefish in the Seychelles.
The area between Providence North and Cerf Island holds the flats fishing jewel of the atoll. 30 miles of fishable flats, channels, cuts and lagoons that include sand and Turtlegrass flats, the surf zone and an enormous lagoon system along with the hundreds of channels and drainage areas.
OFFSHORE FISHING & Getting to PROVIDENCE ATOLL
The offshore fishery of Providence Atoll can be equally as spectacular as her flats fishing. On the western side of the atoll the drop off is extremely pronounced allowing anglers easy access to deep water. The fishing for Sailfish, Wahoo, Yellowfin, and the occasional Black Marlin is often mind-blowing. Needless to say tackle and knots are tested to the limits. Each guide is a qualified skipper, has first aid experience and is extremely experienced regarding all facets of fly fishing these remote saltwater destinations (both on the flats and in blue water). Their passion and dedication is infectious and they consistently go the extra mile for each angler.
Getting to Providence is not an easy task, which guarantees that the fishery remains wild and unspoiled. Anglers will overnight on the Seychelles main island of Mahe. The following day, the anglers will board a flight (1 hour 45 minutes) to the outer island of Farquhar, which is the closest island with an airstrip. On Farqhuar, anglers board the mother ship, which will make the 8 hour crossing to Providence Atoll, most of which is done through the night.
Accomodations on the Maya Dugong
The Maya Dugong is a 150 ft motor yacht with a 27 ft beam and a 13 ft draft, specifically designed for long-range expeditions. The Maya Dugong is a four level vessel, which offers 7 spacious guest cabins (accommodating 14 guests). Each has a spacious en-suite shower, basin and flushing toilet. All cabins and indoor dining and entertainment areas are fully air conditioned, allowing guests a chance to relax in a comfortable environment after a long day fishing out on the flats. The MV Dugong is an ex-research vessel which has been upgraded and modified into a mother ship catering for long range sea voyages. The vessel can accommodate up to twelve fly fishermen, four guides, as well as eight crew members who cater for our guests every need. A large, spacious and extremely stable vessel, the MV Dugong is the perfect base with which to explore the remote outer atolls of the Seychelles and other Indian Ocean waters. As a fly fisherman it would be difficult to find a better boat given its ability to store and transport four tender boats on its spacious aft deck.
PROVIDENCE ATOLL 2022-2024 RATES
Rates are subject to change.
2022
7-nights/6-days fishing-
Double occupancy Accomodations
-
Accomodations on MV Dugong
-
daily guide
-
3 anglers per guide
2023
7-nights/6-days fishing-
Call 860-434-9624
2024
7-nights/6-days fishing-
Call 860-434-9624
Included in the cost: 7 nights, double occupancy accommodations; All meals aboard the vessels; Fishing Licenses; 6 days guided fishing with 3 anglers per guide and tender boat; Water, Soft drinks, water & local beers.
Not included in the cost are: International flights; Accommodations on Mauritius; Ground transfers on Mauritius; Tackle & Flies; Gratuities; Wine & Spirits; Medical Evacuation and Travel insurance (This is mandatory as the islands of Providence Atoll are remote); use of Satellite Phone; Personal Expenses.
Sample Travel Itinerary for Providence Atoll
Day 1: Overnight in Mahe
Day 2: Charter Flight to Farquhar Atoll, Board the MV Dugong, and Motor to Providence Atoll.
Day 3 – 8 : Full Days fishing Providence Atolls Flats for Bonefish, Indo-Pacific Permit, GTs, Triggerfish, Milkfish, Bluefin Trevally, and Barracuda and/or offshore for Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tunda, Wahoo, Grouper, Bumphead Parrot fishg, the occasional Marlin and more.
Day 8: Depart Providence Atool for Farquhar Atoll after fishing.
Day 9: Arrive Farquhar this morning, Charter Flight back to Mahe, Fly Home if connections allow.
FlyCastaway’s “mission statement” is based around two key principles: First, taking clients to remote fishing destinations which are in as pristine a state as possible and which offer exceptional fishing and second, using guides which are extremely passionate, knowledgeable and professional, ensuring that clients get the best opportunity to experience the trip of a lifetime.
Don’t forget to check out Fly Castaway’s other Indian Ocean flats fishing destination St. Brandon’s Atoll.