Amid the 26 atolls that make up the Maldives is some wonderful fly fishing, giving the skilled and not-so-skilled fly angler an opportunity to enjoy their pursuit in exquisitely beautiful settings. Numerous islands, vast brilliant-white sand flats and coral reefs stretch as far as the eye can see. These are bisected by deep blue channels and cuttings that provide direct access to the open ocean and deep lagoons. We are delighted to be able to offer fly fishing cruises in these idyllic waters.
The season in the Maldives runs from October to April and trips are planned to coincide with the best tides. Most of the fishing takes place either on the flats or in the surf zone of the numerous uninhabited islands. Ideally, anglers will require a 9 weight and a 12 weight rod fitted with sturdy saltwater reels with reliable drags.
On the flats you will be sight-fishing to bluefin, yellowspot, bigeye and giant trevally, with the occasional barracuda, bonefish and permit. The flats are also home to abundant triggerfish – providing anglers ample challenging opportunities to target these tricky devils. The surf zone produces a multitude of snapper and rock cod species, green jobfish, giant trevally and plenty of bluefin trevally. To target giant trevally on the flats or in the surf, 12 weight rods are essential. GTs over a metre in length are often seen and a number around this size have been landed.
One of the best ways to experience fishing in the Maldives is by way of a live-aboard charter. Most of the sailing is done within the huge, protected lagoons, some of which are in excess of 80km long – there are no lengthy open ocean crossings or rough outside anchorages. It’s rare that anglers can follow their passion in the company of their non-fishing partners while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful islands on a luxury cruise vessel. But this is exactly what this trip achieves.
A delightful crew is on hand to attend your every need and the team of chefs produce excellent local and international cuisine. The two yachts on which these cruises are available are beautifully designed, with multiple sundecks, indoor and outdoor dining areas, gleaming wood furnishings and parquet flooring. The comfortable cabins have en-suite bathrooms with air-conditioning and skylights. The lounges are perfect places to relax at any point during the day. Each boat has a boutique, a library, television, music and internet point. Accompanying the yachts are traditional Maldivian boats, known as dhonis, which are equipped with diving and sporting gear as well as a canoe and a motorised tender.
A seven day Maldives fly fishing cruise caters for up to 24 guests (one boat is slightly smaller and caters to 16 guests) with a maximum of eight anglers who will be led by a specialised guide. The itineraries are planned around the safest and calmest anchorages and fishing time is optimised by the detailed planning of movement between the fishing areas. Among areas visited are the South Male Atoll, Felidhoo/Vaavu and north of Mulaku atoll. An array of spectacular destinations is on offer for non-fishing partners, providing opportunities to scuba dive and snorkel in crystal clear water with colourful coral, tropical fish, big game species, Manta rays and turtles. Guests can also explore islands, visit a fishing village and enjoy a romantic dinner on a remote, uninhabited island. All this combined with opportunities to cast a fly to some of the best fly target fish species on the planet will guarantee memories of a lifetime.
Cost is from Euro 2,300 per person + Euro 115 service charge in a double or shared cabin.
Includes: Accommodation in a double en-suite cabin, water, tea, coffee, airport to boat transfers, free trial dive (from 8 years), assisted snorkelling, support boat, tender, canoe, SUP, assistance from specialised staff.
Excludes: International flights, soft and alcoholic drinks, green tax, gratuities, Wi Fi (US$30 per week per device), diving and snorkelling courses, rental of diving and snorkelling equipment, gratuities.
For further information on this Maldives fly fishing cruise, fly fishing or general holidays in Maldives please contact Charlotte Opperman or Charlotte Chilcott or call us on +44 1980 847389.