Astove Atoll

Astove is one of the most intimate fishing programs in the Seychelles, with only six anglers per week and a private room for every angler. Its shallow lagoon, single small entrance, and sheer drop-offs create a compact fishery where deep water sits only meters from the flats, which is why Astove has become known for some of the largest flats-caught Giant Trevally in the Indian Ocean. The lagoon also holds a strong Indo-Pacific Permit fishery alongside Bonefish and Triggerfish, and because the flats start right in front of the Coral House, anglers can fish unguided on foot before and after each guided day.

Astove is one of the most respected big-GT destinations in the Indian Ocean, but it is a fishery for quality rather than quantity. Blue Safari notes that Astove holds fewer GTs than Cosmoledo, while the average fish is larger. GTs are encountered on the outer flats, in the surf, along cliff edges such as Paulie's, in the lagoon channel, and around the drop-offs. Opportunities depend heavily on tides, light, and wind, some days produce several shots while others produce none, and big fish are often lost to coral. Anglers who keep a 12-weight rigged and ready, cast quickly and accurately, and apply maximum pressure immediately after the eat give themselves the best chance at a trophy.

Astove has a healthy population of Indo-Pacific Permit spread across the entire fishery, with the highest concentration in the upper section of the lagoon, and fish are also found in the surf zones and around rocky edges. Blue Safari reports that permit catches have increased from season to season, and its guides have developed effective techniques for these notoriously difficult fish. Even so, permit remain one of the toughest targets in saltwater fly fishing, so landing one should be treated as a highlight of the week rather than an expectation. Because GTs, Bonefish, and Triggerfish share the same water, Astove also offers a genuine chance at a Grand Slam.

Bonefish are a consistent target in the 6 to 10 pound range and are caught on both spring and neap tides. Smaller fish are more common in the lagoon, while larger Bonefish are found along the reef edge and below the cliffs. Moustache Triggerfish, the largest of the triggers caught here, and Yellowmargin Triggerfish, which can exceed 15 pounds, tail on the flats and reef edges, and the lagoon supports a healthy population of Bluefin Trevally. Milkfish are present when conditions bring them into feeding range, while Barracuda, though present, are not commonly caught at Astove. The deep water just off the flats also holds Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, grouper, and snapper, but bluewater fishing is not part of the standard package, so ask us before booking if offshore fishing is a priority.

Tides shape nearly every day at Astove. Because of the lagoon's elevation and single small entrance, the water drains out like a river for roughly ten hours of each tidal cycle and then floods the entire lagoon in about two hours. Guides use this pattern to decide when to fish the lagoon's white sand flats and when to work the outer flats, surf, and cliff edges. Spring tides around the full and new moon create the strongest water movement and are well suited to surf walks for GTs, while Bonefish fish well on both spring and neap tides. We can help you choose a week whose tides best suit your goals.

Blue Safari fishes Astove only from January through March, during the northwest monsoon, and the main flats species are available throughout this short season. Weather can vary from week to week, with high heat and humidity, passing showers, and the chance of a stronger breeze in the opening and closing weeks. With so few weeks and only six rods per week, space is limited, so it pays to plan early, particularly if you are hoping for a specific tide. Astove can also be combined with a week on Alphonse Island, and we can help put together that itinerary.

Astove is best suited to experienced saltwater fly anglers who can cast accurately in wind, handle a 12-weight, and deliver a fly quickly when a big GT appears. Most of each day is spent wading in strong tropical sun and heat, with midday temperatures around 90°F, and some of the best GT water involves walking surf, rocky shorelines, and cliff edges, so good fitness, balance, and stamina are important. Newer saltwater anglers can catch fish here, but casting practice with heavy rods before the trip will make a real difference.

The standard package includes two anglers per guide and skiff, and teams fish with a different guide each day. The guides use two 20-foot Mini-Mahé skiffs, designed for the outer atolls and offshore, and smaller Mitzi skiffs inside the lagoon, but most of the fishing itself is done on foot. All Blue Safari guides speak English, are STCW-qualified skippers with first aid training, and carry VHF radios on the water. A private skiff can be added for an additional charge, subject to availability, with a limit of two per week; see Rates & Packages for current pricing. Guided days run from about 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and anglers are free to fish unguided on foot near the lodge until sunset, as well as on the afternoon they arrive.

Blue Safari recommends two 9-foot 9-weight rods for Bonefish and Permit, one 9-foot 10-weight for Triggerfish and Milkfish, and two 9-foot 12-weight rods for GTs, Bluefin Trevally, Barracuda, and bluewater fishing, so you have a spare in both key weights. Pair each rod with a large-arbor saltwater reel with a smooth, strong drag, backed with 200 to 300 meters of 50 lb braid on the lighter outfits and 300 meters of 80 lb braid on the 12-weights, and use tropical weight-forward floating lines throughout. Pack fluorocarbon tippet from 15 to 30 lb, plus 100 lb mono and 150 lb shock leader for GTs. Recommended flies include Gotchas, Golden Knights, Pillow Talks, and Fleeing Crabs for Bonefish; Alphlexo Crabs, Fishient Crabs, Merkins, and shrimp patterns for Permit and Triggerfish; Milkydreams for Milkfish; and GT Brush Flies, Flaming Lamborghinis, Bucktail Deceivers, and Barrel Poppers for GTs. Loaner Thomas & Thomas rods with Shilton reels are available if reserved in advance, and flies, lines, and tackle can be purchased or pre-ordered at the lodge.

Guests fly internationally to Mahé and should arrive at least one day before the Monday charter, which takes about three hours, usually with a stop at Alphonse Island, and lands on Astove's own airstrip. Checked luggage on the charter is strictly limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, plus 5 kg (11 lbs) of carry-on, so soft bags and careful packing are essential, and excess luggage can be stored on Mahé. No visa is required for a holiday visit, but every visitor needs an approved Seychelles Travel Authorization, which can be applied for no earlier than 29 days before arrival. A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from an endemic region, and proof of from-scene-of-accident medical evacuation coverage must be provided to Blue Safari before arrival.

Yes. The Coral House can host non-angling guests alongside the six anglers, and Blue Safari offers a shared-room package for an angler traveling with a non-fishing partner. The Astove Wall is regarded as one of the finest dive sites in the Seychelles, with sites only 5 to 10 minutes from the lodge by boat, and scuba diving is included but must be pre-booked. Other included activities range from guided snorkeling along the Wall and at Paulie's Island to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, a reef flats walk, a lagoon mangrove walk, island tours, an offshore wildlife trip, and seasonal evening visits to watch green sea turtles nesting. Some activities run only once a week depending on tides.

Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.