APRIL 2016 NEWSLETTER
I am back at the Home of Ufudu having recently returned from the last of the 2016 trips to the northern atolls of the Maldives. I will be home based until early October when I set off to various fly fishing destinations.
Pam and I intend to start the building project on our property shortly so that is going to keep me very busy (and hopefully sane) for the next 6 months.
Recent trips: report back-
Rocktail Bay Fly Fishing Workshop. 2016: 7 – 11 March 2016
Attended by 6 anglers and two non –fishing partners expectations were high as strong south westerly winds were forecast for most of the days of our stay. As predicted the SW wind did blow and blow it did creating ideal surf conditions conducive to catching GTs and other kingfish species.
The strong wind did however provide the right handed casters with some stern challenges but this was offset by some very nice catches of brassy-, bluefin- and bigeye kingfish. Dr.Dieter van Schalkwyk was particularly excited about the 65cm+ brassy kingfish he landed in very testing surf conditions at Rocktail Bay.
Our next workshop at this prime venue is set for the end of January 2017. Such is the popularity of these workshops that this one is already fully booked. It may well be possible to set another date for late November this year. I will certainly notify you once this has been confirmed.
Maldives – Northern atolls: – 21- 27 March 2016
This was to be the last of the 2016 trips to the northern atolls. Guests on the trip comprised of three father and son pairs and one single angler all with great expectations of landing one of the fabled big GTs that we regularly encounter in the surf at this venue.
The weather was particularly hot for this time of the year resulting in high water temperatures. The result was that fish moved off the flats and in the surf, we found the GTs to be very selective and reluctant to take flies presented to them.
This was confirmed when the Maldivian Meteorological Office reported that the temperatures recorded during the past four months had been the highest in the Maldives for the past 30 years.
Despite the warm water the sight of huge GTs cruising within casting distance in gin-clear water got everyone’s adrenalin pumping. Young Malcolm Smith had his first taste of the power of these fish when within seconds of hooking a fish he lost the end of his fly line and the tip of his rod, leaving him shaking like a leaf and speaking in tongues.
Gareth Evans, who leading up to the trip had dreamed of landing a GT, had his wish fulfilled when he saw two fish swimming towards him. He made a 60 ft. cast presenting a 6/0 semper fly to the leading fish, which surged towards the fly, engulfed it, turned and sped off exerting a force he had never experienced before.
I have no doubt that he will be showing the video of him fighting, landing and releasing his fish of a life time to all who care to watch for some time to come. Well done Gareth!!
For the last day and a half of the trip we fished new flats that I had always wanted to visit but did not have the time to explore. The flats extend for 5 – 6 kilometres, are snow white with several exposed sand banks. We found lots of triggers (titan and yellow margin), lots of bluefin (big and small), emperors and GTs all of which were caught during our brief visit
In future trips to the northern atolls we will certainly combine these two venues which I believe will culminate in the near-perfect trip that gives guests the option of sight fishing to very big GTs in the surf (which has its physical challenges) to sight fishing to an array of species including triggers and GTs on some of the most expansive and beautiful flats imaginable.
Up-coming trips
Orange River Yellowfish.
largemouth and smallmouth yellowfishing at a very special new venue.
Where
On the 3000 hectare game farm Egerton situate near Hopetown (130km from Kimberley) in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
Accommodation
The lodge is situated on the banks of the river. The communal and guest accommodation all have river views.
The communal area consists of a very spacious and tastefully furnished lounge/ kitchen, a very spacious wooden deck and an open air boma cum braai area.
The guest accommodation consists of five newly constructed cottages that each house two guests in single rooms with a share bathroom.
The fishing:
This is big water river fishing that is varied, accessible and very rewarding. The river is big and at places wild, very reminiscent of the mighty Zambezi (sans the crocs and hippos!!!). Along the nine kilometres of river accessible to guest, this provides anglers with a wide variety of fishing options.
You will fish slow moving water and Island structure for the elusive largemouth yellowfish to nymph fishing powerful cascading rapids to sight fishing dry flies in deep canyon water for the numerous and feisty smallmouth yellowfish. What more can any fly angler ask for?
During a five night exploratory trip to Egerton in 2015 eight anglers landed in excess of 300 small mouth yellows and 16 Largemouth yellow fish.
The fishing Season and trip dates for 2016
The Dedicated fly fishing season is limited to 30 days each year and coincides with the best fishing season, water clarity and weather conditions. Each trip of five nights will accommodate a maximum of eight fly anglers. The trip dates for the 2016 season are as follows:
October 12 – 17 FULL
October 17 – 22 8 RODS OPEN
October 22 – 27 8 RODS OPEN
October 27 – November 1 6 RODS OPEN
November 1 – 6 8 RODS OPEN
November 6 – 11 2 RODS OPEN
Fly fishing trip details
The cost for each five night trip is R10,000pp.
The costs include the following: Single sleeping accommodation with shared bathroom, Light Breakfast, brunch and supper, Daily transport to fishing locality, Hosted fly fishing
The cost excludes the following:
Transport to the venue, travel insurance, bar and soft drinks (you are welcome to bring your own) and gratuities.
Reservations
All enquiries and reservations are made exclusively through Ufudu Fly fishing Experience.
THE MALDIVES 2017
Northern Atolls:
We have four trips planned to the northern atolls during the prime season of February and March 2017.
Experience the thrill and challenge of sight casting a fly to some of the biggest GTs you can imagine in the surf zone and then making pin point casts to the elusive triggers, bluefin and GTs whilst walking and spotting fish on snow white sand flats that extend for kilometres.
Rated by several well-travelled guests as the best value for money trips available.
Trip dates: 8 – 14 February 2 rods open
24 February – 2 March 6 rods open
9 – 15 March 6 rods open
25 – 31 March 1 rod open
The cost of these trips: $3400pp sharing.
The price includes: 7 nights full board aboard a comfortable safari dhoni, hosted fly fishing, domestic air flights, all ground transfers.
The price excludes international travel, travel insurance, bar and gratuities.
Maldives Couples trip 2017
It is not often that fly fishermen can follow their passion in the company of their partners while exploring some of the most beautiful islands in the world on a luxury cruise vessel. Well, this is exactly what Ufudu Fly Fishing Safaris has done for several years. Limited to seven couples the entire experience is a winner.
For the year 2017 we have one trip aboard the yacht Conte Max that we know will give you very good value for money plus, memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip Dates: 30 October – 6 November 2017 6 cabins open
Cost: $2700pp sharing.
The costs include: 7 nights full board aboard the luxury boat Conte Max, hosted fly fishing, and ground transfers.
The costs exclude: international air travel, travel insurance, bar and gratuities.
For more information on all the above trips, please contact me.
Last word:
Fly fishing requires the same approach as in walk-and-stalk hunting with a bow or rifle. To be successful is important to be at one with the environment in which you are fishing and focus on seeing fish before they see you.
Best regards and tight loops!
Ben.