Fishing the flats
Over the last fifteen years or so, I've got into the habit of heading out into the sunshine during this rather gloomy winter period to track down species that are as colorful as they are combative. It's an opportunity to fill up on vitamin D and scales.
The Caribbean, Pacific and Indian oceans are home to species of fish that can be sight-fished on the flats and have a nasty tendency to rip your rod out of your hand and make your reels sing.
Bonefish, permit, tarpon and trevally of all kinds are species to be caught once in a lifetime, and all the more so on the fly.
Fishing in Mexico
Mexico is certainly one of the best-value destinations.
In fact, plane tickets are not very expensive and the cost of living is very low. If you already have some experience, it's possible to organize your own trip and cut costs even further.
The above-mentioned species can be found all along the coast south of Cancun, with world-renowned spots such as Ascencion Bay, prized for its permits or palometas. Further south, Espiritu Santo Bay, Mahahual and Xcalak, just above Belize, are also ideal for sunbathing and fishing in shorts in water at 28°C!
Fishing in Cuba
This destination has long been in the top 5 for all tropical fly fishing. Highly sought-after by flats fishing aficionados and especially by anglers wishing to achieve a grand slam. This means catching a bonefish, a permit and a tarpon all in the same day. There are many renowned spots such as Cayo Largo, Cayo Crux, Cayo Coco and the Isle of Youth, where you can stay for unforgettable fishing experiences in a paradise setting.
The Seychelles, a paradise for fly fishermen
The Indian Ocean is fast becoming one of the world's top destinations for sea fly fishing. The atolls surrounding the island of Mahé, such as Farquhar, Cosmolédo, Alphonse Island, Poivre and St Joseph, abound in species coveted by the globetrotting fly fisher.
Bonefish, permit, carangue ignobilis or GT, milkfish, reach record sizes in Seychelles' turquoise waters. The latter two are found only in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and are driving up prices. A fly fisherman's dream.
Bonefish fishing in New Caledonia
This overseas territory is, of course, the furthest from mainland France, and the price of a plane ticket to get there can be a deterrent for many. However, New Caledonia is certainly one of the best places on the planet to catch a trophy or even world record bonefish. Other species such as jacks, barracudas, snappers and sharks can also be caught on the flats of this island of breathtaking scenery.
