Fly fishing with the family isn’t as daft an idea as it sounds. Though fishermen may pretend that they need to be alone to enjoy their sport, there are plenty of places where fly fishing and family holidays work extremely well. We’ve tried and tested a fair few at Aardvark McLeod and below are some of our favourites. The only downside is introducing your family to the delights of fishing – which in our household has become an expensive passion shared by us all!
Kinondo Kwetu, Kenya – A perfect holiday hideaway
This charming beach lodge tucked away on Kenya’s South Coast is an idyllic spot with plenty to entertain. Kids will enjoy the pool, there’s kite surfing and scuba diving, snorkelling excursions, kayaks, and horse riding. Anglers will find themselves within striking distance of the famous Pemba Channel, one of Kenya’s best deep sea fishing spots – with excellent sailfish and marlin fishing between December and March.
Alphonse Island, Seychelles – Tried tested and utterly brilliant.
This island resort has perfected the art of combining fabulous saltwater fishing with a wonderful family holiday. Anglers can target bonefish, permit, giant trevally, triggerfish, milkfish and more in the dazzling waters around St Francois. Non-anglers will be equally happy with a gorgeous pool, beach, myriad activities and a perfect little spa. The food is magnificent, the bar convivial and the setting is all over fabulous. This blog gives an idea as to how it works as a combination holiday.
Turneffe Flats Lodge, Belize – incredible saltwater fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling
Not glitzy, but hospitable, comfortable and wonderfully genuine, this owner run lodge, sitting on its own tropical island, is a great spot for bonefish, tarpon and permit. The diving is world class, there’s a small pool and pretty beach. The bonefish are plentiful, and not particularly shy, so it’s a good place to introduce novice anglers to our beloved sport. This blog shows how it can work as a great combination holiday.
Como Maalafushi, Maldives – A world apart in the Indian Ocean
Famous for stilted overwater villas, glorious beaches, magnificent diving and snorkelling the Maldives is a superb choice for a classic beach holiday. COMO Maalifushi is a wonderful resort in far south which offers guided fly-fishing between December to April. There’s so much else to do here it’s unlikely non-fishing family members will even know you’re gone!
Porouni, New Zealand – The best of New Zealand
Nestled in the Taharua valley south-east of Taupo on New Zealand’s spectacular North Island, Porouni offers angling guests exclusive access to trophy trout in privately owned and managed waters. But it’s not all about fishing here since the ranch is a wonderful outdoor playground with hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, shooting and rafting. It’s a superb choice for active families wanting to embrace all that New Zealand offers.
Manda Bay, Kenya – A private Island retreat
This small boutique lodge located on the tip of an unspoiled, idyllic island encourages you to kick off your shoes and enjoy barefoot luxury in palm thatched cottages and open living spaces. It’s a super spot for couples and families alike with a host of activities, lovely pool and miles of beach. Fisherman can cast a line from the beach, or visit between September and April when the pelagics are in season. Neighbouring Lamu Island is well worth a visit with its quirky streets and fascinating cultural heritage.
Kamalame Cay, Bahamas – Laid back chic and superb bonefishing
A wonderful barefoot retreat with easy access to Andros Island’s famous bonefish waters, Kamalame Cay is a properly luxurious lodge. Anglers can indulge in their sport in the company of great guides while those preferring not to fish will enjoy wafting between charming bougainvillea-draped cottages, colourful gardens, a swimming pool, gorgeous beach and spa. There’s a tennis court, kayaking and a very good PADI dive centre. If you’re connecting through Nassau, Paradise Island might be worth a visit – a bit brash, a bit mad. Fun for 24 hours I’m told!
Casa Clorinda, Mexico – a lovely blend of colonial charm and modern comfort
Just a short walk from downtown Campeche on the Yucatan Peninsula, this pretty villa is a great base for family group wanting to combine fishing with a bit of Mexican exploration. Anglers can take to the waters and target baby and juvenile tarpon while there are plenty of attractions for non-fishers to enjoy in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fun spot for adventurous families with older children.
Futa Lodge, Chile – plenty of activities in a glorious setting
Futa Lodge sits in a magical valley amid the magnificent surroundings of the Futalefu River. It’s a fabulous place for rainbow and brown trout, with miles of classic water for anglers to explore. An enchanting sport with plenty of appeal beyond fishing; horse riding, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking are all on offer. Add in wonderful Chilean cuisine and wine, you’ve got a real winner.
Italy – perfect touring and fishing combo
The Italian regions of Trentino and Val di Mastallone provide some lovely trout fishing in a variety of water, from small alpine streams to large glacial rivers. Trentino is within easy reach of Venice and Verona while Val di Mastallone combines perfectly with Milan and Turin. While non-anglers might not want to spend time on the river, each area offers plenty of interesting country to explore and the big cities need no introduction in terms of their myriad attractions.
Tipiluke, Argentina – Tailor made in the heart of Patagonia
If you enjoy an outdoor adventure, there’ll be something to draw you to Patagonia. As famous for its fishing as it is for riding, hiking and extraordinary scenery it’s a must-visit destination if you are heading towards South America. Tipiluke in northern Patagonia, close to the charming town of San Martin de los Andes, is a perfect example of a lodge accommodating a mix of wishes. Luxurious, offering superb trout fishing along with a host of other activities.
If you would like to plan a holiday to suit both fishers and family or receive more information on any of the above please contact Charlotte Opperman or Charlotte Chilcott or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.
About the author: Charlotte Opperman