Providence Atoll, Seychelles March 2027
Peter McLeod has now hosted eight trips to this extraordinary fishery and he’s already looking forward to leading another annual trip in March 2027. Large portions of this remote speck in the Indian Ocean remain unexplored. Among the myriad saltwater species here are metre long GTs, large permit, trevally, bonefish, and bumphead parrot fish. It is a real bucket list trip for the adventurous saltwater angler.
This week will have his favourite tides, a neap to a spring tide over a new moon. In essence, the tide will commence with less water movement and gradually intensify throughout the week. This should give a favourable environment for tailing species to be present on the flats during the initial three to four days. The reduced current is generally conducive to productive fishing for bonefish, triggerfish, bumpies, and there’s a possibility of encountering some permit. It’s important to note that even during smaller tides, Giant trevally (GTs) remain a significant factor, with a good chance of finding them in the company of stingrays and sharks, which is a consistent behaviour during these tides. Towards the latter part of the trip, as the tides increase and the current accelerates, the presence of tailing species will diminish, and Giant trevally (GTs) will become the predominant species. All in all, it’s a promising week on paper that should yield a diverse array of species including larger GTs at the end of the week when they have enough water to access the flats.
Providence Atoll – A true fishing wilderness experience
Providence Atoll consists of two islands surrounded and separated by vast sandbanks, flats and channels. It is 55km long and 15km wide and offers some 345sq km of fishing. The populations of large bonefish feed to the rhythm of the tides and several fish of over 10lb have been landed. The GT fishing is equally exciting with one notable afternoon session when a group of anglers caught 35 fish in a few hours. The bluewater fly fishing can be equally spectacular with large numbers of sailfish, dogtooth tuna and wahoo found just off the reef.
The operations have been considerably refined since the early days and the trip operates a purposely fitted out live aboard vessel, the Mayas Dugong. Anglers fly into Farquhar Island and then take the six hour sail to Providence during which time the excellent team of guides will have helped to set up and organise all your kit. If you, like Peter, have a love for saltwater fishing and the species diversity of the Indian Ocean this is definitely one to consider.
Why Peter wants to return to Providence
I’m drawn by the pristine atoll, an ecosystem that is home to a huge variety of species, massive populations of bonefish, giant trevally, triggerfish and milkfish – all fished in the company of some of the most highly experienced and enthusiastic guides in the world.
I love that my world revolves around nothing but tides, tactics, fishing tackle, camaraderie, serious fly fishing, and stunning sunsets.
You have no idea what the next day will bring, but you just know it’s going to be an adventure.
That feeling of setting off on an adventure on a mothership, knowing that there is no Wi-Fi and I can be unplugged for a whole week is hard to beat.
Trip Itinerary 2027
Tuesday 2nd March: Fly Mahe to Providence Atoll.
Wednesday 3rd March to Monday 8th March: Six days fishing.
Tuesday 9th March: Fly Providence Atoll to Mahe.
2027 costs TBC. As a guide, 2026 costs are US$16,500 per person based on double occupancy and one guide between three rods. Single Cabin US$2,500, only two available.
For more information and an itinerary please contact Peter McLeod or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.