The Alphonse festive season began with the run up to Christmas, a packed house at the hotel and a full complement of anglers out on the flats. The entire extended family was together, big ‘flats lunches’, mega snorkels and beach rugby. This is what makes the festive season on Alphonse as special as it is. As well as all the activities out on the water the atmosphere at the bar and restaurant was something to savour with groups of people from all over the world around a table sharing stories and telling tall tales of the fishing that day.
Leading up to Christmas eve the weather has been terrible to put it bluntly, however it made a point to clear beautifully for one of our annual big ‘flats lunch’ days out on St. Francois atoll. Umbrellas and chairs in the water while the unmistakable smell of the BBQ is being blown across the gorgeous white sand flats. Honestly, there isn’t a better way to spend an hour or two break during a fishing session. This being said, the first few days of the week were full of rain, but fortunately not much wind making fishing a little more pleasant. This did restrict the visibility a bit but nonetheless this didn’t affect anyone’s mood or attitude.
As the tides slowed down this week everyone managed to spend a lot more time on the finger flats running through the middle of the St Francois lagoon. Slower tides also mean big schools of bonefish up on the white sand flats, this is the beauty and burden of this place, so many things going on at the same time. Slower tides, generally mean triggerfish and Rupert Kieser was the first to catch one, tailing a great Moustache trigger. Jan Hradecky was the triggerfish champion of the week with three yellowmargin triggerfish in consecutive days. The GT fishing was also of quality this week. Brothers, Rupert and Max Kieser got to experience the ultimate in GT fishing, a brotherly double up on a big group of tailing nurse sharks and GT’s in ankle deep water. Both tailing 80cm fish respectively.
The Beale family went out for a bluewater excursion and had a fantastic experience, a great birthday present for young Ben. After about 10 minutes Ben wasted no time by jumping his first ever sailfish. Following with an awesome GT on the dredge. Dad, Marcus wasn’t far behind with a respectable yellowfin tuna on fly and sister Charlotte refused to be left in the dark with a 60cm GT on the dredge as well. All and all an incredible Birthday filled with awesome fishing and great company.
These family moments are what make the Alphonse Christmas season so special. Being part of these experiences creates a unique bond, and is how our extended Alphonse family is created and continues to grow.
Happy festive season, and tight lines from all at the Alphonse Fishing Co. team. If you would like discuss Alphonse or receive further information, please contact Charlotte Chilcott. Alternatively, please contact the office on +44(0)1980 847389