Hi James
What a great trip, a real adventure – Thanks for everything. I have put together a short report from our hosted trip with you last week:
The planning, expectation, and anticipation of each trip is for me all part of the attraction of new fishing destinations, challenges and adventures. Our expedition to Anaa Atoll was no exception. All the googling, fly tying and tackle acquisitions became reality as the plane from Tahiti descended over the extensive sand flats of Anaa.
We were welcomed in traditional style at the airport with garlands of flowers and the attendance of our hosts, guides and many of the islanders. It is always good to see the bags arrive and they were duly loaded on to a truck and we were soon off to our accommodation. The lodge consists of four detracted bungalows and a separate dining room and bar built right on the edge of the lagoon.What a location! Without a doubt Aanaa has one the most beautiful lagoons I have ever seen. The palm fringed beaches border the sand flats with the clearest of water and passes through to the ocean. One the ocean side there are lagoons, beaches, coral flats and reef edges that drop into deep water.
Each morning we enjoyed freshly baked croissants ,baguettes , fruit, scrambled eggs and coffee before we boarded the two boats for the days fishing. The days plan were discussed over breakfast based on the weather conditions and the preferences of the anglers. The options are varied and included the reef edges , coastal coral flats , the passes and the miles of sand flats within the lagoon. There is something for everyone here. On our return in the afternoon we enjoyed a few cold beers and a shower before dinner. The food was varied and excellent with touch of French and Polynesian flair .
Due to big swells the previous week the level in the lagoon was high at the start of the week. More water over the flats may have made the bones a bit spooky but has the week progressed we spotted and caught more fish. The Anna bones are seriously powerful , broad shouldered fish and the number of large fish is high. We all hooked and sometimes lost large bones and a number trophy size fish were landed. On Anaa a 25in fish would be a considerably higher weight than some destinations and the fish of the week which was in excess of 30 ins must have been well into double figures.
The reef coral flats and reef edges produced hard fighting Bluefin Trevally, red bass, cod and shots at Giant Trevally, trigger fish and Napoleon Wrasse. There is massive potential here with miles of coastline and some deep lagoons that could be fished from a boat. All the above species also patrol the channels from the lagoon to the ocean and the explosive hit of a big blue fin busted the loop on one fly line. The fishery is to some extent still in its development stage and there is a lot more to learn about fish moment under various weather conditions, lagoon height, water temperature and moon faze. This is without doubt a destination for anglers looking beyond numbers and those who wish to pursue trophy bonefish. The potential of the Reef edge and coastal lagoon fishing is truly amazing for those that wish to chase mega fish.
The planning , booking and hosting by Fly Odyssey Australia was very professional and included air travel, transfers, in transit accommodation and all aspects relating to the trip . The two nights stay at the Intercontinental Resort in Tahiti on the way home was a nice touch and gave us the opportunity to unwind after the weeks fishing . I would like to express my thanks to James Laverty of Fly Odyssey and John Marshall of Sydney Fly fishing Outfitters for making it all happen and my appreciation for all the hard work and good company of the guides and staff at the lodge. As always its not just about the fishing but includes experiencing the the local culture, developing new friendships and enjoying good company.
There is something addictive about the the hook up and first run of a good bone fish. I feel the need for another trip coming on!
Regards,
Bob Ramsden.