The Wessel Islands and east Arnhem Land is one of Australia’s and the world’s truly remote and special saltwater fly fishing destinations.
Flying into Nhulunbuy, home of the Yolngu people, the region is steeped in indigenous culture, and traditions, and where you will be greeted before boarding the magnificent Phoenix One for your overnight journey into the Arafura Sea.
Extending north from East Arnhem Land at the very top of Australia’s Northern Territory the Wessel Islands chain is home to both species of Indo Pacific Permit (both T. anak and T. blochii), including the iconic Australian Blue Bastard and Blue Spotted Tusk fish.
The northern most reaches are home to secluded bays, beaches and sand flats interspersed with inshore reef systems and a very healthy ecosystem, including the critically endangered Sawfish still swimming its waters.
The first class 115ft foot Phoenix One provides great service and comfort throughout the week, with a team of fly fishing tenders in tow, great crew and specialised fly fishing guides.
Other fish to target include the acrobatic Queenfish, Giant, Diamond and Golden Trevally, Brassy Trevally, Longtail Tuna and an array of reef species to target on fly.
The southern region of the Wessel Islands chain is lined with mangrove creeks holding good numbers of Barramundi and Mangrove Jack with some deeper flats and channel systems providing great diversity throughout the week.
It is a hidden gem on the world stage.
The Phoenix One is a beautifully appointed ship with crew, chef, waitress, skipper and first mate who will provide an unforgettable week of luxury fly fishing. The meals and premium drinks provided in the dining room, bar and outdoor lounge areas are all included in the weekly rate. There is also a communal lounge, upper deck and spa to relax at the end of the day, with a selection of fine staterooms available all with a private en-suite, daily housekeeping and laundry services.
Foxtel Satellite television is available in most rooms and lounge area, Wi-Fi available within range of Nhulunbuy, emergency satellite phone available for use, as well as AIS satellite location tracking and VHF and HF radios equipped on board with extensive medical facilities.
Three course evening meals include freshly caught seafood such as tuna, lobster, oysters, barramundi and wild prawns while fine cuts of meat such as pork belly and kangaroo are served throughout the week. Matched with fine Australian and New Zealand wines and beers, premium sprits are also available from the open bar and cellar. Breakfast includes fruit platters, freshly brewed coffee, cereals and cooked menu options.
The fly fishing opportunities daily are quite endless. Fishing 2:1 with your guide on a shared skiff basis there are a huge amount of waters, bays, flats and beaches to fish during your time there. With three skiffs in operation, there is more than enough water to cover, all within short 5-15 minute runs from the mothership, to maximise your fishing time each day. Packed lunches are taken out daily or you have the options of returning to the Phoenix for lunch.
The Gale-force 4.8m Dories are perfect for fly fishing with casting deck and electric motors on the bow for a stealthy approach on the flats and island edges. At the stern, they are each powered by 70hp Yamaha engines and marine radios to keep in contact with the other guides and anglers throughout the day.
All species including Permit and Blue Bastards can be sight-casted targeted from the skiffs over the vast flats which range from 2-5 feet deep, interlined with deeper channels, some reef structure and adjacent islands in each bay. These large fish are very strong and provide excellent and challenging sport on ten weight outfits, with both available in excess of 10kgs.
With good visibility, some of these flats and sand-spits can be waded on foot or you can fish from the pristine sand beaches in bare feet to stalk Permit, Bastards, Queenfish and some GT’s. Well-presented shrimps and crabs work well, in conjunction with smooth drag systems, tropical floating and sink-tip lines.
Around the rocky headlands and shores of each Island, you will also find Brassy Trevally to 10kg’s which very similar to a GT provide great sport. On the backs of Sharks and Rays, you can often cast to dozens of fish, all willing to pounce on your fly and provide non-stop action. Coral Trout and the elusive green Tusk Fish can also be sight casted in and amongst the coral reef systems while out wide schools of Long Tail tuna do move through the region.
The Phoenix One will be moored in the northern bays for the majority of the week before changing anchorage down south on the final evening to chase Barramundi and mangrove species on the final day. All steaming in the mothership is done in the evenings and at night to ensure a full 6 days fly fishing. Ideal tides are either side of the low which will provide great water to sight-fish all week.
As per all Fly Odyssey bookings, we will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed pre-trip fly fishing guide prior to departure.
Travel time from Cairns (Queensland) or Darwin (Northern Territory) in Australia is around 60-90 minutes by charter plane daily.
On arrival into Nhulunbuy (Gove) you will be transferred to the Phoenix One before steaming to the fishing grounds overnight, as you settle in and prepare.
Fly Odyssey will manage your connecting flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane which are all available daily for same day-travel, however we do recommend an overnight stay in Cairns, Darwin or Nhulunbuy to mitigate against any flight delays.
Bookings aboard the Phoenix One to the Wessel Islands are available on a per boat basis or on one of our weekly hosted trips throughout the year (max 8 rods)
Let us do the work for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in family, couples and group says to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Cairns, Port Douglas or Darwin or fly-fishing lodges throughout the top end of Australia.
CONTACT OUR AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
- M: +61 (0)499 900816
- E:
CONTACT OUR UK OFFICE
- M: +44 (0)7936 708305
- E:
Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure its spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are done in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion. It’s all we do.