GOLDEN NUGGET IN WEEK TWO AT ASTOVE ATOLL

The season’s second week opened with incredible weather conditions, a complete turnaround from the first weeks of fishing. Light winds and calm seas met Sam Wakerly and Charles Barwick as the season progressed into a weak moon and neap tidal phase.

Charles, an avid permit angler, was on the hunt for his first Indo-Pacific permit. The initial part of the week had very favourable tides in the unique Astove lagoon, and Charles put maximum effort into hunting one down.

After three days, the permit had only given Charles four-to-five chances. Still, the ever-present giant trevally was more than happy to play ball, and Charles took all his opportunities and landed several GTs, including magical fish measuring 106 cm and 95 cm.

Sam was not so picky with the species he wanted to target and simply ticked off the species as they came along. Sam’s most memorable afternoon was on a short walk on the western edge of the atoll, where he managed six GTs ranging from 60 – 85 cm.

Charlie didn’t give up on his permit dream; on his second to last morning, he managed to convince a permit to commit to the fly, and his dreams became a reality.

The weather on the last two days got a bit tricky, and the fish got slightly shy, but both Sam and Charlie took on the bonefish challenge and landed 20+ bones and a few smaller giant trevally that were hassling their bonefish.

Overall, a great week ended in a spectacular sunset, and many personal goals were reached.

Tight lines,
From Alphonse Fishing Co.