TWO PERMIT IN OPENING WEEK AT ASTOVE ATOLL

Astove Atoll opened the 2019 season with the whole team well-rested and ready to receive their first guests. The first week was fished with only two rods on the flats under very trying, harsh conditions where strong winds and extremely rough seas made it hard work for the guides and the guests.

Ray Palmer and Jim Bankston fought through the weather and even though they were smaller species had three GTs, two permit, multiple bonefish, and a giant 70 cm bluefin by day three.

Ray had a bit of hard luck with three to four bigger fish at the beginning of the week, refusing his fly. He slowly progressed and added two lovely giant triggerfish and two spectacular 70 cm and 71 cm GT to his tally.

Jim had angered the fish gods and was having the harshest luck pulling the hook on a permit after five minutes of fighting and losing a 90+ cm GT at the leader. He pushed on and capitalised on the last day, landing three GTs ranging from 65-75 cm.

The angler of the week had to go to Ray, who ticked off the species list daily, catching whatever showed up in front of him. Ray’s total tally was two triggerfish, two permit, two GTs, and multiple bonefish.

Tight lines,
From Alphonse Fishing Co.