curated by experience

Astove Atoll

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Astove Atoll

outer islands, seychelles

Astove Atoll

Destinations

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Astove Atoll

price range

$16,000-$20,000

cAPACITY

6 Anglers

season

January-April

difficulty

Intermediate-Advanced

the destination

Astove Atoll is as close to untouched as saltwater fly fishing gets. Remote, raw, and unlike anywhere else in the Seychelles — this is a destination that rewards serious anglers who want something beyond the ordinary. What makes Astove truly unique is the variety of terrain. Wade the surf line for bonefish and permit in conditions you won't find anywhere else in the world. Fish the lagoon for GTs and permit on the drop. The rough, wild shoreline demands adaptability — and delivers experiences that stay with you long after you've left. This is not a destination for those seeking comfort above all else. It's for anglers who want to fish hard, wade far, and experience one of the last truly wild saltwater flats on earth.

the destination

season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Peak

Good

Closed

Bonefish

Prolific

Giant Trevally

Prolific

Triggerfish

Excellent

Milkfish

Few opportunities

Milkfish

Few opportunities

Permit

Outstanding

who it suits

A strong fit if you —

✓ Are an experienced saltwater angler looking for a serious challenge

✓ Want wild, untouched fishing with very few other anglers around

✓ Love wading and covering ground on foot

✓ Are chasing GT on fly as a primary target

✓ Love permit fishing — this is one of the spots to tick off the Indo-Pacific permit

Consider alternatives if —

✗ You're travelling with a non-fishing partner — there's very little to do off the water

✗ Luxury accommodation — this spot is wilder but still very comfortable

✗ You prefer boat fishing over wading

✗ Hate mosquitoes — there are plenty in the evenings when outdoors, but none on the water

checkpoint verdict

"Guiding on Astove was one of the greatest privileges of my career. The GT fishing is wild and relentless. Catching bonefish and permit in the surf alone adds a whole lot of action to surf walks. It's rough terrain, plenty of walking, and absolutely no hand-holding — and that's precisely what makes it special. Astove is built for the hardcore fly angler."

Steve Raath, Guide on Alphonse & Astove Islands

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On the water

about the contributor

VERIFIED

Steve Raath

Guide · Alphonse & Astove · 2 seasons

Steve guided on Alphonse & Astove Atolls for 18 months, experiencing some of the finest that Seychelles has to offer. Steve's main goal for his contributions to Checkpoint is to ensure that anglers have realistic expectations for their fishing, but are also perfectly prepared in terms of gear.

What to Bring

Rod & Reel Setups

9 wt for bonefish and permit
10 wt for milkfish and triggerfish
11 or 12 wt for GTs

Lines & Leaders

Tropical floating lines - 9, 10, and 12 weight lines, with an extra 12 weight line
15, 20, and 25lb - Covers bonefish, permit, triggerfish, and milkfish
100-150lb leaders - Fish the heavier stuff around serious coral

Wading Essentials

Wading boots - Hard-soled with ankle support
Wading socks or neoprene socks - Worn under boots for comfort and added protection

Sun Protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen - Apply before you leave to fish, reapply at lunch time. The sun is relentless out there
Tights or leggings - Much more comfortable than longs for wading
Buff - An absolute essential for protecting your face from the sun