Sight Fishing - FlyCastaway

St Brandon Blog: 23 September – 3 October 2025

Week four at St Brandon’s Atoll delivered another memorable stretch of fly fishing. This time, neap tides set the stage for extended sessions on the flats, with calmer water and slower tidal movement giving us plenty of time to explore the atoll’s expansive sand and coral systems. Conditions were excellent, and our guests made the most of every opportunity.

Bonefishing remained as consistent as ever, with good numbers of fish encountered tailing in shallow water. The ankle-deep flats provided classic sight-fishing scenarios, often allowing anglers to spot and stalk fish at close range. Most bonefish averaged between 5 and 6 lb, and there was no shortage of solid specimens to keep rods bent and reels singing. The relaxed neap tide rhythm made for some truly enjoyable sessions, with long periods spent wading the flats under clear skies.

Permit fishing brought its share of excitement too. These notoriously selective fish made regular appearances across the atoll, and our guests rose to the challenge admirably. John Snipes enjoyed an outstanding week, landing three permit, the largest weighing in at 10.5 lb—an exceptional fish by any standard. Christian added another quality 9 lb permit to the tally, rounding off what was a particularly rewarding week for those targeting this elusive species. As always, permit demanded skill, patience, and precision, and the results reflected both great angling and perseverance.

The trevally scene kept the energy levels high. Both giant trevally (GTs) and bluefin trevally were active, adding plenty of adrenaline to the week’s fishing. Christian led the charge with a superb 107 cm GT, while Dave followed up with a solid 89 cm fish and Steve added an 88 cm GT to the count. Bluefin trevally were especially lively, bringing fast-paced action along the reef edges and drop-offs. John Snipes landed a strong 74 cm bluefin, while Dave put in a standout performance with 77 cm and 76 cm fish. These trevally encounters provided some spectacular visual takes and blistering runs—just the kind of action St Brandon is famous for.

With long, productive hours spent on the flats and an excellent variety of species brought to hand, week four offered a perfect balance of opportunity and excitement. The combination of favorable tides, good weather, and an enthusiastic group of anglers made for another unforgettable week on the atoll. A big thank-you to all our guests for their focus, energy, and great company on the water. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward into the weeks ahead.

Tight lines,
The St Brandon Guide Team

Catch Tally

Bonefish: 109
Indo-Pacific Permit: 4
GT: 3
Bluefin Trevally: 12

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St Brandon Blog: 16 – 26 September 2025

Week three at St Brandon’s Atoll delivered another action-packed stretch of fishing, with spring tides opening up opportunities to explore more of the atoll’s remote islands and coral ridges. These dynamic tidal conditions created prime scenarios for targeting a range of species, and our guests made the most of it—producing some unforgettable catches along the way.

Bonefishing remained steady throughout the week, with excellent numbers of fish tailing across the shallow flats. Many were found in skinny water, setting up those classic St Brandon sight-fishing moments that anglers dream of. The average fish ranged between 5–6 lb, but the week’s biggest bone stole the spotlight:

John Snipes landed a magnificent 10.5 lb bonefish—the largest of the season so far. A fish of that size is a true trophy anywhere in the world, and John’s catch was met with well-deserved excitement. Congratulations, John!

Permit fishing was once again a highlight of the week. The atoll’s legendary flats produced strong numbers of these notoriously tricky fish, and our guests rose to the challenge.

Christiaan led the way, landing two permit, the largest weighing an impressive 12 lb—a remarkable achievement in skinny water. John Ankenny added another to the tally, and Peter brought a solid 9 lb permit to hand.

There’s nothing quite like sight-casting to tailing permit on St Brandon’s clear flats—every shot gets the heart racing, and every landed fish is a triumph. This week certainly delivered on that front.

Trevally action was outstanding, with both giant trevally (GT) and bluefin trevally showing up in force. Christiaan continued his stellar week by landing two GTs over 100 cm, while Rudi topped the leaderboard with a beastly 112 cm GT—an incredible catch and a true highlight of the trip.

Adding some variety, John Ankenny landed a striking 8 lb golden trevally, a beautiful fish that added a splash of color to his tally.

Bluefin trevally were particularly active this week, lighting up the reefs and drop-offs with high-energy strikes. Several impressive fish were landed, including Dave’s 78 cm, Christiaan’s 75 cm, Steve’s 70 cm, and Rudi’s 70 cm bluefin trevally—each providing thrilling takes and memorable fights.

With spring tides in full swing and the fishery firing on all cylinders, this was truly a week to remember. A huge thank-you to all our guests for bringing such great energy, focus, and passion to the flats. The season is gathering momentum, and we’re excited to see what the next week has in store.

Tight lines,
The St Brandon Guide Team

Catch Tally

Bonefish: 115
Indo-Pacific Permit: 4
GT: 3
Bluefin Trevally: 9
Golden Trevally: 1

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St Brandon Blog: 9 – 19 September 2025

The second week of the season at St Brandon’s Atoll delivered action-packed fishing and unforgettable moments for our guests. With calmer winds and stable weather, anglers were treated to ideal conditions for sight-fishing across the atoll. We fished neap tides throughout the week, which meant more time spent tracking fish tailing and cruising over shallow flats—perfect opportunities for guests to test their skills in classic St Brandon fashion.

Bonefishing was consistently strong, with plenty of singles and doubles spotted tailing across the pristine flats. Many of these fish were found in skinny water, setting the stage for exciting visual eats and rewarding battles. The average size ranged between 5–6 lb, with several larger fish landed during the week.

A special mention goes to Byron, who landed a beautiful 8 lb bonefish on his very first trip to the atoll—an outstanding achievement and a memory that will last a lifetime. Congratulations, Byron!

Permit made several appearances over the course of the week, providing those electrifying, nerve-tingling moments that make St Brandon’s such a special destination. A number of fish were hooked, and Ricardo stole the show by landing two permit—a truly fantastic accomplishment on his first visit to the atoll. Anyone who has chased permit knows that every encounter is a thrill, and successfully landing one (let alone two) is something to be proud of. Well done, Ricardo!

The trevally action was lively, with various species harassing baitfish along the flats, islands, and coral ridges. Giant trevally (GT) remain a bucket-list target for many anglers, and a few solid fish made appearances this week.

Once again, Ricardo had a week to remember, landing a magnificent 97 cm GT—a powerful fish and an unforgettable moment for everyone on the flats. While bluefin trevally proved a little more elusive this week and none were landed, good numbers were seen cruising the edges. With conditions improving and spring tides approaching, we’re confident their time will come.

It was a spectacular week at St Brandon’s—beautiful weather, eager fish, and an enthusiastic group of guests combined to create an atmosphere of pure fishing magic. As we transition into the spring tides, excitement is building for the weeks ahead.

A huge thank-you to all our guests for making it such a memorable trip. We can’t wait to welcome the next group to this incredible atoll and see what adventures await.

Tight lines,
The St B Guide Team

Catch Tally

Bonefish: 61
Permit: 2
GT: 1

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St Brandon Blog: 2–12 September 2025

We’re back! Huge bones, tailing permit, big bluefin, and monster GTs—it’s the start of another exciting September to November season on St Brandon’s Atoll. Our opening week welcomed a great group of guests and, despite some challenging weather, delivered plenty of memorable moments.

The week began with gusting winds, which made the fishing tricky at times. Even so, St Brandon produced some solid catches in her trademark ice-blue water. We fished spring tides throughout the week, which allowed for plenty of skinny-water sessions targeting bonefish. Permit were mostly spotted tailing and cruising along the islands and coral ridges, classic early-season behavior. As the weather continues to settle, we’re expecting a busy and action-packed second week ahead.

The Bonefishing was a real highlight. Large fish were found in good numbers across the flats, often moving as singles or pairs into shallow water. The persistent wind meant our guests had to be sharp with their presentations to entice fish to the fly. The average bone weighed in around 5–6 lb, with several larger specimens landed. A special mention goes to Sergio, who landed a magnificent 10 lb bonefish on his very first trip to St Brandon’s—a trophy fish by any standard. Congratulations, Sergio!

Permit fishing proved tough this week. Many fish were encountered on the flats and around the islands, often tailing beautifully in shallow water, but none were brought to hand. As any seasoned angler knows, permit are elusive at the best of times, and the gusting winds didn’t help. Spirits remain high, though, and the team is fired up to crack the code in week two.

Trevally action was equally challenging. We saw a good number of big bluefin trevally patrolling the flats and coral ridges, and a few were hooked—but none landed this time. GT sightings were limited as our focus remained mainly on bones and permit, but as the water warms up, these giants will become more active around the atoll. The stage is set for some exciting trevally fishing in the weeks to come.

Despite the tough conditions, the week was filled with laughter, great company, and plenty of promise for the season ahead. With neap tides and an improving weather forecast on the horizon, we’re optimistic about what’s to come.

Stay tuned for next week’s update—we have a feeling it’s going to be a good one.

Tight lines,
The St B Guide Team

Catch Tally

Bonefish: 38
Permit: 0
Bluefin Trevally: 0
GTs: 0

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St Brandon Blog: 27 May – 6 June 2025

The ninth week on the atoll delivered some truly memorable fishing, with guests enjoying standout catches across the board. With cooler temperatures setting in and neap tides prevailing, we focused much of our time on the expansive flats and coral ridges that make St Brandon such a special destination.

Bonefish
Bonefishing was nothing short of world-class once again. The neap tides allowed for excellent access to shallow flats, where we encountered plenty of tailing fish in skinny water. A large number of quality bonefish were landed throughout the week. Returning guest Terry topped the charts with a stunning 9.5lb specimen—the largest of the week. First-time visitors Bill and Stu also made their mark, each landing solid 8lb fish during their second week on the atoll. These impressive catches are a testament to the consistent quality of this fishery.

Permit
The elusive Indo-Pacific permit made regular appearances, tailing and cruising the flats and coral ridges. Anglers had numerous shots at these challenging fish, and we’re thrilled to report that Terry—one of our seasonal regulars—managed to land a beautiful 6lb permit. The sheer number of permit sightings this week once again highlighted St Brandon as one of the premier destinations for targeting this highly sought-after species.

Trevally
Trevally fishing was full of excitement. Two striking bluefin trevally were brought to hand, including a 70cm beauty landed by guest Dave during his second week with us. Golden trevally, often spotted tailing over turtle grass flats, also made a strong showing. Our guests landed four of these prized fish on fly, a true highlight for any saltwater angler. While giant trevally were seen cruising the flats and ridges, none were landed this week—but the hunt continues!

Looking Back on Week 9
Week 9 brought with it unforgettable moments, great camaraderie, and excellent fishing. From the impressive number of bonefish to the thrilling encounters with permit and trevally, it was a week to remember. We had a blast hosting our guests and hope they enjoyed their time as much as we enjoyed having them.

Catch Summary – Week 9:

Bonefish: 215 (2 x 8lb, 1 x 9.5lb)
Indo-Pacific Permit: 1 (1 x 6lb)
Bluefin Trevally: 2 (1 x 70cm)
Golden Trevally: 4

Thanks again to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you back on the flats soon!

Yours in fishing,
The St Brandon’s Guide Team

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St Brandon Blog: 20 – 30 May 2025

Hi there, and welcome back to St Brandon!

Week 8 on St Brandon delivered another unforgettable experience, with incredible fishing and fantastic weather. Our guests enjoyed exploring the flats, islands, and coral ridges of the atoll, making the most of every tide. As we moved into the spring tide cycle, we focused on skinny water flats during low tide and spent more time around the islands during the highs. With cooler water temperatures settling in, conditions were perfect for some top-class fishing.

Bonefish

Once again, bonefishing was nothing short of phenomenal. The spring tides provided ideal conditions for stalking tailing bonefish in shallow water, and our guests took full advantage. First-time visitor Bill landed an impressive 10lb bonefish—an exceptional catch for any angler, let alone on a first trip! Returning guest Dave also got into the action early, hooking and landing a solid 8lb bonefish. Both fish were outstanding, and we commend these anglers on their skill and patience.

Permit

Permit were spotted frequently throughout the week, cruising the flats and tailing along the coral ridges. While these elusive fish are always a challenge, our guests had numerous shots. Two were landed in Week 8, with Stu securing his first permit on his debut visit to St Brandon. Seasonal guest Terry also managed to land a 6lb permit—another fantastic achievement. The pursuit of permit continues to drive anglers’ dreams, and we’ll be gunning for more of these majestic fish in the coming weeks.

Trevally

The thrill of chasing trevally is a highlight for many of our visitors, and Week 8 didn’t disappoint. Giant trevally were seen in good numbers patrolling the flats and island edges. Dave added to his week’s success by landing a magnificent 101cm GT—a true trophy fish and a memory to last a lifetime. Bluefin trevally made several appearances, though only one was landed. Meanwhile, golden trevally were also seen tailing on the flats, and our guests landed three of these striking fish during the week. Trevally offer some of the most explosive action in saltwater fly fishing, and it’s always a joy to see them come to hand.

A Week to Remember

Week 8 delivered everything an angler could hope for—diverse species, challenging conditions, and unforgettable catches. From big bonefish and permit to powerful trevally, our guests had ample opportunity to test their skills and enjoy the remote beauty of St Brandon. We’re grateful to have spent another great week on the water and look forward to welcoming these anglers back soon.

Catch Summary:

Bonefish: 117 (including one at 10lb)
Indo-Pacific Permit: 2
Golden Trevally: 3
Giant Trevally: 1 (101cm)

Yours in fishing,
The St Brandon’s Guide Team

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St Brandon Blog: 13 – 23 May 2025

Hi there, and welcome to our Week 7 fishing update from St. Brandon’s! This week brought excellent fishing conditions and plenty of action, with all our guests thriving in the pristine waters of the atoll.

With neap tides settling in, we spent more time targeting fish in skinny water across the expansive flats. The continued drop in water temperature created ideal conditions, and the fish responded beautifully.

Our Bonefishing this week was simply outstanding, with a total of 271 bonefish landed! The flats provided consistent opportunities to target singles and doubles cruising through the shallows. Many guests managed to land fish over 7lb, making for some unforgettable memories.

A special shoutout goes to first-time guest Heath, who landed a massive 12lb bonefish—a truly exceptional catch and a highlight of the season. Any bonefish in the double-digit range is a remarkable achievement. Well done, Heath!

Permit were frequently spotted tailing and cruising along the flats and coral ridges, keeping anglers on their toes. Three were landed this week, with Heath once again standing out by catching both a 6lb and 8lb permit. Guest Bailey, on his first trip to the atoll, joined the action with a lovely 4lb permit. These elusive fish remain one of the most sought-after species on the flats, and our team is always excited to see them landed. Excellent work to both anglers!

Chasing trevally is always a thrill at St. Brandon, and Week 7 delivered some great moments. Bluefin trevally, known for their aggression and striking coloration, were seen in solid numbers on the flats and coral ridges. Four bluefin were caught, with Heath once again making his mark by landing a huge 72cm specimen.

Giant trevally (GTs) were spotted prowling the coral edges and flats, but none were brought to hand this week. The hunt for these apex predators continues to captivate both guides and guests alike.

We also had a sighting of golden trevally tailing in turtle grass, and Bailey managed to hook and land one of these stunning fish during his first visit—another tick off the bucket list!

Week 7 was filled with memorable moments and diverse species. From incredible bonefish numbers to exciting permit and trevally encounters, the fishing was top-tier. We had a fantastic group of guests—both new and returning—and we’re already looking forward to having them back on the flats.

Weekly Catch Summary:

Bonefish – 271 (1x 12lb, 5x 8lb)
Indo-Pacific Permit – 3 (1x 8lb)
Bluefin Trevally – 4 (1x 72cm)
Golden Trevally – 1

Thanks to everyone who joined us for another unforgettable week on the water.

Yours in fishing,
The St. Brandon’s Guide Team

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St Brandon Blog: 29 April – 9 May 2025

Hi there and welcome! Week 5 on the Atoll was full of excitement, with countless opportunities to target fish across the pristine waters of St. Brandon. As the weather began to cool slightly, we moved into neap tides—providing optimal conditions for extended time on the flats rather than around the islands.

Bonefishing Highlights

The bonefishing this week held true to St. Brandon’s world-class reputation. Anglers enjoyed consistent action, with plenty of singles and pairs cruising the skinny water across our flats. Quality fish were landed throughout the week, many falling in the impressive 7–8 lb range.

A standout catch came from Doug, who is on his first trip to St. Brandon. He landed a monstrous 10 lb bonefish, continuing the excellent momentum from his previous week. Dave also got in on the action, landing a solid 8 lb bone on the final day of his trip. Well done to both anglers on their fantastic fish—what a way to wrap up your time on the Atoll! A 10 lb bonefish is a rare and special catch, and Doug’s fish was truly one to remember.

Permit Fishing Success

Permit fishing remained strong throughout the week, with numerous tailing fish spotted across the flats, coral ridges, and island edges. The guests enjoyed several good shots, and a few remarkable fish were brought to hand.

Doug again rose to the occasion, landing both a 9 lb and a stunning 11.5 lb Indo-Pacific Permit. A double-digit permit is an extraordinary achievement in any fishery, and Doug’s success is a testament to the quality of opportunities available here at St. Brandon. Congratulations on such a memorable week!

Trevally Encounters

Giant trevally made their presence known, frequently seen shadowing nurse sharks and ambushing bait along the flats and around the islands. Despite multiple sightings, none were landed this week, but anticipation remains high for the rest of the season.

Golden Trevally added excitement to the mix, with several seen tailing in turtle grass on various flats. A few lucky anglers managed to land these stunning, hard-fighting fish. Bluefin Trevally were abundant again, often seen harassing bait schools throughout the Atoll. Although the hookup-to-landing ratio was low this week, the chase continues to thrill both guides and guests alike.

Looking Ahead

Week 5 was packed with action, and the variety of species encountered kept everyone engaged. As the water continues to cool, we’re optimistic about the coming weeks and what they’ll bring for our guests. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—we thoroughly enjoyed sharing this special place with you and look forward to your return.

Catch Summary:

Bonefish: 84 (1 x 10 lb, 1 x 8.5 lb)
Indo-Pacific Permit: 5 (1 x 11.5 lb, 1 x 9 lb)
Golden Trevally: 5

Yours in fishing,
The St. Brandon’s Guide Team

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St Brandon: 15 – 25 April 2025

Our third week of the St. Brandon April–June 2025 season began with a gentle southeasterly breeze and a neap tide cycle, providing extended time on the flats—ideal conditions for stalking fish in skinny water. It was an unusual week, however, with only two guests making out to the atoll, as one guest was unable to make the journey.

Bonefishing Highlights

Despite the low guest count, the Atoll once again proved why it’s considered one of the finest bonefishing destinations on the planet. The flats delivered consistent action, with bonefish averaging a solid 5–6 pounds. Both Patric and Eli took full advantage of the calm conditions and crystal-clear waters, landing multiple quality bones. The standout fish of the week came in at 8 pounds—a trophy by any standard. Mike and Brandon also got in on the action, each landing impressive 8-pounders during their time on the flats.

Permit Fishing

Permit fishing, as always, tested our patience and precision. We encountered a fair number of these elusive fish and had multiple opportunities throughout the week. The highlight came early, with both Patric and Eli landing their first St. Brandon permit on day one. Eli’s fish, a stunning 11.5-pounder, was the standout, while Patric brought in a beautiful specimen at 7.5 pounds. Despite numerous shots, the permit weren’t in a particularly cooperative mood, and while we managed to hook five fish in total, two were unfortunately lost before they could be landed.

Trevally Encounters

The Atoll’s resident trevally species made a few appearances as well. We saw a fair number of GTs and Bluefin Trevally throughout the week. Opportunities came and went, but conversions proved challenging. By the end of the week, we managed to land just one Bluefin—a reminder of just how humbling and rewarding this fishery can be.

Final Thoughts

Though guest numbers were limited this week, the quality of fishing and the solitude of the flats made for a memorable experience. The remarkable bonefish action and frequent permit sightings left a lasting impression on our guests, and we were thrilled to be part of their journey.

As we wrap up another week in this remote corner of the Indian Ocean, we remain eager for what lies ahead. With prime tides and exciting guests on the way, the rest of the season promises to be just as rewarding.

Catch Summary:

Bonefish: 39
Permit: 3
Bluefin Trevally: 1

Until next week,
The St. Brandon FlyCastaway Guide Team

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St Brandon Blog: 8-18 April 2025

Welcome to Week 2 of the 2025 St Brandon season. Our week began with fishing over spring tides, and the group was treated to calm conditions and excellent light—ideal for sight fishing on the flats. The atoll once again lived up to its reputation, with several special catches coming to hand throughout the week.

We experienced excellent bonefishing, especially in terms of average size, with many fish landed in the 5 to 6 lb range. A few larger fish were also brought to hand, though some true giants managed to get the better of us! Notable catches came from Tim, Rex, and Steve, with the largest bonefish of the week landed by Tim—a trophy 11 lb specimen—and Rex with a beautiful 10 lb fish. Congratulations to both anglers for taming these speedsters! It’s an exciting sign of what the weeks ahead may hold.

Once again, good numbers of Indo-Pacific Permit were encountered across various locations while wading these magnificent flats. All our anglers enjoyed multiple shots at these notoriously tricky fish and landed five Permit in total for the week. Steve fooled his 8 lb Permit with a spot-on cast late one afternoon, while Brian managed to trick a beautiful 7.5 lb specimen. Well done, guys—great fishing!

The warmer conditions this week brought several Trevally species into play. Some guests had shots at GTs (Giant Trevally), though these fish proved just as elusive as ever—reminding us why they’re among the atoll’s most challenging targets. Big bluefin trevally were seen in good numbers, especially along the eastern coral edge and around the islands. We successfully brought eight of these stunning fish to hand.

This wrapped up another fantastic week on St Brandon, with all of our guests experiencing what makes this atoll so special. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting this group and look forward to welcoming them all back in the future.

Catch Tally for the Week: