Where Autumn Waters Mirror the Soul of anglers / TIGER FISH IN TANZANIA / FLY FISHING THE DANISH FLATS
PEACOCK BASS in Amazon / COLLECTING FISHING RODS / ICELAND SEA TROUT / FYN - in a Sea of Opportunities
ART IN FISHING: RACHEL LEE / Behind The Lens WITH FABIAN FINGERLOS / FARQUHAR ATOLL: TAMING THE AQUA HULK
SCANDINAVIA
Dear Readers,
It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we present the inaugural "zero" issue of H2O Scandinavia. This is no ordinary fishing magazine, it is a celebration of fly fishing, travel, and the artistry that makes our sport so unique.
Since 2008, H2O Magazine has captivated readers in Italy and, more recently, in France, England, and North America. Now, with this special Scandinavian issue, we are delighted to extend our reach to the passionate fly-fishing community across Scandinavia.
Within our pages, you’ll discover stories that transport you to some of the world’s most enchanting fishing destinations, insightful interviews with influential figures shaping the fishing industry, and reflections on the artistry and skill that transform every cast and every catch into something extraordinary.
We are proud to deliver a high-quality publication that combines exceptional content with stunning visuals, ensuring an engaging and inspiring experience for every reader.
As your editors, we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you. With this first Scandinavian issue, our mission is to inspire, connect, and celebrate the incredible world of fly fishing together.
H2O Magazine is a very unique magazine as it is a printed publication distributed free of charge at fishing shows all over Europe and in the US, touristical offices, hotels, fishing shops, fly fishing clubs, and fishing lodges. We are present worldwide, and you can find H2O Magazine in many locations across the globe.
Are you a player in the world of fly fishing in Scandinavia? Join H2O Scandinavia as a partner and showcase your brand. Write to Håkan Karsnäser: haakan@ahrexhooks.com
Yours sincerely, Håkan, Morten and Omar Editorial Team, H2O Scandinavia
Editor note
We are thrilled to launch the first edition of H2O Magazine Scandinavia, the Nordic version of our renowned quarterly magazine dedicated to the wonderful world of fly fishing.
This project stems from a shared passion for nature, culture, and the stories that intertwine art and collecting within this ancient discipline.
We have assembled a team of excellence. Thanks to their contributions, H2O Magazine Scandinavia will not only tell stories but also become a true celebration of the beauty and craftsmanship that define this practice.
We invite you to dive into the pages of this new adventure and let yourself be transported by the stories, landscapes, and emotions. Happy reading and enjoy your journey into the vibrant heart of Scandinavia!
Giorgio Cavatorti Editorial Director, H2O Magazine
Håkan Morten Omar
Giorgio
8 Where Autumn Waters Mirror the Soul of Angling
The sky is gray, and the car's thermometer shows a couple of degrees above freezing. An extra fleece sweater will...
26
FLY FISHING THE DANISH FLATS
Driving through the Danish countryside, I found myself winding through grassy emerald fields scattered with cottages and farm homes built...
42
COLLECTING FISHING RODS
Collecting fishing rods doesn't actually present any great difficulties. It's enough to go to some flea markets and you will always find ...
58
Fyn - in a Sea of Opportu-
nities
Fyn isn't just one island. Fyn is the island among islands, in a sea of opportunities. Here, you'll find more than 1,100 ...
74 Behind The Lens WITH FABIAN FINGERLOS
Walking down to the Faro River from camp after breakfast, Stu, Ed, the game scouts, and I were excited about the...
16
TIGER FISH IN TANZANIA
The alarm clock rang early in the room of a small hotel overlooking the city of Iringa, in southern Tanzania.e landscape, colourful culture ...
36
PEACOCK BASS IN AMAZON
They call the Marie River “Rio de Gigantes” or “River of Giants” and the 500-mile long tributary of the Amazon River seems to produce...
46
ICELAND SEA TROUT
It was 2020 when I got my first sea trout river in my portfolio. Since then, I have slowly managed to get the main rivers together...
68
ART IN FISHING: RACHEL LEE
Hello, my name is Rachel Lee and I am an artist from South Korea who now resides in New Zealand. My passion for drawing characters...
82
FARQUHAR ATOLL: TAMING THE AQUA HULK
In this article, Rasmus Ovesen takes you to Farquhar Atoll –a fabled and far-flung atoll just north of Madagascar...
SCANDINAVIA
Where Autumn Waters Mirror the Soul of anglers
"When I reach the point, the water's surface still, dark, and mirror-like."
The sky is gray, and the car's thermometer shows a couple of degrees above freezing.
An extra fleece sweater will be necessary today to keep the damp chill at bay. As I turn around the bay and cross the small bridge over the lake's inlet, a brilliant blue streak darts past over the water. The little blue kingfisher, often spotted here in late autumn, wasn’t fond of my company and swiftly disappeared to the other side. When I reach the point, the water’s surface lies still, dark, and mirror-like. Carefully, I step into the chilly autumn water and pull some line from the reel. At the end of the leader, a small brown mayfly nymph dangles—a reliable choice this time of year, even though its natural counterpart has long ceased hatching. I let the fly sink for a second before retrieving it with a slow hand-twist.
Although I noticed a few subtle rises farther out, the strike takes me by surprise. A tentative bite—yet, mindful of past experiences, I don’t raise the rod but instead release the line, which hisses across the surface. About 30 meters away, the rainbow trout breaks the surface in a spectacular leap. After another couple of long runs, it starts approaching my position more frequently. Finally, I guide it over the net’s rim and lift it to safety. A silver-bright beauty, adorned with black spots and a faint pink stripe along its side, perfect fins, and weighing just over 2 kilos.
Hökensås: A Haven for Fishing Enthusiasts
Hökensås is a remarkable area, blessed with wild nature and picturesque lakes. For more than 60 years, it has been a prominent putand-take fishing destination and remains one of Sweden’s most popular angling spots. Despite its proximity to Jönköping, Hjo, and Tidaholm, the area feels far removed from civilization once you’re there. Dense forests, wetlands, and lakes of varying types and sizes dominate the landscape.
Hökensås Sportfiske manages fishing in over 30 lakes within the region. Day permits are available for about 20 of these, while the remaining lakes are either quota-based or private rental lakes. For fly fishing enthusiasts, six lakes are designated exclusively for the sport. Additionally, there are four quota-based fly fishing lakes:
Bastusjön: where float tubes are permitted; Abborragölen: available during the spring Vulgata season;
Kvarkasjön: stocked exclusively with trout; Strandgölen: where the average fish weight is higher, offering greater chances of landing a trophy fish.
Stream Fishing at Tidan
Complementing the lakes, Hökensås also offers stream fishing along a section of the Tidan River at Baltak, just outside Tidaholm. Stocked continuously with rainbow trout and brown trout, this stretch allows fly fishing as the sole method. The river is stunningly varied, featuring fast-moving currents and calmer runs, perfect for Czech nymphing or dry-fly
fishing for finicky trout and rainbow trout.
Top-Quality Fish
The fish stocked in Hökensås are primarily rainbow trout, raised at two local hatcheries. For years, efforts have been dedicated to breeding a sporting fish rather than a table fish. Careful selective breeding has paid off, producing trout of exceptional quality—slim, muscular, with intact
" The river is stunningly varied, featuring fast-moving currents and calmer runs"
fins, and a thrilling challenge for fly fishers. Even smaller specimens put up a commendable fight.
Seasonal Highlights
Vulgata Mayfly Hatches (Mid-May): Some lakes experience massive hatches of this iconic mayfly species, creating unforgettable fishing opportunities.
Mid-Summer to Autumn: Feather-winged midges and damselflies dominate the trout’s
diet. Effective imitations of damselfly nymphs are essential for this period.
June: Large caddisflies, particularly Phryganea grandis, make their appearance. Be sure to carry imitations of appropriate size to avoid missing out on the lakes’ giants.
BoobyFlies&SinkingLines: At times, fishing with sinking lines and booby flies proves incredibly effective. Recommended color combinations include white-chartreuse, orange,
black-olive, and pink. Small sizes (e.g., size 18) can work wonders when fish are particularly wary.
Facilities & Accessibility
The area boasts a well-equipped fishing shop staffed by knowledgeable personnel ready to advise on current hatches and tactics. Adjacent to the shop is a campsite with 150 spaces for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, along with 50 rental cabins.
A Unique Fishing Experience
If you’re craving a wilderness fishing experience in a stunning setting, targeting fish of the highest quality without traveling to northern Sweden, take a trip to Hökensås. You won’t be disappointed!
Tigerfish IN Tanzania
Andrea Bianchi
The alarm clock rang early in the room of a small hotel overlooking the city of Iringa, in southern Tanzania. It would be nice to say that the excitement of the upcoming fishing stint kept me up all night making the alarm useless. However, the last week of work in the forest had really exhausted me and the alarm rang rather incessantly (and annoyingly) before I could get out of bed. The prospect of the day, and of the following ones, however, was more than fantastic: first,
four hours of dirt tracks in the Miombo woods, and then the “fishing” exploration of various stretches of the Ruaha River, some of which were never fished before. The setting for this exploration (or recce, from recognition, as they call it here) is one of the largest wild areas in Africa: The Ruaha National Park, 20,226 km2, an area as large as Lombardy.
I was a guest in my dear friend Kiasile Fox's tented camp, Mwagusi Camp, an oasis of comfort, relaxation, and inspiration in the heart of the savannah. The first day ran slowly in the principle of an African safari: radiators that
overheated, cover-ups, brunches in the shade of centuries-old baobabs... The arrival in Mwagusi was like taking a leap back in time, and while we were having dinner on a small table set in the bush, we found ourselves surrounded by giraffes, impalas and baboons which prepared for the night by screaming, clicking, and cackling.
Finally, however, the time came to stretch out the lines and cast in the fish rich waters (and not only...) of the Ruaha River. Kiasile (Hehe, the name meaning “he who is lost and found”, but that's another story) and I targeted the big tigerfish, and ignored the yellowfish, cichlids
and alestids that populated the river too. We both started with 8 weight rods with sinking tip lines, 20-30lb leader and steel cable bite tippet. We were looking for Hydrocynus tanzaniae (literally “the Tanzanian water dog”), one of the five species of African tigerfish, also called “blue tigerfish” due to a showy blue adipose fin (the alestidae family shares this characteristic with that of the salmonids).
Kiasile mounted a blue clouser, while I tried with a black one: at the first launch we were both enchanted, and we looked at each other smiling happily. His catch, a nice tiger of about
1kg, however, was retrieved and after a brief struggle reached the shore where Kiasile unhooked and quickly released it. In the meantime, I had recovered the excess line and clutch of the legendary Tibor that “The Everglades” slowly released decimeter after decimeter of line. However, the behaviour seemed strange to me, and in fact we wondered if I could have hooked a vundu, a sort of catfish that reaches
100kg. Just as we were discussing this, a longscaled tail removed all doubts: I had hooked a large Nile crocodile! A fair amount of swearing (in Italian, English, and Swahili) and laughter followed, until I finally straightened the rod and, holding the line tightly, let the weight of the crocodile straighten the hook. The experience was a warning to us: we will rarely fish without sharing the pool with crocodiles and
hippos (and on a couple of occasions, we had to quickly move away from the shore upon the arrival of a crocodile who was a little too curious). After all this noise we decided to move upstream (while Kiasile caught three more tigerfish, but we could omit this from the story...) where I finally caught my first water dog. At this point the river ran quickly between rocks, and I fished as if I were looking for large marble trout: I cast at 30 degrees, skimming the opposite bank with the heavy streamer, I mended upstream with the floating part of the line, I let the T250 sink until it was tight.
FLY FISHING THE DANISH FLATS
An American Perspective
Driving through the Danish countryside, I found myself winding through grassy emerald fields scattered with cottages and farm homes built in the early 1800s on my way to “Å”, an area along the coastline on the Southwestern side of
Fyn. Coming from the Western United States where everything was built in the last hundred years, and a majority of the homes in the last fifties, seeing the half-timbered buildings, thatched roofs, and stone wall and hedge-lined properties alone was a treat.
After passing through a village called Ebberup and a few more turns and twists, I arrive at “Å“. The ocean was in front of me. There was a slight fog, but that did not keep me from scouring the water for any sign of the Danish sea run brown trout that I had been reading about from my
home in Arizona.
Soon, I am at the Lodge, the first and only designed and completely built from the ground fly fishing Lodge of the country. This new nice looking wooden construction was built during
Covid years 2020 and 2021, with a great 180° view over the sea.
But the Lodge company dates back to 2013 which means the staff have a long experience running this kind of operation. The first Lodge (which is today closed), was running from 2013 to 2018 and was located a couple of kilometres from the new one. The decision that it was time to improve and build a newer Lodge in a greater position was taken by the staff and by the man-
ager Omar, who has been fishing the region of Fyn since a child. While Omar has fished the world, like many of us, sea trout fishing holds a special place in his heart. At that time, back in 2013, Omar decided to pioneer Denmark's first fly fishing lodge. Several fishing services have since opened in Denmark following Omar's lead. And the local industry is actively improving the local trout population every year.
The new “Denmark Fishing and Outdoor Lodge 2.0” is an excellent place to base a fishing trip in Denmark, it holds 6 sleeping rooms with private bathrooms, a living & dining room for 20/25 guests, a fly tying area, and the décor reveals a clear appreciation for fly fishing, art, and the intersection of the two. There are couches to lounge with a coffee table hosting fishing magazines and picturesque trout photography books. A guitar stand next to the couch was doing its job, waiting for the next player to put the six string to use. At any time a famous blues guitarist might just do that.
Outside the Lodge, the big wooden terrace with view over the sea makes for a nice place to have an afternoon beer while looking at the surrounding nature. There are many birds as well in the area and it is not rare to spot sea eagles flying over the new Lodge property.
After putting my luggage away in the small comfortable double room, and taking a quick nap, I went in the Lodge main room for dinner. To my surprise, this fly fishing lodge restaurant attracts a Danish local crowd. Upon eating, I understood why. Out of the kitchen poured an exquisite three course Italian meal planned, produced and served by the Lodge staff that brings the spicy flavors of Italy to the lodge’s kitchen. To find it in a tiny fishing lodge in Denmark was serendipitous. The staff of the Lodge is international, with origins from Denmark, Germany, Italy, and that is why the choice of serving Italian food. To finish the meal, Valentina, staff member at the Lodge, shared a small glass of Nocino, a walnut liquor from her home country. After dinner I went out on the Lodge terrace, I had a short pause there, and then I went into my room. Sleep was early and easy. Normally I like the challenge of learning
how to catch trout in an area on my own, but it sometimes takes time and can produce no fish. I was in Denmark on business, and only had a day and a half to play. I decided that a guide would definitely help me get the most out of my time. Joining my guide Omar and me to take photos was Mauro Barbacci, a professional photographer from Italy. Omar asked if I minded if Mauro joined and took some photos "Of course! Who wouldn't want some professional photos taken of themselves while casting?”
So, the three of us drove back through those winding roads with the vast ocean to our side. We passed the areas where my eyes scoured for any sign of life, and I knew the decision to hire a guide was the right one. We arrived at a parking lot in yet another small village. The weather was nice for September. It was a sunny morning with few clouds and a bit of wind. The community was definitely taking advantage of it. This is what I expected in Denmark.
We proceeded to put on our chest waders and set up a 12 foot leader/tippet with a fly called “Jan Kenobi’s baitfish". The fly takes the name from Jan, another guide of the Lodge, which created this simple but effective pattern.
Once rigged, we walked out to the ocean side bay on a long sandy trail cutting through lush rose hips with our eyes again fixed on the surface of the bay for trout movement. On the rocky beach, the water was crystal clear. Apparently this is normal here. The ocean was relatively calm, but there was enough wind to break its surface and my attempt at a long distance cast as well. When fishing for Danish browns in the sea, you're best casting fifty to sixty-five feet (that's 15 to 20+ meters for the rest of the world).
My guide Omar instructed me to take two steps to the right. In this way, we cover a lot of water; after all, there is a big ocean out there. After covering a good distance, Omar decided it was time to move on to new water. Fishing an ocean is
much different than a river. Having a guide like Omar or Jan, that knows the water, weather, and seasonal patterns narrows where they might be, but you still have to cover a lot of water to find where they really are.
My guide knew exactly where to go. We carefully waded out deeper into the sea, careful not to make too much noise or slip into the water. Almost instantly we ran into a school of sea run brown trout. This time the wind was at my back, making the long distance cast much easier, but the porpoising targets were still a stretch for me. Relaxing my cast, and positioning to keep the wind working with me on the forward cast, I was able to reach the trout. It only took a couple casts and I was already into a fish. Bliss. The muscles and tendons in my hand and forearm kicked into action, keeping the rod tip as high as possible, though the 6 weight did its best to point back down at the water. Very quickly I pulled the beautiful silvery 50 cm brown trout
closer and eventually parked it into the landing net. Now I was happy to have a professional photographer with us. My childish ego kicked in, "Mom, mom; look what I caught!"
There were more fish out in that bay, I lost 2 more. Before noon, we tried yet another area just close to the Lodge. I managed to hook one more but small trout. That night I ate one last tasty dinner at the lodge and had another good night's sleep.
I went out on my own the next morning. The ocean was again crystal clear. I saw a lot of sea life, including jellyfish and very small starfish, even a purpose (small whale) but no trout. Still, the scenery was absolutely gorgeous, and I fished in front of an old lighthouse.
While I left behind many uncaught fish and a few new friends, I brought memories of both home to the US, and the hope to return to Fyn and Denmark Fishing Lodge again someday.
PEACOCK BASS in Amazon
They call the Marie River “Rio de Gigantes” or “River of Giants” and the 500-mile long tributary of the Amazon River seems to produce the trophy size peacock bass to prove that moniker each year.
The Marie is a true trophy fishery and not one that yields huge numbers of fish. Anglers who want to focus on the smaller butterfly peacock bass can catch quite a few two to six pounders in the nearshore cover. While the fishing can be tough for constant activity, the remote waters do yield a higher percentage of 20lb peacock bass than most every other river in the Amazon. On my most recent trip to the Amazon, I vis-
ited the Marie for the first time. After 60 trips to the Brazilian jungle, I have fished around 40 different rivers with fairly good success. Outfitters Rodrigo Salles joined me on the venture to help me check out their trophy-focused operation. Since my interests lie in giant peacock bass, I was excited to have a crack at the Marie. It didn't take long to find out the waters did hold some big fish. Fishing with a Brazilian angler, we caught many butterfly peacocks on
day one and I managed a 13lb speckled peacock. We found out at dinner that night that one of our friends on the trip caught two giants that weighed 22lb each, and there were a few others in the mid-to-upper teens taken that day. Anglers fly directly to the mothership, called Untamed Amazon, on a chartered Cessna Caravan float plane from Manaus which takes about one hour. The river, whose headwaters are near the Colombian border, is one of the
most remote peacock bass fisheries in South America. It lies on the protected Rio Marie Indian Reserve which includes the main river, its two major tributaries, and dozens of lagoons and oxbow bays. Fishing here requires a permit and approval of the Native Indian Communities (composed of the Bare, Baniwa and Tukano ethnic groups) and the Brazilian government, and Untamed Angling entered into the exclusive sport fishing agreement years ago. “We were under strict guidelines imposed by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) the first two seasons, and they endorsed an expanded fishing zone over the past two seasons which includes the entire river drainage including all of the Marie tributaries,” says Untamed. “We are able to manage the fishery by rotating our minimal fishing pressure between six river sectors: Upper Turi, Lower Turi, Rubo River, Upper Marie, headwaters of Marie, and the Lower Marie. That's more than 600 miles of exclusive-access water, the biggest exclusive peacock bass fishing reserve in the Amazon. We have a strict
catch and release policy.
The high mobility of our shallow-draft mothership combined with the ability to fly in directly via float planes to any part of our fishing reserve lets us manage the fishery better. We navigate on average about 80 to 130 miles each week to fish new waters daily.
The Marie watershed is a headwaters system of the Rio Negro and as a result, water level fluctuations are not as severe as they tend to be on other tributaries.
That means less impact on fishing success.”
Untamed Angling also limits the fishing pressure, accommodating only eight to ten anglers per week in the eight double-occupancy staterooms onboard the 92-foot long Untamed Amazon. The spacious, three-floor live-aboard yacht with air conditioning throughout is a very comfortable
mobile floating lodge offering side-by-side twin beds in each room along with private bath rooms and hot showers. Large floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows along the exterior wall of each stateroom opens up the jungle view to those inside. To take advantage of its equatorial location, the mothership's roof deck is lined with solar panels to generate 100% solar power for the vessel.
The seven-foot wide aluminum bass boats had large flat decks forward and aft that were comfortable to fish from. The 90-hp outboards easily powered the boats throughout the watershed.
The weather, as is usual, was hot and most anglers took a dip or two during the day in the cooler river waters off one of the abundant sandbars scattered along it.
The fishing season established on the exclusive Rio Marie Indian Reserve runs from September to mid-January. Fishing is limited to fly fishermen only during the first 12 weeks of the season and is then open to “mixed” or conventional tackle (spinning and baitcast) anglers for four weeks. Due to being later in the season, the fishing area for the mixed weeks is limited to the lower Marie River zone only, a different area to that where fly fishing is practised.
To preserve the Indian culture at the 14 communities along the Marie River system, a Native Community Fee is required from each angler.
The fees are used for social projects, infrastructure development, transportation, medical and educational projects.
For complete information on package inclusions and exclusions, tackle restrictions, trip availability and costs, contact Denmark Fishing Lodge at info@denmarkfishinglodge.com.
COLLECTING FISHING RODS
ly, studying the sector well and not venturing into purchases without having the right skills. Remember that in collecting there is no mercy for others, and nothing gives more satisfaction to an expert collector and trafficker than giving you a "rip-off." This term indicates a rod that can be rebound, repainted, with ferrules arranged as best as possible, with non-original replacement loops, redone writings, etc., all elements that make your purchase worth close to zero.
Another piece of advice that I feel like shouting out is, your rod is not an investment! If you have money to invest, buy something else but not fishing rods. You will immediately realise this when you try to resell your antique rod. Once you have chosen the type of rods you want to collect, I recommend a rack display in which to store them. There is nothing sadder than seeing a row of PVC pipes with rods inside
that you have to extract from their cases every time you want to admire them. If you don't have space for a rack, hang them in a wardrobe, inserting the two thinnest parts into the case, taking care not to tighten the laces too much. I have seen many beautiful rods with the tip having taken the shape of the handle because this precaution had not been taken.
At this point, the question that must be asked is the following: do I buy rods that I occasionally use for fishing or just showcase pieces that I admire and don't use? This is a personal choice. I'm just saying that buying a fishing rod and not using it, no matter how beautiful or expensive it is, is an affront to the manufacturer. My friend Giorgio Dallari, a great manufacturer of briar reels, often had this problem, and when a customer said the famous remark "they are so beautiful that it's a shame to use them," he surely would provoke some bad words from Gi-
orgio. Furthermore, by using these relics, you will immediately realise how superfluous it is to have the latest model of a carbon rod.
An ancient rod, made of Greenheart or bamboo or another material, still has many emotions to give: in the fishing action, in the beauty of a photo with a beautiful fish next to it, and in the small gestures when assembling it or putting it back in the case. These are the great pleasures of fishing. Treat it well and one day it will give you one last emotion, when you give it to your child.
SEA TROUT ICELAND
Kristján Páll Rafnsson
It was 2020 when I got my first sea trout river in my portfolio. Since then, I have slowly managed to get the main rivers together after many meetings with the landowners. In 2023, my goal was perfected as I was now able to manage, protect and offer all of these sea trout rivers to anglers at home and abroad. There may not be many sea trout rivers in Iceland, but some of the very best are all connected to the one river system in the south of the country. This mighty glacial river is called Skaftá. It is milky and murky, and hard to imagine if the trout can actually see anything at all in this water. The visibility is almost zero, but they still run up the murky water to return to their home rivers to spawn.
Skaftá is a runoff from the Vatnajökull glacier the biggest glacier in Europe. Along its journey downstream, the river splits east and west around a lava field called Eldhraun (fire lava). After the split, the west fork gets a new name, Kúðafljót, and the east keeps the name Skaftá. Kúðafljót has one main tributary called Tungufljót. A river widely known as one of Iceland's best sea trout rivers.
The Skaftá has several tributaries in the upper part that only hold a few sea trout, but the lower you get to the system the more tributaries and more the seatrout you will find. On its way along the lava field, the glacial water filters through the porous lava, this natural filtration allows the water to resurface as crystal clear
spring water. This water creates some gorgeous and prolific sea trout rivers.
One of the smaller ones, Grenlaekur, is a small stream that flows across the Madalland lava field before rejoining the skaftá again. The junction is about 300 metres before Skaftá meets the ocean. The next river that drains through the lava field is the Eldvatn, another crystal clear river full of sea trout that meets the ocean just 500 metres west of the Skaftá. Then there is Tungulaekur, a river with just a short fishing area due to an impassable waterfall that stops the fish from going any further. The Tungulaekur junction, on the west side of Skaftá, is close to the village of Kirkjubaearklaustur where you will find the Geirlandsá which is believed to be
the main spawning river in the system. Geirlandsa is an extremely beautiful and diverse river. The lower part is sandy and slow, but as you move up the river you get faster water with a gravel bottom until you reach the canyon section that concludes with a big waterfall called Hagafoss. Here the fish can go no further. The waterfall does not usually hold fish for a long time, they like to move around and that goes for all the canyon section. One day you hike
up the canyon and every pool is teeming with sea trout, the next they can all be gone. Even so, I would always hike up there because you never know when you are going to have a canyon full of big fish. The Geirlandsa is perfect for swinging flies both with double and a single handed rods. Sometimes I have the feeling god created this river for fly fishing, it is so beautiful! The fishable area is around 10km until it meets a little spate river called Horgsa. A small stream that holds only a few fish until very late in the season. After Geirlandsa meets the Horgsa the river changes name and is called Breiðbalakvísl. Just one kilometre east of the Horgsa is the Fossalar, like many of the rivers in this area it offers huge variety. Just to make things more challenging, it also changes it name three times along its length! Let's start in the upper part, beginning its course in the Miklafell mountain where it is called Öðulbrúará. This section runs mostly across a lava field, and at one point it disappears in a lava tunnel before joining a lake called Eyjarlón. From there, the river is called Þverrárvatn, and now flows along the edge of the Selfell mountain and the Brunahraun lava field on the east bank. The lava field is on the UNESCO heritage list so you can only imagine the beauty, with the view over the largest glacier in Europe Vatnajökull. After this, it reaches a hill called Battle Hill where it finally becomes the Fossalar until it reaches the junction of Vatnamót.
We try to make it simple and call the whole length the Fossalar River. The diversity is amazing, countless pools, pockets, and waterfalls. Normally the sea trout runs up to the Eyjarlón and no further. The Fossalar is ideal for trying many fishing techniques such as; swinging, nymphing, and occasionally surface fishing.
The last section of note is the Vatnamót or “Junction”, this is where the Geirlandsa, Horgsa, and Fossalar all meet the Skaftá and create a huge Junction. This fishery is different and special. The river bed is all sand and is constantly moving, so where there was a pool yesterday can be gone tomorrow. It reminds me a bit of flats fishing, lots of wading and looking for fish. Sometimes you can find pockets in the sand full of fish and the fishing can be amazing. The best spots are where the clear water meets the milky glacial water. The fish seem to like to sit in the
mix. Wading is not essential, as in the lower section the sea trout often sit tight to the banks. Vatnamót offers about five kilometres of fishable water, all the incredible vista of waterfalls, mountains, and the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.
We mainly just swing flies here; it is perfect water for fishing with double handed rods. Single handed rods can of course be used too. The sea trout in this system are all native and have been here for thousands of years, they
are strong and special. Over time they have endured many volcanic eruptions, big glacial floods and lava flows. This might have something to do with the strength of these fish. Not many knew how good the sea trout fish-
ing in Iceland actually was. Many of these rivers had been in the hands of local fishing clubs for up to fifty years with very few outsiders getting a glimpse. The clubs largely killed what they caught, but fortunately today we manage the
“these fish can survive a long time and return to the rivers 11 times or more.”
system with a focus on catch and release fishing and it is working. Even in a short time, we have seen the fish grow both in numbers and sizes each year.
Unlike the Atlantic salmon, these fish can survive a long time and re-
turn to the rivers 11 times or more. Usually, the sea trout return two or three times before they reach maturity. They don't travel long distances in the ocean and usually stay close to the junction, travelling no further than 70km. The first ones start run-
ning in July, but the main runs are in September. They stay over winter in the river and go back to sea at the end of May. Then they're back in the fall. Unlike the salmon, they are constantly feeding, also in the river. So, in my opinion, it is not right to call them kelts in the spring as they are still feeding and most of the time in good shape after the winter. If they are kelts, then all trout are kelts in the springtime. In 2022, we began tagging sea trout in the system in a collaboration with the fish biologist Jóhannes Sturlaugsson at Laxfiskar (www. laxfiskar.is). We have now tagged 184 sea trout and caught quite a few of them again. It is amazing to see firsthand how fast they grow;
we have seen them grow up to 15 cm in a year! I know it sounds unbelievable, but it is a fact. There movements are also quite unique, one of the fish I caught in late October 2022 in Fossalar, was then caught again on 11 April 2023 in Geirlandsá. This fish had gone down Fossalar into Vatnamot and up Geirlandsá. It was surprising to see the fish there, dispelling the
theory about fish only returning to its home river. I am excited about the research we are doing on those fish because they are completely unique.
The combination of the rivers we now call the Battle Hill Fishery. When fishing at Battle Hill we fish mainly three rivers; Fossálar, Geirlandsá and Vatnamót. Trips run for six days and rotate between the rivers throughout the week. Anglers can expect to catch fish anywhere from 2-30lb, you never know what size is going to intercept your fly. We also catch a few Atlantic salmon every fall, up to and over 20lb.
FYN in a Sea of Opportunities
Christian Thomsen Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav / Mikkel
Fyn isn't just one island. Fyn is the island among islands, in a sea of opportunities. Here, you'll find more than 1,100 kilometres of charming coastline, and on every meter, there could be a sea trout hiding. Of course, some places are better than others, and it might seem overwhelming if you've never fished here before. But fear not, it might not be as complicated as you thinkbecause no matter your preferences as an angler, your ideal fishing spot exists on Fyn. Are you into the open coast with expansive views, cliffs, and deep waters? Or perhaps you prefer to fish in a sheltered bay along a winding coastline where surprises await around every corner? Whatever you prefer, you'll find it all right here. If the wind doesn't favour one spot, it's likely blowing just perfect at another.
“For me, it's often the surroundings that determine the size of the fishing experiences”
This is especially true for the small, charming islands in the southern Fyn archipelago. Here, there are plenty of opportunities to embark on adventures and explore the unknown. Grab your bag and start your fishing expedition to a "deserted" island where you can experience having the entire island to yourself. A true fishing adventure that will create lasting memories you won't forget. Fyn and the islands are bursting with all sorts of opportunities waiting to be discovered! The wonders of Fyn come in many forms - we've gathered a small selection here so you can get some inspiration for your next fishing adventure. But remember – places like these are to be found all over Fyn and the nearby islands!
Drejø
The sea trout paradise in the middle of the world
When autumn sets the stage for the sea trout's euphoria, they suddenly seem to be found everywhere and nowhere. Drejø - an enchanting island in the South Funen Archipelago, surrounded by majestic cliffs. Here, the doors open to a world of diverse coastal experiences for sea trout enthusiasts. The island is so strategically positioned that it stands out as a refreshing destination away from the more common
fishing spots, and a trip to Drejø feels like a small expedition to the very heart of the sea trout's realm.
Drejø is known as the "Island in the Middle of the World". For any passionate sea trout fisherman, this nickname represents not only a geographic center but also a location in the heart of the sea trout's world. Early autumn on Drejø is particularly magical as the island lies directly on
the migration routes of the sea trout, presenting them in vast numbers along the coast. If you gather your fishing buddies, there's no need to take the car. The island's old smithy “Den Gamle Smedie” offers tourist transportation directly to the fishing spots by an old tractor. So, put on your waders, pack your fishing gear, and prepare for an unforgettable trip to Drejø - a different experience in a different place.
Arel: 4,3 km2
Length: 5 km / width: 2 km.
Coastline: 16 km
Population: about 70
Accommodation: Several options via Drejø Resident Association at www.drejo.dk or at the primitive campsite a few hundred meters from the ferry berth.
Ferry: M/S Højestene from Svendborg Harbor. The route passes via Skarø and takes about 75 minutes.
Tip: There's only 3 km between Drejø and the more northerly located island of Skarø. Once the ferry ticket is purchased, it's easy to visit both islands. With a fishing day on each island, there's grounds for a small sea trout expedition to new (and often deserted) coasts.
Be aware: Avoid access to “Digerne” and “Mejlhovedsodde” from March 1st to July 15th. This is a vulnerable natural area. See map on www.seatrout.dk.
Bjørnø
a unique nature gem in a timeless universe
Bjørnø, a unique nature gem in a timeless universe. Here, time stands completely still, and your sea trout fishing transforms into an epic experience in an ice age landscape. Undulating hills, majestic cliff slopes, and a rocky coastline are just some of the characteristic features of Bjørnø. Bjørnø is also the place where anglers can embrace a primitive adventure, free from noise and car transportation.
Arrival is by the charming passenger boat "Lillebjørn" from Faaborg, and your journey begins by strolling through the idyllic village: Bjørnø by. Continue along the path towards South Beach and decide from there which direction your fishing should start. At Bjørnø, a unique fishing experience awaits, especially along the 2.5 kilometer long coastline on the southern side where chances are rich. However, you should be aware that when the wind blows
from the west/southwest, the coast can be challenging as the waves crash against the clay cliffs and the water becomes murky.
Bjørnø is a unique fishing paradise; it is a destination that in many ways resembles a tropical island - not something you'd think would exist in Denmark. But it does. Fish actively and explore, remembering that the fish often reside in the very shallow waters; Bjørnø is no exception.
Arel: 1,5 km2
Length: 1.8 km / width: 2.7 km .
Coastline: 8 km
Population: about 35
Accommodation: Various forms of accommodation are available on Bjørnø. For instance, book a trailer at Bjørnøgård.
Ferry: The Bjørnø ferry "Lillebjørn" sails between Faaborg and Bjørnø. Sailing time: approx. 17 min
Tip: Pack your hiking backpack and leave the car behind. On Bjørnø, there's no need to bring your car. You can easily fish around the island by foot.
Be aware: Avoid access to the southeastern reef from March 1st to July 15th. This area is a bird reserve/vulnerable natural area. See www.seatrout.dk
Lyø
a pearl in the Archipelago
Just as ancient Rome was centered by all roads, Lyø town sits at the center of all gravel roads and paths, right in the middle of Lyø island. Despite its modest population of around 90 inhabitants, Lyø offers a unique local community that has everything: a grocery store, restaurant, cozy cafes, campsite, several bed & breakfasts, and even a hairdresser. Lyø is an island that has preserved its authenticity and charm, and for the sportfisherman, Lyø
is more than just an idyllic destination – it's a true paradise with plenty of fantastic sea trout spots.
Fishing on Lyø is excellent year-round, but it's especially at its best in spring and autumn. The winding roads among the fields lead not only to local shops and eateries but also to secluded and hidden spots along the coast, where you can experience the ultimate fishing experience with your fishing buddy. Upon arriving at Lyø, you
have two options. You can either drive across the island to the south coast, which is long and diverse with small mussel reefs and rip channels. Alternatively, heading west takes you to a rocky cliff coast. In winter, there is also a third option: the fantastic Lyø Trille.
Arel: 6 km2
Length: 2 km / width: 3.5 km .
Coastline: 13 km
Population: about 90
Accommodation: On Lyø, there are several different and cozy bed & breakfasts available..
Tip: It's the same ferry that sails from Faaborg to Avernakø and Lyø. Therefore, it's ideal to combine Lyø and Avernakø on the same fishing trip, as they are merely a short trip apart
Be aware: The coastline along Vestersjo and Lyø Trille is a breeding bird reserve with restricted access from March 1st to July 15th. Additionally, the area known as "det nye land" is a vulnerable natural area, and access to here should also be avoided during the same period.
Avernakø
Not far from Lyø lies Avernakø. Avernakø offers a symphony of sea trout spots ranging from open, swiftly flowing coasts with deep water to small shallow bays and coves. Avernakø is not just a place; it’s a perfect year-round destination for the passionate sea trout fisherman. Avernakø's long iconic shape ensures that even when the wind picks up, it doesn't have to ruin your fishing day. The island is a true fishing paradise, and with a whopping 19 kilometres
of coastline, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for sea trout sportfishermen. Avernakø not only offers outstanding fishing experiences but also makes it easy for visitors to plan their stay. Accommodation options are easily accessible, and with the possibility of bringing your own car, it becomes even easier to explore the island's hidden treasures and access even the most remote fishing spots fast. So, if you're planning a fishing adventure, Avernakø should be on your list. The tranquil
atmosphere on Avernakø and the closeknit community among the residents create a special ambiance, making the island the ideal retreat for those looking to combine their passion for fishing with authentic South Funen culture and hospitality.
Note: Both in the north and south ends of Avernakø, there are vulnerable nature reserves. Avoid these areas from March 1st to July 15th.
Arel: 5,9 km2
Length: 7.7 km / width: 1.5 km.
Coastline: 19 km
Population: about 110
Accommodation: Avernakø Landhotel, a Sea Trout Funen certified accommodation, is located on Avernakø. Here, you can enjoy good food, prepare a packed lunch, and stay in a genuine local atmosphere.
Tip: It's the same ferry that sails from Faaborg to Avernakø and Lyø. Therefore, it's ideal to combine Lyø and Avernakø on the same fishing trip, as they are merely a short trip apart
Be aware: The ferry to Avernakø is the same as to Lyø, and it shuttles to Faaborg. Therefore, it's ideal to book an extra day and take a day trip to the neighbouring island Lyø (or vice versa) while you're already there. Having the car with you is an advantage here.
RACHEL LEE ART IN FISHING:
ART OF FISHING: RUDOLF W. FALTIS
Hello, my name is Rachel Lee and I am an artist from South Korea who now resides in New Zealand. My passion for drawing characters from comics began at the age of nine and has been a part of my life ever since. I am a graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.
After completing my studies, I returned to South Korea where I pursued a career in the IT industry, which was more prominent at the time. My ultimate goal was to design game characters, and I was fortunate enough to land a job at a video game company. I worked there for a few years before meeting my husband, Sean. We now have three daughters and have returned to New Zealand to raise our family.
My husband is my biggest inspiration, as he has a personality that is the perfect opposite of mine. His love for the outdoors has motivat-
ed me to draw various fish species, as they all appear to be unique characters with their own histories waiting to be discovered through my art.
My latest challenge has been capturing the beauty of brown trout and rainbow trout, with their contrasting colours and unique characteristics. Their strength and beauty have brought my art to life.
Overall, my passion for art and drawing has remained a constant in my life, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to pursue my passion.
Fabian Fingerlos is a 28-year-old photographer and fly angler from Austria, where he spends most of his days pursuing peace and happiness on his favourite waters. With his camera in one hand and the fishing rod in the other, he takes wonderful pictures to
share how beautiful our nature and all its creatures are. Fabian was more than happy to answer some questions and share his wisdom and experience. You can find more of Fabian’s work on his website: www.byhighflyers.com or on his Instagram page: @by.highfl
Can you share how you first got involved in fly fishing and what your very first experience was like?
About 10 years ago I was mostly lure fishing for pike in a bigger lake nearby. To be honest, I was addicted and never thought about fly
fishing. For me it seemed always a bit weird, stripping the fly line by hand and not using your spool. The lake was fed by a river. Well, it actually was a small creek which was pretty hidden in the woods. One day a friend of mine showed me fly fishing in this little creek, which actually held some decent fish,
especially when the water levels were high. My friend showed me how to cast and of course he showed me dry fly fishing on sight. That was the moment I was hooked. One week later I got my own fly rod and started teaching myself.
That was the moment I was hooked
Living in Austria, can you share your favoritespeciestotargetontheflyandthewaters youmostenjoyfishing?
In Austria we actually have a big variety of fish to catch on a fly rod, but my favourite species by far are native brown trout and grayling. I love to explore small hidden mountain creeks, which require a bit of climbing and hiking. Sometimes those hidden spots hold the most magnificent fish. But I also like to fish medium sized rivers for grayling. A good friend of mine, Martin Schoissengeier has some awesome fishing areas. If you plan to visit Austria, you should definitely check out his waters at: https://ffmh.at/
I do fish for pike from time to time, but as it mostly requires a boat, I don’t do it that often.
What I really like during summer, is to fish for chub using big hopper or bug imitations. This works pretty fine in our lakes. Also, barbel are super fun to catch.
Whataresomeofyourfavoriteflypatterns, and do you prefer fishing with dry flies or nymphs?
For our mountain creeks, the go to fly is definitely the Goddard caddis as it is an excellent swimmer. My preferred nymph for grayling is the Perdigon nymph. To be honest I am neither a dry fly nor a nymph guy. Depends on my mood and location. I really like nymph fishing in difficult currents, where you have to place your nymph with a parachute cast in the right location to get it down and mend a lot, so it doesn’t drag. If you do that right, and you got a lot of line out, laying on the surface in a nice loop and you get a bite, that’s probably the best
feeling. But of course, as I already mentioned, dry fly fishing in small mountain creeks can also be thrilling when you suddenly see a native brown smashing your dry fly.
Well, photography gives me the possibility to capture moments and scenery. To preserve memories and to be able to show others how beautiful our nature and its creatures are. It’s just super fun to shoot while by the water and seeing the result back home while editing. It can be both challenging, to shoot the perfect picture like you have it in your head and to catch the fish that you spotted in the shallow waters. That’s why I don’t want to miss anything of those two.
explore small hidden mountain creeks
Whatdoyoutypicallycarryinyourcamera bag, and which lenses are your favorites? Are there any essential items you always have withyouasaphotographer?
That’s a good question. Because as a photographer I am always carrying too much equipment around. I take a couple of lenses, but at the end of the day, I often end up just using the same setup as always. So, when going fishing I reduce my equipment a bit, because it gets rather heavy to carry it the whole day around. The camera I am using is a Sony Alpha 7 Series. My favourite lens while fishing is the Tamron 1728mm F2.8 lens. With 17mm you get a good wide angle for nature photography, and 28mm is perfect for fullbody or fish pictures. The second lens I carry around is either a Sony 85mm F1.8 for portraits or a Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Tele lens. The second one is my new love, because a tele lens gives your pictures some cool looks.
Whoinspiresyourworkthemost?
My good friend Florian Lustig. He is self employed as a videographer and also a fly fishing nerd like me. We are always pushing each other and working on projects together. Last year we filmed a fly fishing film in Austria which is called “The Flyfishing Cult” and it is currently shown at the Rise Fly Fishing Film Festival. We always have new ideas in our heads, and this keeps our creativity going.
Theworldisconstantlychanging,andour planetlooksverydifferenttodaythanitdiddecades ago. What actions do you think fly anglers can take to help make a positive impact amidst these changes?...... ........................ I am 28 years old, probably too young to see those mature changes. But what stands out is that we have had a lot of flood events in the last few years on the one hand and also a lot of dry periods on the other hand. So, weather extremes are definitely increasing and affect fish and river systems. We cannot really change these big things on our own, but we can still take care of our environment, for example not throwing away any garbage in the countryside. If you find trash from someone else, just grab it and take it to the next trash can. Keep our wilderness areas clean, so our next generation can enjoy it the same way we are doing now.
Is there a song in your mind that would matchyourperfectmomentwhilestandingin yourfavouritewaterwaitingforafishtograb thefly?
Definitely a chill song like Campfire from Ziggy Alberts.
What would be the most valuable advice you could pass on to the young generations, bothasaphotographerandaflyangler? Don’t go out with the intention that you have to catch the biggest fish or take the perfect picture. Go out to calm yourself down. Life is busy enough. Enjoy the moments in nature, soak in the good energy and the big fish and good pictures will come on their own.
FARQUHAR ATOLL: TAMING THE AQUA HULK
Rasmus Ovesen Rasmus Ovesen, Martin Ejler Olsen
In this article, Rasmus Ovesen takes you to Farquhar Atoll – a fabled and far-flung atoll just north of Madagascar known for its incredible species diversity.
Dramatic species diversity
Farquhar Atoll is home to an acutely stress-provoking amount of exciting fish species. The species diversity here is staggering, and as a visiting fly fisherman it can
be difficult to stay focused.
Every little microhabitat within- and along the atoll outer reefs houses its own, carefully adapted fish species, and when the weather permits and one heads offshore, countless bluewater species may be encountered. Most of the fish species are both incredibly powerful and strikingly beautiful. And they are challenging and fun to catch. Even so, only a select few of them are considered game fish worthy of being spe-
cifically targeted. On the flats these are mainly giant trevally, bumphead parrotfish, bonefish, triggerfish, and Indo-pacific permit. For those, mostly preoccupied with catching the undisputed gangster of the flats – the giant trevally, Farquhar Atoll is a veritable Mecca. This is where the BBC documentary, ”The Blue Planet II”, in which giant trevally are seen charging out of the water and intercepting birds in mid-air - was filmed, and catching
one on a popper at Goelette Island, with lots of black terns awhirl in the wind, is an experience which – in and of itself – is worth the whole trip.
Bumphead parrotfish is perhaps the most immediately pressing and urgent species to catch at Farquhar Atoll. Populations have dramatically declined worldwide and there are now only a handful of atolls left where one can successfully fly fish for them. Farquhar Atoll is one of them.
Here, you’ll find big schools of these grossly powerful and alien-like parrotfish as they come onto the reef edges and flats to chew-, crushand derive nutrients from the corals that grow here.
Ever-present on Farquhar Atoll’s pearlescent sandy flats and beaches, whether in big schools of smaller fish or in small nervous groups of full-grown specimens, is the ‘ghost of the flats’: the bonefish. This formidable- but oftentimes
overlooked gamefish is a high-octane and furiously paced adversary that is known for gentle takes followed by explosive runs. Anywhere else on this planet, bonefish are a prominent part of the main cast. On Farquhar, however, it’s more of a peripheral extra that doesn’t shine with its absence until you desperately need one to complete a flats- or grand slam.
Yellow-margin- and moustache triggerfish are found in shallow areas with a mixture of corals,
turtle grass, and sand – typically along the outer reefs of Farquhar Atoll. These awkward-looking, gnarly, crab-eating fish are surprisingly well-camouflaged. However, at low tide, they are occasionally found waving their tails enticingly as they dig in the bottom for food. Triggerfish are a species of fish in dire need of a psychologist. They are quite bi-polar; on the one hand incredibly territorial, aggressive and ferocious, on the other hand extremely skittish, ambivalent, and finicky. They also happen to pack a bite like few other fish, capable as they are of completely demolishing hooks (or biting a finger clean off for that matter), and once you hook one, it’s likely to surge directly towards a coral bommie or similar and wedge itself under- or inside it using its “trigger”-shaped dorsal fin as a locking mechanism. It’s an interesting fish to say the least!
Permit are found on many of the same flats that house bonefish. These gilt-edged fish, which can turn even the most experienced fly fisherman with saltwater in his veins into a fumbling nerve-wreck, are among the most edgy and picky fish on the flats – and thus one of the most challenging to catch. They typically show up solitary or in small schools, and both technical skill and luck are required to lure one into striking. When it finally happens, you’re in for a long and arduous fight. Farquhar Atoll isn’t widely recognized as a permit destination but make no mistake! They are there in surprising numbers, and many of the fish are BIG!
”Chaos Will Reign”
My first cast is right on the money: Just on the edge of the school. I keep contact with the fly, then feel a slight tautness and watch in awe as an area, the size of an uptown living room, explodes in cascades of water. As a startled herd of buffaloes the whole school now charges towards the edge of the reef, and I lean back and apply as much pressure as I possibly dare in order to prevent the fish I’ve hooked from doing the same thing. This is make or break!
The next 10 minutes are chaotic and – for the most part – look completely hopeless. I barely manage to separate the fish I’ve hooked from the remainder of the school, but I haven’t yet come close to breaking its spirit. It thrashes
angrily about somewhere out there – beyond meter-high waves that collide blindly against the edge of the reef – and I find myself in neckdeep water high-sticking the fish, trying to prevent it from cutting me off on coral bommies and random volcanic structure.
Fittingly, since he is to blame for this whole ordeal, Shaun now gets a workout of his own. With death defying determination, he jumps into the waves, wades, swims, and dives for the fish and – after being completely gone for a disturbingly long while – he finally washes up onto the reef drenched and short of breath, with a bleeding shin and a giant blue-green fish sticking out of his impossibly small landing net. Jubilant scenes now play out. My dream has come true!
A liberated fly fisherman
The rest of the day I feel liberated without fur-
ther expectations or nerves. A giant trevally reveals itself in the waves. I cast like a god into the wind, place the fly perfectly ahead of the fish, watch as the clearly agitated fish inhales the fly, strip-set the hook with raw power and proceed to land the fish with a firm and disciplinary hand. Like a boss!
Later, in the afternoon, a permit materializes on the back of a big stingray mudding for crustaceans on an expansive, pearlescent flat. I serve up a white Alphlexo Crab - dangling at the end of a 6-metre-long leader tapering into a 15lb tippet. The fish reacts immediately and follows the fly a couple of meters before an ever-so-subtle tug propagates through the line. I resist the temptation to lift the rod, continue stripping, and shortly after everything comes taught. Masterfully done!
The fish surges irresistible outwards and across the flat in an attempt to clear out the rest of my backing, but it doesn’t stand a chance. I take my
time; play the fish patiently and use the rod to mitigate the many runs and abrupt pulls. Ultimately, Shaun is able to net a pristine-looking fish covered with sparkly gold dust.
Seeing as we are already on a big, gleaming flat, we might as well look for a bonefish. It takes shape like a faint ghost in milky water close to the shoreline, and I manage to place another perfect cast that instantly results in a take. Then a series of lightning-quick runs. Of course!
Too fast on the trigger
It isn’t until we wrap up for the day that Shaun confesses. For a long while I have sat in the boat and watched as my friend and boat partner, Martin, has cast (to no avail) into a big school of permit that kept getting terrorized and spooked by a massive GT. We have now relocated and Shaun has commanded me to the casting platform in the front of the boat. Less than half an
hour remains of the day and we’re spending it in a small, shallow bay that so far looks devoid of fish.
Then, with less than five minutes left to fish, a full-grown yellow-margin triggerfish suddenly emerges on top of a coral bommie – right in front of the boat.
I have already landed a trophy-sized titan triggerfish the day before, and – as a result – I am only moderately disappointed when the fish, after having followed the fly over a short distance, spooks and disappears. I know all too well that this is the rule rather than the exception, and it doesn’t detract anything from an otherwise
incredible day. Shaun, on the other hand, seems a lot more affected. Shaken even. And it is with a tone of disappointment in his voice that he announces that it’s time to pack up.
