Two weeks of fly fishing in the Indian Ocean: four friends, a self-organized catamaran trip to Platte Atoll followed by a week on the legendary Providence Atoll. Crystal-clear flats, strong guides, and over 60 giant trevallies made this journey an adventure we won’t forget anytime soon.

For many fly fishermen, the Seychelles are one of the ultimate dream destinations. Endless flats, turquoise water, and fish that push every reel to its limits. It quickly became clear to us: if we’re doing this trip, we’re doing it right. Two weeks, two completely different trips—and plenty of adventure.

Week 1 – Self-Organized to Platte Atoll

We organized the first week of our trip entirely on our own. Our plan: a catamaran as a floating base camp, along with an experienced crew including a captain, chef, and mechanic. For the actual fly fishing, we had two guides available, each with their own skiff, allowing us to systematically fish the flats around Platte Atoll.

Our group consisted of four passionate fly fishermen: Julian Grupp, Marco Löcher, Alex Siems, and myself. We were supported by our friend and guide Serge, who also brought along his son Sergio as well as the experienced guide Peter. Even on Mahé, the anticipation was already in the air. After loading all our gear, we set off southward on the catamaran in the evening. Following a calm crossing of around ten hours, we reached our destination at first light. As the atoll appeared on the horizon, it became clear to everyone: the real adventure was about to begin.

Stopover on Mahé

The first days brought us excellent fishing. There was plenty of movement on the expansive flats, and we managed to land several strong fish. However, as the days went on, the neap tide set in. The water in the atoll grew noticeably warmer, which quickly affected fish activity. Fishing became significantly more challenging. Still, by the end, each of us managed to catch fish and experience many intense moments on the flats. Looking back, we were more than satisfied with our self-organized Seychelles adventure.

The organization of this week was handled by our fishing friend Helmut Zaderer, who has been organizing fly fishing trips to this region for years. And as expected, everything ran perfectly. Apart from the last two days, we had excellent weather conditions—and the fishing was accordingly spectacular. In just one week, the five of us managed to land over 60 giant trevallies. Among them were six fish measuring over one meter in length—truly exceptional catches that turn every fight into an unforgettable experience.

But Providence offers much more than just GTs. Fly fishing for triggerfish and other reef predators was also outstanding. These fish demand precise casting, perfect timing, and strong nerves—exactly what makes flats fishing so exciting. As a special highlight, we even managed to land a Napoleon fish—an impressive moment for all of us.

A Seychelles Trip to Remember

Two weeks, two very different destinations, and countless unforgettable moments on the flats. A self-organized catamaran trip to Platte Atoll, followed by a perfectly organized week at the legendary Providence Atoll—this journey could hardly have gone any better. With powerful fish, outstanding guides, and excellent conditions, only one question remained in the end: angler’s heart—what more could you ask for?

A special thanks goes to Helmut Zaderer for organizing the second week. More information: https://www.flyfish-adventures.com/

Tight lines

Stephan Kreupl