On the Fly Fishing Charters – Mako Sharks On the Fly

From world class summer Mako shark fly fishing, to chasing the speedy tunas of the Pacific, we have the charter for you!

Join Captain Dave Trimble or one of his other experienced guides out of San Diego, California for a day you’ll never forgot. Captain Dave started fly fishing for Makos on the fly in 2002 while working for his good friend Conway Bowman at Bowman Bluewater before starting On The Fly.

Sight fishing for these top predators of the Pacific should be on every fly anglers buck list. These majestic creatures, with their indigo blue over white coloring, will have your heart racing. Watch them as they approach the boat fearlessly and present your fly in front of them for a fight of a lifetime. Once hooked the pure power and speed of these sharks will amaze you.

Full-Day shark fishing trips are 8 hours. A typical day starts with a quick boat ride (usually less than 1 hour) to the fishing grounds. Once you arrive, the captain will prepare and create a chum slick to attract the sharks. Our targeted species are Mako Sharks (May – November), Blue Sharks (year-around) and Thresher Sharks (April-June).

Professional – All of our captains are licensed by the US Coast Guard and state of California as well as fully insured.
Dedicated – Our captains and crew work hard on every charter to provide a positive, memorable experience.
Local knowledge – Our captains have over 75 years combined experience fishing San Diego waters.

Recommended Rods:

While 4 – 6 weights work great for trout these predators require a bit more. On The Fly Fishing Charters will have the gear you need, but if you are into fishing your own rods, both Red Truck Fly Fishing Co. and Leland Rod Co. have both 10 & 12 weights that will get the job done.
-Red Truck 1090-4 Diesel
-Leland Rod Co. 1090-4

-Red Truck 1290-4 Diesel
-Leland Rod Co. 1290-4

Book Today:

For more information regarding this amazing fishery please contact us by either phone or email to answer any questions or discuss the various package options available.
Phone: (415) 781-3474
email: keith@lelandfly.com

Fall River Mills, CA

The crew over at Leland enjoyed a few days on California’s legendary spring creek, the Fall River, with renowned fly fishing photographer Valentine Atkinson. The fishing, food, and company were fantastic and the scenery was breathtaking. If you are interested in seeing and fishing some of the most beautiful waters in California for yourself click on the link below to learn more.

The Clearwater Lodge

For more information please contact us by either phone or email to answer any questions.
Phone: (415) 781-3474
email: keith@lelandfly.com

photos and video by Keith Westra
www.KeithWestraPhotography.com

Clearwater Lodge – Northern California

Come experience the ultimate search for trout in Northern California at Clearwater Lodge.!

Located in the heart of some of the finest trout fisheries in the United States, Clearwater Lodge provides expert guiding on world class waters. Anglers often have the opportunity to experience multiple waters in a single day. Hat Creek, Fall River, Pit River, the McCloud, Burney Creek and the Lower Sacramento are all easily accessible each day..

Clearwater Lodge is a magnificent Arts and Crafts building dating back to 1921. Comfort, beauty and attention to detail await you at this special all inclusive fly fishing lodge. Whether sharing fish stories on the veranda at the end of the day, swinging in the hammock under the stately sycamores or enjoying a glass of wine in front of the fire, you will find hospitality and charm throughout the property.

The name Clearwater has been synonymous with fly fishing since the 1980’s. We invite you to experience the beauty and unique opportunities these waters have to offer whether fishing on your own, with one of our expert hides or by participating in our world-renowned classes.

Now accepting reservations for the 2020 Season
April 25 – November 3, 2019

Book Today:

Catch & Capture Guide Service – Hayward, WI

Come and explore the Musky Capital of America!

Prepare to immerse yourself into the north woods of Wisconsin. With a variety of lakes throughout the area you’ll have the opportunity to fish for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout and the baddest of them all, MUSKY! This is after all folks the “Musky Capital of the United States!” Catch and Capture specializes in chasing huge Musky on a variety of lakes on the fly and is yet is open to chase a variety of other species as well.

What can a fly angler expect from Catch and Capture Fly Fishing Guide Services? Catch and Capture strives to put fly anglers onto the hottest bite in all of Wisconsin. Providing explosive action on a number of lakes. If hooking into a Musky to get your heart pounding is on your buck list this is it. With plentiful options of subspecies to target, this can be broken up into a single trip of targeting all that the these beautiful lakes can offer.

No matter if it’s a full day or half day guided fly fishing trip Catch and Capture offers all the essential equipment. This would entitle fly rods, fly reels, fly lines, boat, flies, catch and release essential equipment, snacks and beverages. Lunch will be supplied by Catch and Capture with The Full Stack Package (full day/up to 8 hours) guided trips. Any ambitious angler that would like to fish their own tied flies, or bringing their own fly rod setups is always encouraged yet not necessary.

Recommended Gear List:

Musky/Pike:

Rods: RT Diesel 10wt 9ft 1090-4, RT Diesel 12wt 9ft 1290-4

Reels: RT Diesel Gamefish 7ten Reel

Smallmouth Bass/Largemouth Bass:

Rods: RT Diesel 6wt 9ft 690-4, RT Diesel 8wt 9ft 890-4

Reels: RT Diesel 5/6, RT Migration 6nine

Lines:

Airflo Depth Finder Big Game 300, 400, 500 gr

Airflo Streamer Max Short 200gr, Streamer Max Short 280gr and Streamer Max 380gr

Airflo Cold Water Striper Intermediate

Airflo Sniper Intermediate

Airflo Musky/Bass

Leader Materials:

Bass- Seagar Fluorocarbon 8lb-20lb

Pike: Seagar Fluorocarbon 30-40lb W/ tie-able coated 40lb wire (toothy critter, cortland, american fishing wire, rio bite wire). Plus Mustad Stay-Loc #2s/#3s

Musky: Seagar Fluorocarbon 40lb W/ tie-able coated wire 40lb. Plus Mustad Stay-Loc #2s/#3s

Book Today:

Pyramid Lake, Nevada – The Pyramid Lake Fly Company

Pyramid Lake, Nevada is home to the World’s largest cutthroat trout!

Pyramid lake is a remnant of the once massive, Lake Lahontan, which used to cover a large portion of Nevada. The native tribe of the reservation are the Paiute’s, who have lived off of Pyramid Lake and the near half a million acres of surrounding land for centuries. The native’s pridefully speak of the history of the lake and they have tales of fish weighing in over 80 pounds, but only a few photos have been documented to show the size that the fish used to grow to.

Just 35 minutes from Reno, Nevada, Pyramid is home of World’s largest Cutthroat trout. This is also where the infamous Truckee River ends its journey and empties into the alkali-rich lake. Plentiful in numbers, the lake holds outstanding amounts of massive Pilot Peak and Pyramid (“Summit” strain) strain Cutthroat trout. Many of these fish weigh in over the 10 pound mark and it is not uncommon to see a fish over 20 pounds landed if the conditions are right.

Pyramid Lake offers anglers miles upon miles of easily accessible waters to fish. The Pyramid Fly Co. team has spent hundreds of hours in search of the best beaches and tactics that produce the biggest size and numbers of fish. The team has also spent countless hours creating new and innovative flies for fishing this specific watershed.

From personal pontoon boats to customized fishing ladders, you will fish in comfort all throughout your day. Not to mention, they will conveniently have their PFC 5th-wheel trailer available for resting and all of your restroom needs. These trips are all about the customer and that’s why PFC offers the highest end guiding services at Pyramid Lake.

At Leland, we know gear and we have what it takes for pursuing these hard fighting fish. We’ve put together a list of our “go to gear” for our travels to Pyramid Lake. Feel free to browse away and contact us directly with any further questions.

Recommended Gear List:

-Rod: Red Truck Diesel 5110-4 Fly Rod

-Reel: Red Truck Diesel Migration 6Nine Sealed Drag Reel – 6/9

-Line: Skagit Head: 275 grain Commando Head
-Running Line: Leland BC Running Line

-Leader and Tippet: Leland BC Leaders

-Flies: Casey’s Midnight Midge, Casey’s UV Midnight Tiger Midge, Captain’s Olive Balanced Darter Baitfish, Captain’s Balanced Midnight Cowboy Leech, Zebra Midge, Blood Midge, Tadpole, Foam Beetles, Wooly Buggers.

-Net: Leland Rod Co. British Columbia Boat Net

-Outerwear: Kast Gear Boost Softshell Jacket, LOOP Leipik Liner Jacket, LOOP Lainio Wading Jacket

-Gloves and Accessories: KAST Steelhead Glove, Leland’s Nature Boy Lanyard, Hatch Nomad Pliers

-Pyramid Lake Fishing Permit (*You do not need a Nevada Fishing License, only the Tribal Permit is necessary for Pyramid Lake): Click Here

To learn more about this fantastic fishery or book your Pyramid Lake adventure simply send an email to info@lelandfly.com or give us a call at (415) 781-3474.

The Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate

The Best Swinging for Steelhead in the West?

The Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate specializes in providing the best spey fly fishing guides on the premier dry-line steelhead fly fishing river in the world…Idaho’s Clearwater.

Imagine standing in a crystal clear river with the sun glistening in front of golden hills in the background and orange pines standing tall. Long beautiful runs waiting for your cast and swing as you work through them. Then you feel the tug of a steelhead as it interrupts your drift. That dream is a reality on Idaho’s Clearwater River!

For many, fishing for steelhead is an obsession, stepping into that perfect run early in the morning as the fog lifts; step in, strip, cast, and swing. The anticipation of that fish moving to the fly on the next cast is mesmerizing. One of the most wonderful things about steelhead fishing is the environments and nature in which you fish for them. From rain forest to desert, they inhabit our earth’s most pristine lands.

Of all the rivers to swing a fly, the Clearwater is special. The Clearwater is an anomaly of a steelhead river. It is very large and carves its way through coniferous forest and sage laden desert. The water is constantly clear as its namesake suggests and is consistently stable, making concern over fishing conditions an afterthought. Clearwater fish can rival the size of western winter run native fish and can be much larger on average. The Clearwater is legendary for bringing steelhead to the surface as well to take a dry which will provide you with an experience you’ll never forget!

Your fishing day:

Float trips are done in modern, state of the art drift boats operated by experienced guides. The drift boats are large, stable, and carry a large capacity of equipment. Equipment can be accommodated if needed. Ample communication in terms of equipment needs is needed to provide proper and adequate gear.

Approximately 75 miles of river is available to fish, 3 boats on the upper half and 3 boats on the lower half. During different periods of the year fish will congregate in certain areas of the river. Depending on the season we’ll make the pick-up at the hotel around 08.00 AM, floating different sections of the river through out the week. Since the runs are long enough to hold several anglers, and even if fished from both sides, the river is big enough not to create a crowd. The day ends typically at sundown, so it’ll mean around 8 to 12 hours on the river a day.
*Day trips include lunch, snacks. Meals can be customized to fit any dietary requirements.

With over 20 years of guiding experience the guides of the Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate are knowledgeable and professional. Their passion and love for fly fishing and willingness to share their knowledge is what truly makes them the best around.

At Leland, we know gear and we have what it takes for pursuing these hard fighting fish. We’ve put together a list of our “go to gear” for our travels to the Clearwater. Feel free to browse away and contact us directly with any further questions.

Recommended Gear List:

-Rod: Red Truck Diesel Spey Rod, 13’6 foot #7 weight

-Reel: Red Truck Diesel Chrome Spey Fly Reel

-Lines:
Mid-Belly: Ballistic Vector Series – 500 Grain
Skagit Head:425 grain Commando Head with 168 Grain Commando Tips
Scandi Head: Airflo Scandi 450
Running Line:OPST Lazar Running Line

-Leader and Tippet: Umpqua Salmon/Steelhead 5 foot 16 lb leader, Umpqua 16 lb tough nylon tippet, and Leland BC leaders.

-Flies: Scott Howell Squidro Series, Green Butt Skunks, Lady Carolines, and Purple Peril’s.

-Net: Leland Rod Co. British Columbia Boat Net

-Outerwear: Kast Gear Boost Softshell Jacket, LOOP Leipik Liner Jacket, LOOP Lainio Wading Jacket

-Gloves and Accessories: KAST Steelhead Glove, Leland’s Nature Boy Lanyard, Hatch Nomad Pliers

-Online Idaho Fishing License: Click Here

To learn more about this fantastic fishery or book your Clearwater steelhead adventure simply send an email to info@lelandfly.com or give us a call at (415) 781-3474.

Winter Steelhead on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

At Leland, we know gear and we have what it takes for pursuing these hard fighting fish. We’ve put together a list of our “go to gear” for our travels to the Olympic Peninsula. Feel free to browse away and contact us directly with any further questions.

Recommended Gear List:

-Rod: Red Truck Diesel 11 ft 7 wt Switch Fly Rod

-Reel: Red Truck Diesel Chrome Fly Reel

-Flies: Scott Howell’s Squidro

-Line System: BC Running Line, 450 Skagit, Flo Tips

-Net: Leland BC Landing Net

-Waders: Patagonia Rio Gallegos Waders

-Boots: Patagonia Foot Tractor Wading Boots

-Outerwear: Kast Gear Boost Softshell Jacket, LOOP Leipik Liner Jacket, LOOP Lainio Wading Jacket

-Gloves and Accessories: KAST Steelhead Glove, Leland’s Nature Boy Lanyard, Hatch Nomad Pliers

Pricing and Contact Info:

Season January 1 – April 15, 2016

Public Water Day Trips: $525

Private Water Day Trips: $575

To learn more about this fantastic fishery or book your OP steelhead adventure simply send an email to info@lelandfly.com or give us a call at (415) 659-9356.

Fly Fishing in Iceland

At Leland, we know gear and we have what it takes for pursuing these hard fighting fish. We’ve put together a list of our “go to gear” for our travels to Iceland. Feel free to browse away and contact us directly with any further questions.

Recommended Gear List:

-Rod: Leland NZ Streamer Fly Rod 690-4 9′ 6 wt

-Reel: Leland Classic 5/6 Trout Fly Reel

-Line: Leland Custom Streamer Fly Line – WF6F

-Leader: Leland Custom NZ Trout Leader 12 ft 4X

-Net: Leland Trout Landing Net

-Waders: Patagonia Rio Gallegos Waders

-Boots: Patagonia Ultralight Wading Boots – Sticky

-Outerwear: Kast Gear Boost Softshell Jacket, LOOP Leipik Liner Jacket, LOOP Lainio Wading Jacket

-Gloves and Accessories: KAST Steelhead Glove, Leland’s Nature Boy Lanyard, Hatch Nomad Pliers

Pricing and Contact Info:

The cost per day is 100,000 Icelandic krona which is roughly USD $900 at the time of this writing. The ground package includes all transport, fishing, lodging and food from the time guests are picked up in Akureyri from the time they are dropped off. Alcohol is not included in the package price.

To learn more about this fantastic trip or book your Icelandic Adventure simply send an email to info@lelandfly.com or give us a call at (415) 659-9356.

The Steelhead Ranch

At Leland, we know gear and we have what it takes for pursuing these hard fighting fish. We’ve put together a list of our “go to gear” for our travels to The Steelhead Ranch below. Feel free to browse away and contact us directly with any further questions.

Recommended Gear List:

-Rod: Red Truck Diesel Spey Rod, 13’6 foot #7 weight

-Reel: Red Truck Diesel Chrome Spey Fly Reel

-Line System: OPST Lazar Running Line, 425 grain Commando Head, and 168 Grain Commando Tips

-Leader and Tippet: Umpqua Salmon/Steelhead 5 foot 16 lb leader and Umpqua 16 lb tough nylon tippet

-Flies: Scott Howell Squidro Series

-Net: Leland Rod Co. British Columbia Boat Net

-Outerwear: Kast Gear Boost Softshell Jacket, LOOP Leipik Liner Jacket, LOOP Lainio Wading Jacket

-Gloves and Accessories: KAST Steelhead Glove, Leland’s Nature Boy Lanyard, Hatch Nomad Pliers

-Online Washington Fishing License: Click Here

Deep Canyon Outfitters

DAMIEN NURRE:

Damien is head guide and main Deschutes River guide. He has lived in Bend Oregon for the past 13 years, spending as much time as possible on the mighty Deschutes, chasing Redsides and summer steelhead. An avid fly tier, Damien uses his free time invent new patterns trout and steelhead haven’t seen yet. Check out his flies at montanafly.com.

Guided Oregon Fly Fishing Trips – Multi Day Trips

BEND FLY FISHING TRIPS ON THE DESCHUTES RIVER:

A Multi-Day Bend fly fishing trip on the Deschutes River is the best way to fully experience the beauty and the superb fly fishing the river has to offer. The trip begins at Trout Creek, where you and our staff will put on for this 32 mile float.

A 2-5 day fly fishing trip, most commonly done in 3 days, is as relaxing as it is exciting. Your only job is to do some fly fishing, eat, sleep, and enjoy yourself! Our staff of highly trained Oregon fly fishing guides, will make your time on the Deschutes River one to remember for years to come.

Our “Bagger” will go ahead of you and your guide down the Deschutes River, and have the camp set up and hour d’vours waiting for you when you arrive at our mobile Mecca.

Once at camp, you can choose to do some fly fishing in the prime water around the camp or relax in the beauty of the outdoors. A gourmet dinner is served every night while on your multi-day Bend fly fishing trip, by our camp chef. After dinner there is time for drinks, discussing the days catches and enjoying the starry night…that’s if you have not retired to the comfortable cot in your tent.

As the sun rises, so will you to find hot coffee brewing, and a warm breakfast on the griddle. Then it’s off to the river with your guide for another great day of fly fishing on the Deschutes River. Many of our clients come back year after year for this multi-day Bend fly fishing trip. It is the favorite fly fishing adventure of many of our large groups. We can accommodate up to 10 guests per trip. All of our camping equipment is state of the art, top of the line. We provide water tight bags to keep your personal items dry, cots so you sleep better than at home, and roomy tents, large enough to have a party in, and all the amenities available for “roughing” it.

This multi-day Oregon fly fishing trip is best enjoyed during the stone fly hatch from mid May through June, and the caddis/pmd hatches from July to September. From August to December we chase trout and summer steelhead.

Our multi-day fly fishing trips are the BEST way to experience fly fishing on the Deschutes River, in Oregon. Most of our clients choose to spent multi-day fly fishing trips on the Lower Deschutes River, year after year.

MULTI-DAY FLOAT RATES
$400 / PERSON / DAY for 2 anglers
$375 / PERSON / DAY for 3 or more anglers

INCLUDES:

Camping gear: cots, tents, kitchen, rain/sun shelters, tables and chairs, all meals prepared by our chef, non-alcoholic beverages, rental fly fishing equipment, and of course our expert guide staff. Deschutes River Trout fishing suggested fly list. Steelhead fishing suggested fly list.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Flies, leaders, Deschutes River boater’s Passes, Tribal permits, fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuities.

Guided Fly Fishing Bend Oregon Trips – Day Trips

DEEP CANYON OUTFITTERS, BEND OREGON:

A day spent fly fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors near Bend Oregon. Our guide service offers a variety of day long guided Fly Fishing Bend Oregon Trips.

FULL DAY TRIPS:

A Full-day boat trip on the Lower Deschutes River or Mckenzie river are our most popular trips. Guests meet their guide at a designated time, where they are outfitted with everything they will need for a day on the water. Groups depart shortly after, and travel to their destination near Bend Oregon.

Once at the water, our expert guides will show you were the fish are and help you master the techniques used to catch them. Chicken, steak, pork, or sandwiches with all the fixin’s are served when your tummy begins to growl, and snacks and beverages are available at any point in the day. A Full-day trip is 8 hours on the water, and don’t worry…if the fishing is hot we won’t leave before you’re ready to go.

One Day Boat Trips
1 anglers……………………………..$450.00
2 anglers……………………………..$475.00
3 anglers……………………………..$525.00

INCLUDES:

Expert guides, rods and reels, boots and waders, boat, lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Deschutes River Trout fishing suggested fly list. Steelhead fishing suggested fly list.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

flies, leaders, applicable passes and permits (Deschutes River only), fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuities.

HALF DAY TRIPS:

Our half-day guided fly fishing Bend Oregon trips are the same as our full day trips, but do not include lunch. A half-day trip is limited to 4 hours on the water, and guests maybe asked to meet their guide at the water.

Half-day Boat Trips
1 or 2 anglers……………………$350.00
2 anglers………………………….$375.00

INCLUDES:

Expert guides, rods and reels, boots and waders, boat, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Deschutes River Trout fishing suggested fly list. Steelhead fishing suggested fly list.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Flies, leaders, applicable passes and permits (Deschutes River only), fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuities.

guided Fly Fishing Oregon Trips – Walk In

Deep Canyon Outfitters Guided Fly Fishing Oregon Trips: Deep Canyon has expert fly fishing guides. Our service offers Walk-in guided fly fishing trips on 2 rivers in Central Oregon, the Crooked River and the Deschutes river.

Walk-in guided fly fishing Oregon trips are a great way to enjoy the rivers in our area, each river is utilized during it’s prime fly fishing season. Most of our walk-in guided fly fishing trips are to the Crooked river, a great fly fishing destination any time of year. Wherever our fly fishing guides take you, the scenery is sure to inspire.

We offer Full-day and Half-day walk-in guided fly fishing trips. Full-day guided fly fishing trips are 8 hours of fishing time, and a Half-day is 4 hours on the water. Included is any rental equipment (boots, waders, rods, reels), drinks, snacks, and of course the guide. Full-day guided fly fishing trips include lunch.

Walk-In Guided Fly Fishing Oregon Trips

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing Trips

1 or 2 anglers…………………………….$400.00+$100 per additional angler/4 anglers per guide max

INCLUDES:

Expert guides, rods and reels, boots and waders, BBQed streamside lunch, and beverages.

Half Day Guided Fly Fishing Trips

1 or 2 anglers…………………………….$250.00+$50 per additional angler/4 anglers per guide max

INCLUDES:

Expert guides, rods and reels, boots and waders, snacks, and beverages.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Flies, leaders, fishing licenses, ?boater’s passes, tribal permits, or guide gratuities.

POLICIES

Early season reservations will allow you to secure the dates desired. A 50% deposit is required to secure dates, refundable if cancellation is received no less than thirty (30) days prior to trip date. Trips proceed regardless of weather conditions. We reserve to right to cancel in the event of unsafe conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. If we cancel your trip, your deposit will be refunded or applied to a future date that is mutually acceptable.

For more information please contact Deep Canyon Outfitter

DEEP CANYON RECOMMENDED GEAR LIST:

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The Great Sailfish Company

Sailfishing in Guatemala:

If you ask around as to where the world’s finest sailfishing is to be found, it won’t be long before the conversation turns to Guatemala. The simple fact of the matter is that there are a lot of sailfish here and anglers typically raise 15 to 25 fish per day in the prime months of the dry season.

The Great Sailfishing Company Accommodations:

At the Great Sailfishing Company anglers can pick from private villas complete with personal cook or tasteful accommodations within the main resort. Both venues offer as secure setting, fine food,maid service, local alcoholic drinks, shuttles to and from the marina,tackle, and last night’s accommodations in Guatemala City. In addition,anglers fish from well maintained boats with experienced captains and mates that really understand the nuances of catching sailfish on the fly.

For those who want to break up their stay with guided tours of local craft markets or a few days of inshore fishing for roosterfish,snook and snapper, your host will be happy to accommodate you. For the finest sailfishing experience available at a fair price and custom itineraries built to suit your specific needs, this operation receives our highest marks.

Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

Guinea Bissau Fishing: The variety of available fishing is in large part the appeal of the Guinea-Bissau experience. What makes the Bijagos so unique is three-fold. First is its sheer size. As Africa’s largest archipelago, the region encompasses 30,000 sq. km. of largely protected saltwater wilderness. Of the 78 major islands, only 20 are inhabited with a total population of less than 5,000 residents. Second, the region is one the largest estuarine environments in Africa, fed by four massive hypertrophic river systems. The result is a biological marvel where in places clear waters team with brown clouds of plankton attracting incomprehensible quantities of baitfish, and an all-star cast of predators that prey upon them. And lastly the region has a remarkable diversity of water and habitat types that include murky rich tarpon waters, sand spits surrounded by crystal clear waters, mangrove channels and immense inner bays, mud flats covered with mollusks, and beautiful white sand beaches studded with rugged dark lava outcroppings. When seen in its entirety the role the region plays as one of Africa’s most significant spawning grounds for baitfish and sport fish alike is easily understood.

A partial list of worthy game fish to be found is equally as impressive: five species of barracuda, six species of snapper, twenty species of shark (five of which commonly exceed 400 pounds), amber jack, Senegalese jack, incredible numbers of jack crevalle, cobia, drum, bonefish, permit, pompano, grouper, guitar fish, ladyfish, leer fish, sierra, sea bass, blue runners, tarpon and triple tails are all caught most every season. There are sandy beaches, rugged lava points, mangrove inlets, river-like channels, and barren sand spit islands. While there are numerous places that qualify as “flats”, it is hard to categorize the region as a quality flats fishery as the tides average 6-12 feet.

As a result much of the fishing is done from boats (which are bit shabby by western standards). During low wind conditions there are numerous sight-fishing opportunities for Jacks, barracuda, large needlefish, snappers, African sierra and corvina. In less favorable conditions the same species are targeted by blind fishing points, edges, shorelines, and submerged structure.

Some of the most exciting fishing centers around the region’s remarkable Jack Crevalle fisheries. These fish can often be seen crashing bait in what the locals refer to as “hunts”. Jacks can also be targeted from the beach. Sometimes you will see large black pods of fish cruising in the waves, or single fish chasing bait.

While the region has the world’s largest tarpon, the fishery is not ideally suited to the fly. In the most productive regions the water is dark with plankton making sight fishing difficult at best. On the optimistic side, the vast majority of tarpon are hooked with baits that are suspended only 3-4 feet beneath the surface. Typically there is significant current, so flies could be left to hang in zone and stand a fair chance of being taken. Needless to say the tarpon fishery is a high stakes game where the fish average over 200 pounds. Even on conventional tackle anglers average only 1.15 bites per day.

Guinea-Bissau Accommodation:

Club Acaja has simple thatched bungalows that sleep two anglers. They all have private baths and simple showers. Rooms have generator-produced lighting that turns off around midnight.

Guinea-Bissau Travel:

Travel to Guinea-Bissau typically entails departing JFK on Wednesday evening and arriving Dakar Senegal on Thursday morning. In Senegal we will recommend that you opt to be met by or greeting service and taken directly to the Lagon 2 for your day room. That afternoon you will transfer back to the airport at roughly 3PM for you flight to Bissau. We encourage all participants to book these tickets with Debi at African Travel Inc. (800) 421-8907 ext. 103 or (818)-507-7893 and mention that you are traveling with Fly Water Travel.

After being met in the Bissau airport, almost all groups will be able to transfer out to the lodge directly. In the event of rough seas, this 2.5 hour trip will be postponed until the following morning.

The following Thursday guest will depart the club at roughly noon and head back to Bissau. After arriving Dakar there will be a significant layover as your flight for the states typically departs around 3AM. Arrival in JFK is at roughly 7AM on Friday morning.

A valid passport, visa and a Yellow Fever certificate are required to enter Guinea-Bissau. While visas can be obtained through companies such as G3visas.com prior to travel, we can also arrange for you get your visa once you arrive in the country. While this process requires some faith, it works well and is what all Acaja/Africa Bijagos Tarpon Club guests do. It also costs less than setting up visa’s in
advance.

When traveling to Guinea-Bissau we recommend a conservative approach to health precautions. Of utmost importance is a certificate proving that you have received a Yellow Fever vaccination. Malaria is also strongly advised as is Typhoid, Hepatitis, and Meningococcal. As for all overseas travel we recommend that all travelers are current with Tetanus/Diphtheria as well as MMR.

Guinea-Bissau Currency, Cash and Gratuities:

During your travels in Guinea-Bissau and to a lesser degree in Senegal, US dollars, traveler’s checks and credit cards are virtually useless. We recommend that all travelers exchange a minimum of $600 US into Euros trough their local bank (this typically takes 3-4 working days and is at an exchange of roughly $1 US to 0.75 Euro).

While CFA franks are the national currency for both Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Euros change hands regularly for larger transactions. Change will likely be given in CFA franks.

Anticipated fixed cost include:

Day room in Dakar 35-75 Euros depending on selected accommodations.

Cab rides in Dakar 20 Euros.

On site Visa purchase 35 Euros.

Boat ride to Rubane from Bissau 35 Euros.

Gratuities 100-150 Euros.

Bar tab at the Club 50-150 Euros.

Possible overnight in Bissau 85 Euros.

Total: 370-550 Euros

Note: The Lagon 1 restaurant gladly accepts credit cards.

Included:

All meals, transportation and guiding once the club is reached.

Not Included:

Transportation and airfare to the club, day rooms and meals in Senegal, overnight accommodations in Bissau if needed, all drinks and alcohol, gratuities and visa fees.