Farquhar, The Seychelles
Farquhar Atoll is the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles. It lies just over 700km to the southwest of the main island Mahe in the direction of Madagascar. This remote atoll has a total area of 170 square kilometres when you include the large lagoon which is 18km north to south and 9km east to west. The group of islands is serviced with a concrete landing strip situated on the most northerly island.
The season runs from October-April and for a maximum of 10 rods. These are generally considered the best times to be fishing there. The emphasis is very much on exciting and adventurous fishing at Farquhar.
The main group of islands form a long curve which describes the eastern side of the atoll. Largest of these are Isle du Nord and Ile du Sud, with the smaller Manaha gaps and islands between them. Further south is Goelette and to the open western side of the atoll lies the small group known as Trois Isles.
The large ear-shaped lagoon provides easy access to the countless flats, channels and surf zones which make Farquhar such a diverse fishery. There are plenty of bonefish but Farquhar has become known for its species of trevally, particularly the aggressive giant trevally, as well as triggerfish, pompano, milkfish and unusual looking bumphead parrotfish.
The main attraction of Farquhar is wading the flats, which consist of hard white sand, turtle grass and broken coral and make for comfortable wading. This is sight fishing for an impressive variety of species which includes bonefish, various trevally species including giant trevally, pompano, triggerfish, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish and milkfish.
Farquhar is certainly best known for the sheer diversity of species it offers. If stalking bonefish in skinny water, throwing crab flies at the colourful and charismatic tailing triggerfish or holding your nerve as a large GT charges your fly is something that interests you, then Farquhar is somewhere to consider.
Deep water is very close to shore and spending some time tussling with some of the monsters which prowl the deep blue is certainly a very exciting and rewarding bonus. Species likely to be encountered are GTs, wahoo, barracuda, yellow-fin and dogtooth tuna, grouper, bohar snapper and sailfish.
Guides use 17.3 ft Angler skiffs, each of which carries a single 90 HP 2-Stroke Yamaha engine. These boats have been specifically designed and fitted to fish both the flats and offshore waters of Farquhar in comfort and safety.
Accommodation
The lodge on Farquhar consist of six chalet-style rooms which face the Farquhar lagoon. Each room is fully air-conditioned and has twin single beds for fishermen sharing a room or a double king-sized bed for couples. The rooms are well appointed and with a spacious ensuite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower. Rooms are also equipped with a minibar, kettle and coffee machine.
The lodge is eco-friendly and is equipped with 24 hour 220 volt electricity generated by solar power. There is air-conditioning and there is a constant supply of hot water. There is full housekeeping as well as a daily laundry service available. An undercover dining area on the waters edge with a magnificent view forms an idyllic backdrop for both breakfast and dinner. All meals are served around the outside dining area with the chef preparing a mix of Creole and international food.