Fly Fishing :
If you want to rack up a huge list of species Groote Eylandt and the surrounding archipelago gives fly fishers the chance.
From Black Marlin, Sailfish, Cobia, Longtail Tuna and Spanish Mackerel to Milkfish, Giant Herring and Barramundi, we have a huge variety of saltwater fish to target. We have terrific surface action as Tuna, Queenfish, Giant Trevally and Mackerel cut their way through bait balls. At different times of the year the bait balls are so numerous they cover the water in every direction. When the predators are rounding the bait in tight packs, every retrieve is followed or crunched. The crystal water provides anglers with the thrill of seeing predators crash baitfish imitations in clear view. There are coral bombies everywhere with plenty of reef fish available throughout all levels of the water column. Coral Trout will rise to poppers cast across the tops of many of the reef drop offs. Down deeper Red, Spangled and Longnose Emperor along with Parrot fish, Chinamen, Mangrove Jack, Golden Snapper and a multitude of other reef dwellers will give skilful fly fishers a terrific battle.
We have experienced fly fishing guides on hand to put you on to the fish. It is extremely important to have guides who have a great understanding of tides, currents, wind and boat position so as to maximise your chances of landing your target species. Our boats have been designed to cater for fly fishing with cast decks raised to give anglers a better chance to see the fish. At times the opportunity to walk the beach offers anglers a better platform to chase cruising species like Queenfish and Trevally.
ESCAPADE
We are discovering more areas all the time as we get the chance to wander further from home base. With the new addition of our 50 foot live aboard “ Escapade” fly fishers will have the opportunity to fish areas untouched. The Island is so big that it is impossible to get to many of the quality reefs, flats and bays we know exist in one day. With the opportunity of sleeping 8 guests overnight, heading to these remote fishing grounds will no doubt see us tallying other special species to our impressive list. The hunt is on for Bonefish and Permit and 2009 could be the year as we head to the North East and Eastern side of the Island on board Escapade. Grab some mates and join in the fun.
SPECIALIZED FLY FISHING GUIDE Christopher Bassano joins our Escape Sportfishing Team Full time from April 09. Chris has spent years travelling the world chasing both salt and freshwater species in the USA and Europe. Chris runs his own Rainbow Lodge in Tasmania and his aim is to explore Groote Eylandt and open up new grounds for our fly fishing guests. His experience will add a new dimension to our Fly fishery, and we look forward to offering his unique guiding experience to our Sportfishing operation.
