The world’s newest,
and best, fly fishing destination is here. An incredible population
of bonefish, trevally and many other species suited to the fly-rod fisher,
has been discovered in the remote and untouched waters of the Tuamotu
Archipelago, in French Polynesia (Tahiti). In these remote waters you
will find bonefish and numerous other species that have been isolated
from outside pressures for many years. The fishing is, as you would
expect from a virginal resource such as this, incredible.
The
Location
The largest of the Polynesian archipelagos, The Tuamotus include 76
islands and atolls spread out over more than 20,000 km2 (7722 sq miles)
some 340 km north east of Tahiti. Only 5% of French Polynesia’s
population lives in these islands, a mere 12,500 people, meaning little
pressure has been placed on the environment. The island where Tahiti
Lures is based is beautifully isolated. Completely unpopulated it is
a haven for fish and bird life. Situated in the western Tuamotus, Tahanea
(pronounced Tah Ha Neigh Ah) is arguably the most beautiful tropical
island in the world. The lack of recent human influences has left Tahanea
in an almost virginal state.
The Fishing
Simply the best! The bonefish average over 7lbs with plenty of shots
at double digit bones possible in a day. So far the biggest bone landed
is 13 lbs, with many larger bones lost to the coral. While there are
not the huge numbers you expect from places like Christmas Island or
the Seychelles, the fish are bigger and stronger. However an experienced
angler can still expect to land between 1-2 dozen bones per day. You
mainly find them in singles, doubles or small groups rather than schools
of fish. The bonus is that French Polynesia has very little tidal influence,
and bones can be caught all day long. The range of tidal fall and rise
is really only a foot or two so the flats remain covered with water
all day long.
Adding to the bone-fishery is the enormous range of other species (38
other species landed to date), which include:
• 6 species of Trevally including
amazing numbers of Giant and Bluefin Trevally.
• Milkfish
• Long-nosed emperor (a prolific very strong flats dweller that
takes a fly readily)
• And many, many more species.
Outside the reef in the blue water you
will find incredible numbers of:
• Mahi-Mahi
• Wahoo
• Marlin
• 6 species of Tuna
• and many, many more voracious species.
From the experienced veteran, to the complete
novice, Tahanea offers something for everyone. Due to the isolation
of this island it is not uncommon to have bonefish circling your feet
if you remain still. They just do not know what humans are.
The Accommodations
The accommodations offered by Tahiti Lures are extremely comfortable
considering the remote location. Tahiti Lures offers accommodation aboard
the mother-ship, Tahiti Lures 1, a 38 foot sports fisher. Completely
air-conditioned, she offers all the comforts of home. There are 2 air-conditioned
double cabins. All meals are prepared by an excellent chef, who has
had wide experience with both local and overseas fare. All of this is
complimented by a full bar and wine selection to ensure your evenings
are relaxed and restful. The mother-ship is moored in a sheltered part
of the island, right next to one of the ocean passes, providing after-hours
fishing for the addicts, and a calm anchorage for sleeping aboard. Hot
showers and plenty of fresh-water, along with ample necessities such
as ice etc..make time spent aboard Tahiti Lures 1, and absolute treat.
Length of
stay
The fishing week consists of 6 ½ days fishing and 7 nights in
Tahanea, from Thursday to Thursday. You arrive in Tahanea on Thursday
morning and fish almost a full day, followed by 6 more very full days
of fishing. Departure for Fakarava and Tahiti is early on Thursday morning.
Capacity
The capacity during Tahiti Lures first year is ideally 4 persons. Larger
groups can be accommodated on request but advance warning of 2 months
is required for this. Tahiti Lures sees this location as being perfect
for couples, and is basing its philosophy on this. There is ample for
a non-fishing partner to do, with the stunning scenery and wildlife,
crystal clear water and beautiful weather keeping the non-fisher entertained.
Transport to Tahanea
If travelling from the US, it is a simple 6½ hour flight direct
from LA to Papeete, Tahiti. Upon arrival at Tahiti’s international
Faa’a airport you will be greeted by representative of Tahiti
Lures and transferred to a luxury hotel. Every thursday, Tahiti Lures
guests are escorted to the airport for the flight to Fakarava (approx
1 hr) with the domestic airline Air Tahiti. Upon arrival in Fakarava
you will be met by the mother-ship and whisked away to Tahanea, a trip
of approximately 1 hr, which should see you fishing by 10 o’clock
in the morning.
Latitude 16o 51’S - Longtitude 144o
41’W
On departure the same scenario sees you
back in Tahiti on Thursday late morning ready to do a bit of damage
in the local shops (awesome black pearl and souvenir shopping to be
had in Papeete).