The East Cape Flats are a vast stretch of sand flats sprawled along the East Cape York peninsular. Stretching some 160NM along the coast. This trip is aimed at the adventurous fly angler looking for the next best untouched fishery for saltwater fly fishing in the World. We have been exploring wadeable flats in this far northern stretch of reef over the last couple of years and are confident that this fishery will stand strong against some of the well know established destinations around the world today. The eastern Cape York peninsular is one of the most remote stretches of coastline with almost zero coastal inhabitants north of Cooktown all the way to the tip of Australia. Walking the east coast flats really has the feel that no other flat can offer.
We take groups of six anglers to walk these untouched flats in search for the ever-abundant species such as Permit, Blue Bastards, Chinaman, GT’s and amongst these primary suspects there is a list of other targets we will have the opportunity to cast. These trips are aimed at the angler who primarily wants to wade however there is boat/skiff fishing available.
We will have one local experienced fly guide per pair of anglers, and we will have the opportunity to fish multiple flats during your trip to ensure the best opportunity for you to stick that beast you have been looking for. We will have two 22ft skiffs avail-able to transport us to the flats where we will be fishing for the day.
At the end of the day we will return to our luxury mothership Savannah, an 80ft luxury Expedition vessel with three very comfortable staterooms. The views in the afternoon from the sundeck are priceless after a day’s fishing with a cold beverage and a great social lounge in the main salon. You will be greeted with canapés on return from your days fishing followed by a sit down three course meal to end the day.
Contact Front Range Anglers Adventure Travel Manager Rob Kolanda for additional information and to BOOK!
When you BOOK with FRA Adventure Travel you never pay more for our services as we work for YOU and the Lodge!
INFORMATION
Australia Reopening Plan
Australia: Update on reopening to international travelers
The Australian Government has announcedOpens external site that Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated visa holders from 21 February 2022, welcoming the return of tourists, business travelers, and other visitors. Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia, and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.
See more information on travelling to Australia.
Australia: Updated pre-departure testing requirements
Effective from 1am (AEDT) Sunday 23 January 2022, the Australian Government will accept proof of a negative pre-departure test through a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken within 24 hours before your flight’s departure time. The test must be carried out by or under the supervision of a medical practitioner who can issue you with approved test result documentation. PCR and other NAAT tests taken within 3 days of your departure will also be accepted.
In addition, the time between receiving a positive COVID-19 test result and being able to be cleared for travel to Australia will be reduced from 14 to 7 days. This will reduce wait times for travelers who contract COVID-19 overseas to return to Australia in line with the new domestic isolation requirements.
See more information on travelling to Australia and applying for past-positive medical clearance.
Returning Home:
As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.
The Fishing
Most of the fishing on the East Cape Flats is wading however we do have our skiffs available for the times that are not favorable to wade or if a pair of anglers prefers to fish from a boat. Anglers will be grouped up two to a guide. Our guides are hand selected from Australia’s finest and they know these waters well. Our anglers are encouraged to carry a minimum of a #10 and #12 weight rods whilst wading the flats. It is encouraged to be ready with the #12 for the packs of GT’s that cruise the flats. The #10 will be used for the infamous Blue Bastard, Permit and the various reef species we encounter during the day. Australia is home to some of the deadliest animals and whilst on these trips we will be coexisting with some of these animals. These include the Salt water crocodile, Stingers – Box & Irukandji jellyfish, sharks, cone shells, blue ringed octopus. Encounters with these animals are scarce however it is extremely important to stay vigilant at all times. Our crew and guides will not compromise the safety of any individual at anytime so please follow instructions by the crew at all times. Protective wading tights and a hard sole set of wading boots are essential for this trip.
Species: Giant Trevally, Coral Trout, Permit (Anak & Blochii), Blue Bastard, Long nosed Emperor, Chinaman, Spangled Emporer, & Golden Trevally.
The Boats:East Coast Angling has 3 tenders used to fish from and to ferry anglers to the flats – where wading is preferred and used to get the best from the fishery. Typically two anglers are paired to a guide, guides are AU CG Captains, with first aid qualifications and the enthusiasm to get their anglers into fish.
The 80 ft MV Savannah luxury mothership is our home at the end of the day and your chef and hostess will cap off your day with cold towels, cold beverages, and delicious meals. Relax on the top deck and watch the sun setting over the continent of Australia.
Accommodations
The Mothership we are currently using is 80ft MV Savannah. Savannah was designed and constructed in New Zealand with long range cruising in mind. She crossed the Tasman in 2012 and after completing a full refit in July 2014 she now calls the Great Barrier Reef home. This luxury expedition style vessel has a 40,000 litre fuel capacity providing a 10,000 nm range, Savannah will allow you to travel to new destinations each day and will take you to the furtherest most remote reefs that very few have fished. With unparalleled space and stability, Savannah is fitted with a new Gyro stabiliser providing total comfort while in port or offshore and maximum safety in all sea conditions.
Some of the features of this luxury vessel are : Air Conditioning to all cabins, Interior Timbers include Merbau, Teak and Tasmanian Oak, Upstairs saloon features a Bose 535 Home Theatre System and 65inch Samsung TV that is recessed inside the Marble Bar unit, State-of-the-art audio-visual systems throughout the vessel, Satellite television and iPod docking stations in each cabin, Cellular communications facilities, VSAT, 4 toilets onboard including one on the main deck, Full Galley, Dining area, Large lounge area, A spacious aft deck complete with comfortable seating, dining table and BBQ Facilities. 3 x spacious cabins sleeping 3-3-3 with private ensuite’s in 2 of these cabins. 32 inch Samsung Smart LCD TV in each cabin.
Lodging Details
The 85-foot MV Savannah is a motorized yacht that offers spacious well-appointed rooms, dining, and deck areas for the discerning angler.
Food and Beverages
With a professional chef onboard there will never be a lack of great cuisine. Dishes will be prepared with fresh seasonal produce and local ingredients. All soft drinks and beer are included.
Non-Angling Activities
This is a fishing-focused destination although there are snorkeling opportunities at times.
Internet / Communications
Internet/wifi is not available however there is a satellite phone on board in case of emergencies. Steve Mclaughlin of FRA also carries a satellite phone for your usage.
Travel Details
Cairns Airport is the gateway to the spectacular Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled between mountains and the Coral Sea, it is one of Australia’s largest regional airports, and the country’s 7th busiest international gateway. After arriving into Cairns you will board our private air charter and fly up to one of two locations on the East Cape Peninsular. A 30 min ground transfer by our off road tour vehicle will get you to the landing spot where our mothership and crew will be waiting. Lets get the gear loaded, jump onboard and enjoy some of the most pristine and untouched flats the world has to offer.
US citizens need to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of our departure.
Terms and Cost
Inclusions:
- 7 nights/6 fishing days
- Professional and Experienced Fishing Guide
- Accommodation onboard the Luxury MV Savannah
- Breakfast, Lunch, Canapés and Dinner
- Beers & Soft Drinks
- Fishing Licences and Permits
- 1 x 32ft and 2 x 23ft Centre Consoles
- Flights Transfers from Cairns to the Mothership Return- We package our ground and flight transfers for you to ensure prompt arrival of all guests at the same time, this enables the trip to run smoothly with no delays. Depending on the location of your trip will depend on the cost of the transfer.
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Jessica Minard at 617.210.8106 (direct) or email [email protected].
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY
Exclusions:
- Transfer Costs
- Gratuities
- Spirits & Wine can be pre-arranged before the trip.
- Rod & Reel Rental is available @ $300pp for the trip.
Visas
US Citizens do require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for entry into Australia. For international clients, please check visa requirements with your local travel agent.
Passports
US citizens need to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of our departure.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
At the time of booking 50% of the trip is due and payable. At 90 days the remainder plus all VAT and taxes are due. Cancellation greater than 90 days from the date of trip, all monies refunded less $100 fee if a replacement angler is found. Cancellation within 90 Days, no refunds are provided unless a qualified replacement angler is provided. No refunds are provided for trip cancellation due to Weather, Acts of God, Airline/Travel issues.
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
TRAVEL PROTECTION
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BOULDER'S BEST GUIDES
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