St. Brandon's Atoll

St. Brandon's Atoll Fly Fishing

St. Brandon's Atoll (Cargados Carajos Shoals) is group of 50+ small islands, coral ridges, vast sand flats extending 50 km north to south. Situated 268 nautical miles northeast of Mauritius, this area is rich in fish stocks, flora, fauna. Magnificent coral condition and lobster-infested outer reefs prove minimal human interference—only small Creole population on Raphael Island. Foreigners banned until 2014 when FlyCastaway legally allowed to operate. This magical atoll has risen to iconic status in saltwater fly fishing world.

The Water

St. Brandon's is saltwater fly fishing paradise with scattered islands, vast connecting sandbanks, flats of hard white sand and broken coral. Few turtle grass areas. Hard white sand provides excellent light backdrop for spotting fish from great distances even in low light conditions.

Water Types:

● Hard white sand flats
● Turtle grass sections (minimal)
● Broken coral flats
● Shallow lagoons with 40-foot visibility
● Easy wading throughout

All wade fishing—no boats on flats. This is pure walk-and-stalk sight fishing paradise.

The Fishing

Each guide discusses plan for following day with assigned anglers, accommodating preferences based on tides. Breakfast served 7:00 AM, depart fishing 8:00 AM. St. Brandon's located at southern latitude within Indian Ocean—sun never gets particularly high. By early afternoon glare on water makes spotting difficult unless fish tailing. Typically fishing day ends 5:00 PM, return to guesthouse. Guides flexible, not clock-watchers—if in shoals of tailing bonefish will continue fishing later.

Lunch enjoyed on flats to maximize fishing time. Depending on tides and day's area, sometimes arrangements made to eat lunch at guesthouse.

Highly productive flat just meters from guesthouse porch allows extending fishing day before/after guided sessions.

Seasonal Fishing

April–June Season:

Perfect weather, temperatures around 85°F, winds averaging 15 mph, mostly sunny skies essential for sight fishing.

September–December Season:

Stable conditions, excellent fishing throughout season.

Target Species

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)

Finest bonefishing on planet. St. Brandon's primary attraction.

● Size: Average 5-6 lbs (weighed), most guests get opportunities at 9-12 lbs, fish up to 87 cm fork length (15 lbs) landed
● Numbers: Large shoals plus enormous singles and doubles
● Techniques: Sight fishing, walk-and-stalk wading
● Behavior: Most spectacular wade bonefishing you will ever encounter, fish fight like possessed due to cooler water temps
● Notes: Quality bonefish, bigger than average Caribbean fish, double-digit fish common, 4-6 lbs minimum with regular shots at trophies

Indo-Pacific Permit (Trachinotus blochii)

Large numbers present. St. Brandon's landed more than anywhere in Indian Ocean.

● Size: 5-15 lbs daily opportunities, fish over 20 lbs landed
● Techniques: All permit fishing on foot, ultimate walk-and-stalk flats experience
● Notes: If serious about permit, St. Brandon's is must-visit destination

Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis)

Not daily shots, but real monsters when they appear.

● Size: More fish over 100 cm than under, fish over 130 cm landed, specimens exceeding 150 cm seen/hooked
● Notes: St. Brandon's the place to break 100 cm mark, all are large fish

Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus)

Around in good numbers.

● Size: 15-20 lbs frequently landed
● Techniques: Sight fishing on flats
● Notes: Excellent bonus species providing consistent action

Other Species:

● Golden trevally
● Yellow dot trevally
● Green spot trevally
● Triggerfish
● Bumphead parrotfish
● Milkfish
● Barracuda

Raphael Island Guesthouse

Simple but comfortable guesthouse on Raphael Island in fish-rich northern part of atoll. By no means luxurious but clean, comfortable, and considering remote location, all traveling angler needs to enjoy finest trophy bonefishing, Indo-Pacific permit, trophy GT fishing available in Indian Ocean.

Accommodations:

● Maximum 8 guests
● Four twin bedrooms (air-conditioned)
● Two large single beds per room
● Basic amenities
● Tastefully decorated
● Daily housekeeping service
● Laundry done twice during standard 7-day fishing tour
● Two fully renovated shared bathrooms (shower, basin, toilet)
● Two outside showers
● Overhead fans in bedrooms

Common Areas:

● Covered outdoor dining and lounge area (idyllic setting for cold Phoenix beer after fishing)
● Separate mudroom/tackle room (gear cleaned and neatly stored, ready for next day)
● Spacious social areas
● Fully equipped kitchen

Electricity:

Generators provide power between 3:00 PM and 9:00 AM. Plug points British square three-prong/Type G. Bring adapter.

Dining:

Chef prepares mix of Creole and international cuisine.

Dinners: Grilled fish and chicken, chicken or seafood curry, steak on some evenings

Meals served: Outside dining area on water's edge when weather allows

Included: Soft drinks, water, local Phoenix beers

Not included: Wine and spirits (can be pre-ordered and pre-stocked prior to trip, guests welcome to bring own bottles of preferred spirits)

Communications:

● No Wi-Fi access available
● Guides carry satellite phones on water in case of emergency
● Raphael Island has fixed unit satellite phone ($2.00 USD per minute, guests can use at own expense)

Non-Angling Activities:

Dedicated fishing operation. Very few activities for non-anglers. This is hardcore angler destination.

Travel to St. Brandon's Atoll

Atoll not reachable by aircraft. 26-hour boat crossing from Mauritius required. This remoteness adds to pristine, exclusive nature of fishery.

International Airport

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) – Port Louis, Mauritius

Pre-Trip Requirements

Arrive Mauritius day before trip starts. This allows time buffer for missed connections, flight delays, lost luggage. Overnight at hotel in Port Louis.

Recommended Hotel: Le Suffren Hotel (in same harbor as transport vessels)

Ground Transfers: Not included in package

Transport to Atoll

Two 65-foot supply vessels (sportfishers) transport guests and guides from Port Louis to Raphael Island.

Departure: Saturday morning from Port Louis
Crossing time: 26 hours (approximately)
Arrival: Sunday at Raphael Island

Sunday afternoon: Unguided fishing if time allows

Return Journey

Departure: Following Sunday mid-morning after breakfast
Arrival: Monday around midday in Port Louis
Return flights: Can be booked to depart after 8:00 PM on Monday

Weather and other factors associated with remote locations can affect timing. Every effort made to stick to schedule.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

Mandatory. Global Rescue coverage included in 2025/2026 package ($100 value).

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage insurance.

Important Notes:

● No cell service on atoll
● No internet on atoll
● Bring all necessary medications
● Prepare for true remote wilderness experience

Sample Itinerary (10 Nights / 7 Days Fishing)

Friday – Arrive Mauritius

● Arrive Port Louis, Mauritius (MRU)
● Overnight at Le Suffren Hotel or similar
● Rest and prepare for crossing

Saturday – Crossing to St. Brandon's

● Morning: Board 65-ft supply vessel
● Depart Port Louis for St. Brandon's Atoll
● 26-hour crossing through Indian Ocean
● Overnight aboard vessel
● Meals provided

Sunday – Arrive Raphael Island

● Arrive Raphael Island mid-day
● Settle into guesthouse
● Lunch at guesthouse
● Unguided fishing from guesthouse flat (if time allows)
● Welcome dinner
● Trip orientation with guides

Monday–Saturday – Full Fishing Days (6 Days)

● Breakfast 7:00 AM
● Depart with guide 8:00 AM (two anglers per guide)
● Wade hard white sand flats for trophy bonefish
● Sight fish for Indo-Pacific permit
● Opportunities at GTs and trevally species
● Lunch on flats to maximize fishing time
● Continue fishing prime sections
● Return to guesthouse typically 5:00 PM (flexible based on fishing)
● Cold Phoenix beers
● Dinner featuring Creole and international cuisine
● Evening: Plan next day's fishing with guide

Fishing from guesthouse porch flat available anytime for self-guided sessions

Sunday – Final Fishing & Departure

● Early breakfast
● Final unguided fishing from guesthouse flat
● Pack up and settle tab
● Mid-morning: Boats depart Raphael Island for return crossing
● 26-hour crossing to Mauritius
● Overnight aboard vessel

Monday – Arrive Port Louis

● Arrive Port Louis around midday
● Transfer to airport (not included)
● Evening departure flights

Extended Trip (17 Nights / 14 Days Fishing):

Back-to-back trips available: $20,500 per person

● 2 nights on vessel (crossings)
● 15 nights at guesthouse
● 14 days guided fishing

Package Rates (2025/2026)

Standard Trip:

● 10 Nights / 7 Days Fishing: $10,700 per person (shared room & shared guide)

Extended Trip:

● 17 Nights / 14 Days Fishing: $20,500 per person (back-to-back weeks)

Upgrade Options:

● Single room supplement: $2,500 (subject to availability, only 2 rooms available)
● Single angler/guide: $2,500 (subject to availability)

Season Dates:

● April–June
● September–December

Maximum Capacity: 8 anglers per week with 4 guides

Contact Front Range Anglers for specific dates and availability.

What's Included:

● Round-trip transport St. Brandon's from Mauritius aboard 65-ft supply vessels (26 hours each way)
● 8 nights full board and accommodation at Raphael Island guesthouse (shared room)
● 2 nights accommodation aboard vessel during crossings
● 7 days fully guided fishing (two anglers per guide)
● Fishing licenses
● Tender boats and fuel
● All meals (Creole and international cuisine)
● Soft drinks, mineral water, local Phoenix beers
● Laundry service (twice during 7-day tour)
● Global Rescue medical evacuation membership ($100 value)

Not Included:

● International flights to Mauritius
● Overnight hotel in Port Louis before/after
● Ground transfers on Mauritius
● Wine and spirits
● Tackle and flies (rental available)
● Gratuities
● Items of personal nature
● Satellite phone use ($2.00 per minute)
● Travel and trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended)

Gratuity Guidelines:

Based on international standards, guests typically pay:

● $600 USD per angler for guides
● $200 USD per angler for guesthouse staff

Gratuities purely discretionary.

Deposit & Payment:

● 12+ months advance: Initial deposit 50% due within 14 days of invoicing
● Less than 12 months: 50% deposit required
● 3 months prior: 100% balance due
● Less than 90 days: Full payment due immediately

Cancellation Policy:

● 12+ months prior: 50% of deposit forfeited
● 12-6 months prior: 50% of charter rate forfeited
● 6 months or less: 100% of charter rate forfeited
● Payments not received on time: Subject to cancellation by FlyCastaway 7 days after notification
● If FlyCastaway cancels: Full refund excluding bank charges
● If resold by operator or FRA: Full refund minus $100 per person change fee (FlyCastaway) and $100 per person cancellation fee (FRA)

Transfer Option:

Deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest for same original dates if facilitated and arranged by client.

Weather Cancellation:

Lodge reserves right to cancel trip due to bad weather and safety issues. All efforts will be made to reschedule and rebook for future date.

Important Notes:

● Water transfers, island fees, government taxes correct at time of quote but subject to change without prior notice
● Medical evacuation insurance mandatory (Global Rescue included in package)
● Travel/trip cancellation insurance highly recommended

Connect with Our Saltwater Experts

Ready to learn more about fishing St. Brandon's Atoll? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about this remote Indian Ocean expedition.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and can provide insights on saltwater flats fishing techniques, fly selection, preparation for trophy bonefish and Indo-Pacific permit.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles international travel logistics and coordination with FlyCastaway, ensuring every detail handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

● Wade fishing techniques for trophy bonefish
● Indo-Pacific permit strategies
● Gear recommendations (9-weight, 12-weight rods)
● Fly selection for atoll species
● International travel coordination to Mauritius
● Port Louis hotel recommendations
● 26-hour boat crossing preparation
● What to expect at remote Raphael Island guesthouse
● Best season timing (April–June vs September–December)
● Physical fitness requirements for wade fishing
● Packing for remote location with no resupply
● Managing expectations for hardcore fishing destination
● Pairing you with compatible trip partners

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater gear, test cast rods, talk with our team about St. Brandon's Atoll.

What to Bring to St. Brandon's Atoll

This is remote location with no resupply. Bring everything you need for entire trip.

Fishing Gear

Rods (Take at least 3):

● Two 9-weight rods (or one 9-weight and one 10-weight) for bonefish, triggerfish, bumphead parrotfish, milkfish
● Two 12-weight rods for giant trevally, bluefin trevally, barracuda, bluewater species

Reels:

● High-quality saltwater reels with excellent drags
● Capacity for 250+ yards backing
● Spare spools

Lines:

● Tropical floating lines for all rods
● Weight-forward tapers
● Spare lines

Leaders & Tippet:

● 9-12 foot leaders
● Tippet: 12-20 lb for bonefish/permit, 60-80 lb for GTs
● Plenty of extra

Flies:

Bring comprehensive selection—no fly shop on atoll.

For Bonefish:
● Gotchas, Crazy Charlies
● Bonefish Bitters
● Clousers
● Shrimp patterns
● Various sizes and colors
● Bring 100+ flies

For Permit:
● Crab patterns
● Shrimp patterns
● EP-style flies
● Bring 50+ flies

For GTs/Trevally:
● Large Clousers
● Poppers
● Big baitfish patterns
● Bring 50+ flies

Wading & Sun Protection

Footwear:

● Quality protective flats wading boots (MUST WEAR)
● Hard coral requires sturdy boots
● Bring backup pair if possible

Sun Protection (CRITICAL):

● Wide-brim hat or cap
● Buff or neck gaiter
● Polarized sunglasses (ESSENTIAL for sight fishing)
● Sunglasses retainer
● Backup polarized sunglasses
● Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe)
● Lip balm with SPF
● Long-sleeve fishing shirts (UPF-rated)
● Lightweight pants or fishing shorts

Weather Gear:

● Light rain jacket
● Quick-dry clothing
● Windbreaker

Personal Items

Documents:

● Valid passport (6+ months validity)
● Travel insurance documents
● Global Rescue information
● Credit card
● Cash (USD) for gratuities and satellite phone

Medications & First Aid:

● All personal prescription medications (bring extra)
● Seasickness medication (for 26-hour crossing)
● Pain relievers
● Anti-diarrheal medication
● Basic first aid kit
● Insect repellent

Other Essentials:

● Toiletries (basic)
● Towel (provided but bring quick-dry backup)
● Headlamp or flashlight
● Camera (waterproof preferred)
● Batteries and chargers
● British Type G electrical adapter
● Book or tablet for boat crossing
● Seasickness remedies for crossing

Optional:

● Wine or spirits (bring own preferred bottles)
● Snacks for boat crossing
● Binoculars
● GoPro or underwater camera

Critical Reminders:

● No resupply available
● No fly shop
● No cell service
● No internet
● Bring backup gear
● Pack light but complete

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with complete saltwater flats gear. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our team for personalized recommendations.