St. Brandon’s Atoll

THE FISHING

St Brandon’s (Cargados Carajos Shoals) is comprised of a vast network of sand flats, coral ridges and channels that run through a myriad of unparalleled angling opportunities. The magnificent condition of the coral and the lobster infested outer reefs is proof that other than a small population of Creole natives who live on Raphael Island in the north, this area has seen very little human pressure and interference.

The exquisite flats that dominate the landscape of this area are predominantly made up of a white hard packed sand base. For those who like to wade and site cast to large bonefish in skinny water, there are few more gratifying fisheries on earth. While there are fishable areas at St. Brandon’s that are comprised of broken coral, by far the majority of the atoll is easy to wade. First light brings new opportunities and the entire operation is geared towards getting up early and getting out on the first light. Most guests prefer to spend the entire day out on the flats, fishing whatever options present themselves. This means bringing a packed lunch when guests leave the guest house in the morning. However, if guests would prefer to head back to the guest house to relax and get out of the mid day sun in an air-conditioned environment, we can set it up so that one or more of the tenders head back to the guest house for lunch. It’s entirely up to our guests. The fishing schedule for the next day is established the night before, when the clients and guides will discuss angling priorities, tides, weather, and other factors that may influence the following day’s fishing.

In terms of species, St Brandon’s offers the finest big bonefish opportunities that we know of. Fish up to 15 pounds have been caught during the last year with larger fish routinely seen and cast to. On an early incoming tide, guests can expect to see a combination of huge schools of bonefish, along with large cruising singles and doubles. The hard packed white sand flats offer superb visibility and anglers can see waves of bonefish and other species coming in from a great distance away. Aside from the consistently outstanding big bonefish opportunities that St Brandon’s offers, this remote location also offers anglers perhaps the finest Indo-Pacific Permit fishing on the planet. Also known as “Golden Permit”, these notoriously finicky eaters are found throughout the atoll and if guests are willing to specifically target them, multiple shots at these beautiful fish are generally available each day.

GT’s or “Geets” are also a common occurrence at St. Brandon’s, but fishing for this powerful flats adversary can be hit and miss. There are days when you’ll see upwards of 100 GT’s muscling through the shallows and then none for a week or more. When you do find them they are often big and fish over 100 pounds have been recorded. The electric Bluefin Trevally is also available at St Brandon’s and as this species goes, large fish over 20 pounds have been caught several times. Other trevally species that can be encountered on the flats include the Golden, Yellow Dot, and the Green Spotted Trevally.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

Four tenders are available to fish from at the St. Brandon’s Atoll. These are locally built mono hull 17 foot boats that are powered by twin 15 horse powered 2-stroke engines. These boats are ideal for much of the area at St. Brandon’s because they draw less than a foot of water, allowing guests access to some of the best skinny water sections of the atoll. Each boat is skippered by a qualified guide who has a full skipper’s ticket.

GETTING THERE

There are a variety of international flights into Mauritius each day from South Africa, Dubai, Europe (London, Paris and Germany) Singapore, Kuala Lampor and the Seychelles. All guests will need to fly in to Mauritius the day before the trip. The boats are set to depart the following morning from Port Louis. It is also advisable to fly out the following day, after you’ve returned from St Brandon’s, rather than trying to get out the day you get back. Once everyone is on board the vessels, they depart for St. Brandon’s at 10 am. Guests can relax, read, organize equipment and socialize while the boats steam northeast up the Madagascar Trench on her 24 hour journey to the fabled fishing grounds of the Cargados Carjagos Shoals. Guests can anticipate arriving at St. Brandon’s at approximately 11 am the following morning and should anticipate being ready to fish shortly after arrival.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2025

10 nights with 7 days fishing $10,600 USD DBL

17 nights with 14 days fishing $18,500 USD DBL

Single angler supplement is $2,500 USD per week, when available

Single room supplemnet is $2,500 USD per week, when available