Located in the remote Coral Sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea lies huge coral reef systems, including some forgotten atolls that had previously never been fly fished before until Fly Odyssey Australia made the pioneering voyage aboard the Mothership K20 in 2019.
What we discovered were untouched fisheries, with pristine crystal clear water home to an impressive range of species including numerous Giant Trevally, Bluefin, Triggerfish, Napoleon, Jobfish and several species of Coral Trout. Dogtooth and Yellowfin Tuna are also available.
Walking the inshore sand-flats provided sight-cast GT’s in the shallows, drop-offs and coral structure, in addition large numbers of big Bluefin Trevally swimming around our feet that had never seen a fly. With prolific structure for Triggerfish, they were also present in good numbers while the inner lagoons were like aquariums, full of big Red Bass, Jobfish and Coral Trout.
We have scheduled limited visits to the Forgotten Atolls again late 2020 and early 2021 for advanced saltwater fly fishermen interested in experiencing some of the true untouched atolls left anywhere in the world. These Atoll’s are designated Fly only fisheries on a catch and release basis and limited to six anglers.
The comfortable 77ft K20 Catamaran, is a perfect air-conditioned vessel for fishing and exploring the Coral Sea. Sleeping up-to ten anglers over the main and lower levels it consists of two twin bunk rooms, two doubles with single bed with shared bathroom facilities and two staterooms with double beds and ensuites.
The vessel has an indoor dining and living area, with media facilities / TV and full kitchen with chefs preparing meals daily. Upstairs are the staff quarters including flybridge, and walk around access on both the port and starboard sides to the bow which also has ample room to take in the views or enjoy your morning coffee or late afternoon beer.
At the stern, is an outdoor living area with dining table and chairs, BBQ facilities and plenty of room for rod assembly, washdown and storage at the end of each day. It’s also a great place to relax in the evenings with mild seabreezes and access to a well stocked drinks fridge.
Meals consist of fresh seafood and fish, including beef, chicken and pork typically served with rice, potato and vegetable dishes. While not fine dining, the food is hearty and there is plenty of it including cooked breakfasts, fresh fruits, with packed lunches taken out on the boats each day. Coffee and tea making facilities are available all day, and ready for early risers.
Unlimited water is provided throughout your stay, while alcohol is pre-ordered and ready for your arrival.
Fly Fishing the Forgotten Atolls of Papua New Guinea provide numerous genuine chances to land large Giant Trevally on Fly which is the main appeal of this destination.
Predominantly fishing from 23 foot Pangas each fitted with 60HP 4 stroke engines, they provide perfect access to the inner lagoons of the atolls while also providing a very soft ride when travelling between the mothership and fishing locations.
Two 25ft Sportfishers are also available for the outer reef areas, including coral bommies for Dogtooth Tuna, or chasing Yellowfin Tuna is the schools are in the area.
These trips will be focussed on fishing two different atolls over six full days, providing a mixture of flats and reef edge fly fishing on foot, and boat based fly fishing targeting coral bommies, atoll walls and other structure. Flexibility in the program will allow moving the Mothership between moorings to suit the best weather conditions. November and April generally provide settled conditions at sea, with protection from any prevailing swell available through the extensive reef systems.
The fishing weeks have been selected with optimal tides, allowing a mixture of boat based and flats based fly fishing to suit the tides and movement of fish on and off the atolls.
As a hosted trip, your host will coordinate fishing areas and daily fishing plans and while there are boatmen, this trip is not guided, so is suitable for intermediate to experienced fly fishermen only, with an ability to spot, cast and land your own fish each day when on foot.
Daily flights are available from Cairns (90mins) and Brisbane, Australia direct to Port Moresby, with a requirement to arrive before 2pm.
On arrival you will clear customs and be met by our ground staff before a private transfer direct to the Port Moresby Marina, which takes around fifteen minutes by road.
The journey to the forgotten atolls is done overnight, arriving at approximately 6am to the mooring.
On arrival back into Port Moresby, departing flights should leave no earlier than 12pm.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
Fly Odyssey have access to the best guiding and lodging rates, suitable tides and updated availability to this destination which can vary throughout the season.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our relationship with our partners on the ground in PNG will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Cairns, Port Douglas and Brisbane.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
CONTACT OUR AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
M: +61 (0)499 900816
E: travel@flyodyssey.com.au
CONTACT OUR UK OFFICE
M: +44 (0)7936 708305
E: enquiries@flyodyssey.co.uk
Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure its spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are done in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion.
Season: November to April
Species: Giant Trevally, Bluefin, Red Bass, Jobfish, Coral Trout, Napoleon, Dogtooth & Yellowfin Tuna
Mothership: 77ft Catamaran, K20 with ten staff
Location: Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea
Ideal for: Intermediate to Advanced Fly Fishermen / Unguided