The Seychelles

Of all the saltwater environments I have fished, the Seychelles are easily the wildest.

Located in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles boasts more than 100 beautiful islands and atolls and, most excitingly, some of the best saltwater flats fly-fishing you will find anywhere.

We have partnered with the most experienced and skilled fishing operator in the Seychelles. With their considerable knowledge of the outer islands, extensive experience operating remote lodges, and decades of fishing expertise, you will be at the prime fishing spots at the best times, guided by some of the world’s finest fly-fishing professionals.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or on a once-in-a-lifetime fishing expedition, our goal is to ensure that your time on the water is nothing short of exceptional.

History and Culture of the Seychelles

The history of the Seychelles was shaped by a geographic position across thousands of miles of sea, which gave these islands strategic importance. The Seychelles were uninhabited when the British East India Company arrived in the area in 1609. Thereafter, the islands became a favorite pirate haven.

This archipelago in the Indian Ocean was first colonized by the French but was ruled much longer by the British. The French claimed the islands in 1756 and administered them as part of the colony of Mauritius. The British gained control of the islands through the Treaty of Paris and held control until 1976, when the Seychelles gained independence.

Stunningly beautiful, the Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean, east of mainland Africa and northeast of the island of Madagascar. There are between 92 and 155 islands in the Seychelles, depending on the definition of an island. Most of the islands are uninhabited, with many dedicated as nature reserves. The Seychelles’ largest island is Mahé, which is where you will be flying into (Airport code: SEZ).

At least 42 islands on the northern Seychelles bank are geologically unique. They are the only mid-ocean granite islands in the world. South of the main island of Mahé and the Seychelles bank, the atolls are formed from a coralline base (coral atolls), and that is where we will be exploring and fishing.

The Seychelles, with an estimated population of approximately 100,000, has the smallest population of any African country. Most Seychellois are descendants of early French settlers and East Africans who arrived in the 19th century. About 90% of the Seychellois people live on the island of Mahé. Most of the rest live on Praslin and La Digue, with the remaining smaller islands either sparsely populated or uninhabited.

The local Seychellois Creole (Kreol), a creole language derived from French and African tongues, is the native language of 91.8% of the people; however, English and French are also commonly used. English remains the language of government and commerce.