New Caledonia’s Big Flats Bonefish
Fishing New Caledonia’s remote & untouched far north is now available to International anglers! Anglers seeking huge flats bonefish & sportfish on fly & spin gear can access remote flats & reefs on this very, very special adventure.
The Fishing Trip
We have a unique option catering for serious fly anglers only, plus an allround sportfishing package for anglers after variety on spin gear. New Caledonia’s bonefish tend to be less in number than other global destinations, however the attraction here is their size! 15lb plus bonefish are not uncommon and the chance to encounter much larger bones is very much a possibility here. Other trophy species include GT and other trevallies, emperor, red bass, mackeral, jobfish and a lot more.
The Experience
In New Caledonia’s north, le poisson banane is the local name given to the big banana shaped fish on the flat! From your base at Poignam at the very northern tip of Grand Terre, you will fish a variety of areas such as remote offshore flats, mangrove fringed bays, sand cays, reefs and islands. Many of these areas have been off limits to anglers in the past, so you will have the thrill of fishing our guides’ locations offering superb fishing. The experience in the north is one of warm friendly people, rugged and extreme landscapes and a vast & complex fishery that can be extremely rewarding.
“We spotted way more bonefish over the double figure mark than under it, including one fish of “mythical” proportions. We landed fish many fly anglers would travel the world for!”
Justin Duggan, Sydney Fly Fishing Guide
Fly Fishing
For the serious fly angler who wishes to push beyond the well worn path and venture into a fishery of world class Bonefish, New Caledonia is your destination. The geological age of New Cal has enabled time to create expansive sand flats adjacent to deep sea canyons that create an absolute playground for the fly angler.
Long casts are not essential but being able to cover water no matter which direction the wind blows is a skill worth practicing to make the most of your opportunities. It is for this reason we recommend New Caledonia for intermediate to advanced anglers.
Rods from 7-9wt will suit flats fishing for bonefish whilst a larger rod of 11-12wt should be on hand when one of those “car bonnet” GT’s cruises up the flats in search of a meal. Standard bonefish flies with minimum flash such as Crazy Charlies, Clouser Minnows, Flats Fodder, Chilli Peppers, Gotchas and Crab Patterns will all work. Make sure to have some larger bonefish flies up to 1/0 as there have been Bonefish over 25lb sighted on these flats.
Your Lodging
Anglers are very well looked after in a small family run beachfront lodge at Poignam. The mid range bungalows are basic yet very comfortable and nestled amongst coconut trees and tropical gardens. It is a brilliant base with excellent meals prepared by the friendly staff, specialties include their famous mud crab, venison & pig spit roasts and selection of French wines.
Your Guide
You will be guided by renowned New Caledonian guide, Ben Damas. Ben has a wealth of knowledge and experience fishing these waters & his trained eyes are able to spot bonefish well before any angler. He also is very experienced in sportfishing the reefs, offshore waters for a host of trophy species. Ben has access to exclusive areas, this opens up a number of opportunities to anglers. At times, sportfishing guide Etienne Picquel will also accompany groups on these trips.
Getting There
New Caledonia is a short 2.5 hour flight from Sydney, 1.45 hour flight from Brisbane and 3 hour flight from Auckland. Aircalin, Qantas and Air New Zealand all offer daily flights to Noumea. Upon your arrival into Tontouta International Airport you will be met by an Ocean Blue representative and begin your adventure. You will stay overnight en route to the far north as it.
Trip Inclusions
- 4 days guided fly or sportsfishing
- 2 nights stay en route at Nekweta Lodge (required for all trips), including meals
- 5 nights bungalow stay at Poingam Guesthouse
- All meals, bottled water
- Bottled Water
- All ground transfers
Price Guide
| No. of Anglers | 3 Anglers | 2 Anglers | 1 Angler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices | AU$3730.00 pp* | AU$4940.00 pp* | AU$9230.00 pp* |
*Prices are a guide only and may be subject to change. All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars AUD.
**Rods, reels provided. Lures on a replace if lost basis.
