[Stan Wright]

The fishing is better today than it was 25 years ago when we first started going there. They have no kill rules for bonefish and GT now. Catch & release only areas, no fishing areas, and a 5 fish a day limit if you do want to keep some of the other kinds of fish.

The big GT have really made a comeback. The 40 to 80 pounders are everywhere.
If you can't catch one in 10 casts, something is wrong. It was that good. We also caught ahi, wahoo, kawakawa, aku, sweet lips, red trout, and even a sailfish.

The bonefishing was better than ever. Each evening before dinner we would gather on the lanai for pupu's and drinks to plan the next days fishing. Teannaki, the head guide, would ask: "What kind of fish do you want to catch? How Big?" If you wanted the bonefish over 6 pounds you went to the flats where the big ones are. One guy got an 11 pounder. The water was deeper, you caught less fish, but they were big. I chose the 1 to 2 pound size. Lots of fun on a light 5 wt fly rod.

One day I ask to catch papio. The guide took us to where the rising tide was spilling over a gravel bar. The bluefin and whites were every where. I would cast at a 3 pounder and a 1 pound one would race in and take the fly. Then a school of queen fish would come by and everyone would hook up. Fish jumping all over the place. After an hour of non stop action I had to sit down and rest. I returned to that place 3 times that week.

The best part was the new Villages fishing lodge. It's only been open 6 months and can handle 8 anglers a week. Two to a room. Air conditioning, and lots of hot water. It's located 30 minutes from the airport on the lagoon side of the island on the way to London. The boats..... ( 2 anglers, a guide, and boatman ) the boats pick you up each morning right on the beach at the lodge, and in 5 minutes your at a bonefish flat catching fish.

The food was all 5 Star. We started with a big breakfast. Eggs to order, ham, bacon, French toast, cereal, fresh fruit, juice. Then we made sandwiches for lunch. Water, soda, and beer was in the ice chest on the boat. Dinners were great. Sashimi every night. Usually a choice of a fish or meat dish. Lobster, giant clam, Mantas Shrimp, tako, pork, chicken, and fish. I can't say enough about the food.

Several evenings there was local entertainment, dancers & singing. The people are still friendly as ever.

Sean, at Nervous Water fly shop made all the booking arrangements for us. With tips and bar bill, I still came in under $3000. Not bad for air fare, ground transportation, hotel, all meals, guide & boat every day..... and some great fishing. We're already planning our next trip.

Aloha,
Stan

[BigCliff]

Stan,That sounds like a h'll of a trip and loads of fun. I'm glad to hear both that they are using conservation techniques and that they have paid off yet again. I've gotta ask though, what flies are used for catching "sweet lips"? Fine cologne and a gold Rolex?

[twizzler]

Stan You Will Have To Give Me The Bonefish Camp You Stayed At Because Your Experience Was Vastly Different From Ours. We Did Have Fun But Your Travalle Experience Was Alot Better Than Ours.

[Stan Wright]

It's called the Villages Hotel. It only opened last June.Try contact Kay at fishabout.comI think you'll really like the place.I am posting a "Letter from Japan" on the Freshwater form. The guy just got home from Christmas Isl after fishing with my son Chris here in Hawaii. He said he got a 10 pound bone and a 60 poune GT. I ask him to send pictures.Aloha,Stan