Who is best suited to this destination? Enthusiastic and fit anglers with a sense of adventure.
When should I go? March to April.
How will I fish? The fishing is done while wading the flats looking for cruising and tailing fish. Deep water dredging off the tender boats is also effective with a fly. Conventional anglers can do some vertical jigging offshore and popping over specifically earmarked reefs. No conventional fishing is allowed on the flats and the reefs surrounding them.
Is there wade fishing? Where will I fish? Mainland flats as well as islands, offshore reefs, and atolls north and south of Port Sudan.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? What type(s) of fish will I catch? On the flats you will target triggerfish (yellow margin & titan), bluefin trevally, giant trevally, orange spot trevally, bohar snapper, grouper, bumphead parrotfish, greater barracuda, some permit and milkfish. We also get some opportunities at big bonefish but its important to keep in mind that the Nubian Flats are not a bonefish destination and shots at these fish are more a bonus than anything else. Offshore there are also lots of dogtooth tuna in the 10-25 KG range, sailfish and a whole variety of reef species.
How many fish will I catch? This all depends on the skill level of the angler. Casting accuracy and being able to fish in knee-to-waist deep water with some wind is very important. We see lots of triggerfish everyday and one will get opportunities at them. Nailing the cast, and getting these fish to see the fly is a different story. Same counts for the bigger fish species. I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice your casting with the same rods and lines before the trip. This will definitely help you convert more opportunities.
Will I see other anglers? You wont bump into any other anglers while fishing the Nubian Flats. The only people you might see will be some local subsistence fisherman fishing offshore in small shambuk boats. These fisherman are controlled by the local Sudanese navy to ensure they stick to their allocated catch as per their weekly permits.
What are the guides like? The guides team is both professional and passionate about the fishery. They are South African with the addition of one Italian guide who is also part-owner of the boat. The guides will be on hand to look after every need of the angler and will make sure that each guests gets the best possible outcome from their time spent on & off the water. The guides can all speak fluent English.
What are the physical demands? The majority of the fishing is done on foot, wading the flats. So the angler must have a reasonable fitness level. The terrain can also be hard at times as some flats have areas of very sharp uneven coral. The days can also be quite hot. Generally the older folks tend to get quite fatigued towards the end of the trip. There is no age limit on this trip but older folks should asses their fitness before booking.
Are there any special skills required? Only thing we asks of our guests is to practice their casting before coming on the trip, regardless of their skill level. Practice with the same rods and lines that you will be using to get a good feel for them. By doing this, you will increase your catch-rate and make your trip much more enjoyable.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Rod and reel rentals can be prearranged. We also stock a selection of trusted flies designed and tied by the guides that can be ordered before the trip. We also carry stock of fly line + terminal tackle.
What is a typical day like? What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The Scuba Libre a 18 meter (60 ft) steel catamaran. There is a big deck at the top of the boat outside where guests spend most of their time when not fishing. All the tackle neatly stored here. Lots of guests also use the extra mattresses (stowed away on this deck) to sleep under the stars and watch the magical sunrise over the Red Sea each morning. Behind the mothership there are also two 23 ft fiberglass tender-boats equipped whit 40 hp engines that are used to go to/from the flats plus for offshore fishing.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? The boat has two partners and one will always be on the boat during the season along with the team from Tourette.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are mostly Italian style and consists of pasta’s, fresh caught fish dishes, as well as vegetables and fresh salads.
What is the alcohol policy? Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The mothership/live-aboard Scuba Libre is a 18 meter (60 ft)steel catamaran. Guests stay in two main cabins in the front of the boat. Each cabin sleeps three people with space for your luggage. There are three bathrooms on board, each with a toilet, shower, and a basin. The mothership is quite rustic but very comfortable and fits all the needs of the angler.
Is there internet and/or cell service? There is very little connection at the Port and zero when we are offshore. There will be sat phone on board in case of emergencies.
Do I need a visa? Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? The only danger is poisonous shells and certain reef species. The guides will run through all of this each day reminding guests to not pickup shells etc.
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
