An assortment of milkfish and bonefish flies. Crabs and Gotchas are standard patterns in the Seychelles. Patrick FordAnglers stalk the flats, hoping for shots at tailing milkfish. Patrick FordWhen milkfish cruise through skinny water, they look similar to bonefish. But they’re longer tails are a dead giveaway. Patrick FordGuide Arno Matthee reaches out to land a milkfish. Patrick FordMilkfish have a reputation for tearing into the backing seconds after the strike. Patrick FordArno Matthee holds a fat milkfish prior to release. Patrick FordThe flats of the Seyechelle Islands are also notorious for hosting countless schools of bonefish. Patrick FordA bonefish is revived after a grueling fight. Patrick FordTo chase fish like this, you’ll need sturdy wading shoes, quick-dry shirts and a face mask to thwart the sun. Patrick FordThis big bone couldn’t pass up a lead-eye Gotcha. Patrick FordAn angler drops his rod while trying to release a bonefish that went berserk. Patrick FordSkiffs launched from the Sea Pearl drop you off in the morning, bring you lunch around noon, then pick you up at dusk. Patrick FordIt’s not easy walking the flats all day with so much gear, but it’s necessary considering you never know what you’ll encounter. Patrick FordWhen giant trevally come into casting range, it’s time to focus. Patrick FordGiant trevally hit with incredible force that has been known to shatter 12-weight fly rods. Patrick FordGuide Corin Smith with a average-size Seychelle flats GT. Patrick FordSmith gives a final farewell to his trophy before sending it back out to fight again. Patrick FordIt’s not difficult to find your own schools and hot flats when you’ve got miles of area to roam. Patrick FordAnother school of milkfish cruises past Ford’s camera lens. Field & Stream Online EditorsYellow margin triggerfish are just one of many exotic species that won’t hesitate to grab a fly. Patrick FordThis moustache triggerfish was easy to spot considering it was tailing like a bonefish. Patrick FordWhile not the biggest fish on the flats, swallow-tail darts are quick to snatch a bonefish fly. Patrick FordEmperor snapper will put a nice bend in a 9-weight rod. Patrick FordThey may not be as big as some of their cousins, but honeycomb grouper have a bad attitude and the teeth to match. Patrick FordWhen the day is done, nothing airs out your sweaty clothes like a little hang time aboard the Sea Pearl. Patrick Ford
