Maldives Island Hoping Trip Report | Jan 2026

We explored some excitting new atolls and found excellent flats where we target many different species.

Exploring the Southern Atolls

Tom Lewin and a group of seven anglers recently returned from an island-hopping expedition through the Maldives’ southernmost atolls – waters far less pressured than the popular northern routes. Travelling aboard a dedicated live-aboard vessel, the group combined world-class flats fishing with unforgettable snorkelling sessions in crystal-clear atoll lagoons. Conditions on the flats were ideal, with warm shallow water white sand flats stretching for kilometres on end, and a remarkable variety of species patrolling the sand and coral edges. The live-aboard experience delivered outstanding comfort throughout the voyage, with spacious, air conditioned cabins and exceptional meals keeping spirits high between sessions on the water.

The Fishing

The fishing delivered exactly what the Maldives’ southern atolls are known for – incredible variety and non-stop action. Bluefin trevally were the headline act, ambushing flies on the shallow flats with explosive strikes that tested tackle and nerves alike, their iridescent colours lighting up the gin-clear water as they charged baitfish patterns. Giant trevally and island trevally rounded out the catch list, and the group also landed several hard-fighting triggerfish – a prized Maldives target famous for testing both fly placement and drag settings.

In total, the team recorded over twenty different species across the trip, making this one of the most diverse expeditions Frontier has hosted. Every species offered exciting sight-fishing opportunities on the flats and between fishing sessions, the group explored the atolls’ underwater world by snorkel, encountering reef and nurse sharks, manta rays, and pristine coral gardens teaming with hundreds of species of brightly coloured reef fish – a reminder of why the Maldives remains one of the planet’s most extraordinary destinations.

Gear That Performed

Tackling everything from triggerfish to GTs demands versatile, hard-working saltwater equipment.

Rod selections had to cover everything from triggerfish to GTs. Sage Salt R8s and Horizon Tactical Saltwater Series rods, in both 9-weight and 12-weight configurations handled the bulk of the work, delivering precise casts into the wind and serious stopping power when big fish decided to run hard and fast. Reels used were Sage Enforcer and Abel SDs – offering fully sealed smooth drags and built for the salt. Lines were Scientific Anglers Infinity Saltwater, a proven tropical performer that cut through the wind and turned over heavy flies with ease. Scientific Anglers saltwater leaders and TroutHunter fluorocarbon tippet completed the terminal tackle.