| M I L K F I S H |
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| RANCHO PACIFICO OUTFITTERS |
| Milkfish Fact File Seychellois have long known about milkfish and netted it for bait. Rarely if ever eaten, it has always been called 'Libin' in Creole, the official local language. (Nb Pati Pati is Tuamotuan for a bonefish) The Latin for milkfish is Chanos chanos, and is detrived from 'open-mouthed', a reference to its habit of cruising with its mouth open. It is the only species in the Chanidae family, and was first identified in 1775 by Forsskal off Jidda in Saudi Arabia. It was originally thought to be in the Mullet family. Milkfish is the 10th most primitive ray-finned fish in the world. There are at least 120 local names for milkfish around the world ranging from Aifa in Qatar to Yawar in Fiji. A 40 lb milkfish will be around 17 years old. Females spawn, at night, up to 5 million eggs, which hatch in about 24 hours. A milkfish is rarely found below 13 metres. Milkfish are found in over 70 countries in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. From the Red Sea to South Africa, east to California down to Peru, north to Japan and south to New Zealand. Milkfish is an important species in Asian aquaculture with around 350,000 tons produced annually. Refer to Faq Fishing for Milkfish Rods. 11 or 12 wt with a large arbor reel that has a very effective drag. Backing of 30 -40 lb. Connect to 11 or 12 wt WWF line. On tip attach a braided loop. Take a 13-14 feet length of fluorocarbon and tie a bimini twist know. Loop to loop onto flyline. Tie on fly. Technique and approach. Anglers need to be cast very accurately, present the fly softly, strike just at the right time and have the ability to quickly subdue a lightening fast brute that jumps repeatedly. Our expert guides will demonstrate and explain all before you fish. A superb article by Joe Daniels on the research and techniques necessary for successful milkfishing was published in the 2002/3 Winter edition of Wild on the Fly . |
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| Above: This giant bonefish is actually a milkfish - now a highly sought trophy in the Seychelle Islands. Below: We watched in awe as this local Tico handlined this beautiful milkfish on a flat in the Rio Sierpe where we often fish. We are thrilled with the prospect of offering another ultimate challenge ! |
| "Someone in the future will work out a formula for catching milkfish. When he does, we will be able to fish for one of the greatest inshore trophies in all of saltwater." - Left Kreh FlyFishing in Salt Water, 1997 |