THE AXUM FLATS

Red Sea

In May 2024, I set out with three close friends on an exhilarating expedition to explore A remote archipelago with only three semi inhabited, and most never fished. We knew we were going at the wrong time of year, but we went anyway, driven by the hope that these untouched waters would still be teeming with life. And they were.

After months of meticulous research—poring over maps, marine charts, and gathering insights from locals—we ventured into these pristine waters. What we discovered was nothing short of extraordinary. Permit thrived in astonishing numbers, and while Giant Trevally and triggerfish weren’t abundant, the ones we did find were absolute giants. Casting into a shoal of 300 Permit on the flats was a surreal experience, with smaller groups of 2-6 fish around the 20lb+ mark.

This expedition proved that we’ve only just scratched the surface of what these waters hold. That’s why "Extended Exploration " was born. In April 2025, we return—this time at the right season—to push even deeper into this uncharted paradise. Pending its success, we will officially open bookings for 2026, offering a rare opportunity to fish one of the last truly untouched saltwater frontiers. Join us and be part of something truly special.

Species

Indo-Pacific Permit

The Indo-Pacific is considered to be the holy grail of flats species. There is no trickier species to catch on a fly than the elusive permit. They form the pinnacle of the Red Sea trilogy of grand slam flats fishing coupled with GT and Triger Fish. We caught several in the 3-10lb range but lost and saw many in the 20lb calibre category. One shoal we encountered on the flats was over 300+ strong - something that has rarely been witnessed anywhere...
Giant Trevally

These do not need any further introduction, appropriately referred to as the bully of the flats these fish test both angler and gear to its limit. Although we did not encounter many on the flat, Dave however lost a few good fish, of which a couple would push the 120cm + mark. Our theory is that due to the time of year the ocean was simply too hot, reducing the number of fish coming onto the flats consistently... If you’re willing to put in the work at the right time of year, with more time on the ground, there could be a chance at some huge GT’s.

TriggerFish

We encountered several species but the most prolific was the moustache triggerfish Arguably these fish are one of the quickest ways to see your backing on a 9wt, and if GTs are the bulldogs of the flats, then triggers have to be the terriers. Although we did not encounter many, the ones we did see were huge. I lost one around the 20lb + mark...
OTHER SPECIES:

Bohar Snapper, there was a healthy population of big Bohar snapper. Often sight fished, and hungry for a fly these fish kept us busy during our initial exploration. - Grouper: We saw multiple big specimens whilst walking the coastline, and managed to land one in particular that surprised us all with its size. - Queenfish: Dave managed to land a tank by dredging the drop offs, a method that was incredibly effective during the course of the initial exploration. - Milkfish: We saw many schools on the flats offering opportunities to fish for them in deeper water. Something we intend on doing next year.

Private Camp - Uninhabited Island

Imagine waking up each morning surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the peaceful solitude of an uninhabited island. Our custom-built camp is designed specifically for the Red Sea climate, blending comfort and practicality to ensure an unforgettable experience. Strategically located on a central island, the camp provides easy access to all identified fishing areas, minimizing travel time and maximizing your time on the water.

The camp offers:

- Six single-supplement tents: Thoughtfully designed for the unique
conditions of the Red Sea and island living.
- Comfortable beds: Providing a restful night’s sleep after a day of adventure.
- A fully staffed camp:Complete with a mess tent and lounge spaces for
relaxation during the day.
- A fully equipped kitchen:Ensuring you enjoy fresh, delicious meals
throughout your stay.
- Modern conveniences: A generator powers fridges, freezers, and electronics,
while solar fans keep each tent cool and comfortable.
- Amenities: Toilets and shower facilities ensure you have everything you
need to feel at home.
- Private chef: A highly regarded chef from Kenya will prepare fresh, delicious
meals daily.
This camp is more than just a base—it’s a sanctuary where you can unwind, connect with nature, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this extraordinary location