The Expedition Leader

The Expedition Flyfishing Guide

Gavin Platz is an internationally recognized certified casting instructor with the Federation of Fly Fishers (one of only two in Queensland) and was the first saltwater fly fisherman in Australia to receive this distinction. He is an international guide and operates his service from his base on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Over the years, he has fished in locations we all recognize and others we have never heard of, and has guided for some of the most well respected fly fishing personalities including Billy and Jodi Pate, Jack Samson, Cam Sigler and local Australian identities such as Steve Starling. His knowledge of salt water fly fishing is second to none. He is an exhibition fly tyer and is regularly invited to make presentations to fishing clubs, schools and corporate groups on a range of salt water fly fishing topics. He has recently been invited onto the G Loomis Pro-Staff team. Gavin also contributes articles to a number of national and state fishing publications.

The Destination - Kadavu Island

MOLANIKI
FIJI'S FIRST DEDICATED SPORTFISHING RESORT

Molaniki is Fiji's first dedicated salt water big game and light tackle fishing resort. Located on the island of Kadavu (pronounced "Kan-da-vu"), the resort sits inside a beautiful lagoon. Immediately outside the lagoon is the Great Astrolabe Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world. A 3000 foot drop off is 10 minutes by boat from the resort, with prime up welling currents and bountiful marine life. The area is a major habitat for blue and black marlin, wahoo, Spanish mackerel, dorado, yellowfin tuna and other large South Pacific pelagic species. The inside lagoon and sand flats present excellent flyfishing potential for bonefish and local reef species such as coral trout and grouper.

The Great Astrolabe Reef forms part of the top of the fish migration circle around the Southern Pacific, and is only one kilometre off the resort. With depths to 1,500 metres outside the reef these waters have not yet been fully explored let alone by saltwater flyfishers. There are Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Big-eye Tuna,Yellow Fin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna and Giant Trevally. Molaniki has the distinction of being the first official IGFA weigh station in Fiji which will be necessary for your record claim. Recent catches in the Molaniki's Fishing grounds include:- 38kg Giant Trevally, 68kg yellow fin, 200kg black marlin, sailfish, 30 yellow fin in 40 minutes.

Lagoon flyfishing and reef fishing opportunities are abundant with Molaniki enjoying the privilege of fishing rights to over 40 square kilometers of lagoon and coral reef waters. BUT the world of saltwater flyfishing has not been fully explored and this trips aims to gather a small group of dedicated flyfishers to pioneer the sport in this potentially world class saltwater flyfishing destination.

When?

The trip is scheduled for 7 days over the period

 15 – 22 July 2007  

What's Included?

Fishing Base Essentials
Plan to arrive on a Sunday and depart on Sunday
You will be met at Nadi International Airport
Transfer from Nadi International Airport
(floatplane or helicopter depending on conditions)
Crewed boats to suit your intended day on the water (big game through to flats)
Accredited IGFA weigh-in station at the resort for record claims

The Accommodation - Sheer Luxury
A Beachfront Luxury Bure (one person or a couple)
Polished Mahogany floors
Spa in each bathroom
Thatched, glass-louvered with private sundeck
5 metres from high-tide

Stop Press!  - The Queen of England’s Cousin recently stayed and after a week extended by another week and then two more days flyfishing while there. Luxury is a big item on the Kadavu agenda.

All Meals & Beverages
Molaniki’s Executive Chef will delight you at every meal
Our Award –winning Bar Manager will serve you his
latest cocktail creations (all alcohol is provided)
Or just enjoy breakfast on the sundeck

And some luxuries after a good day on the water

Molaniki’s dedicated staff await your every wish and include....
Fijian Chef and Kitchen hands
Qualified Dive Master if you wish to go look for yourself
Bar Manager
Waitresses, Bar Tenders
Spa & Massage Staff

If you would like to have a unique Fijian experience we can arrange a traditional
Village Chief Kava Ceremony which is also included

The Adventure Cost
Based on a minimum of 5 flyfishers participating the cost per angler is $4,900.00 USD
Partners sharing a bure fishing or otherwise - $3,500 USD

Fully inclusive of transfers, accom, food , all beverage, gamefishing, flyfishing, spa facilities and ecotours. Excludes international airfares.

The Outline Itinerary

Remember that this is the first time that a group of dedicated saltwater flyfishers will explore the many flyfishing opportunities around Kadavu. The area has seen some big game fishing resulting in a large number of quality gamefish however we aim to introduce saltwater fly to these waters in a big way setting the scene for future flyfishers. FIJI is world class saltwater fly waiting to happen!

Accordingly the itinerary will be largely determined after Cam Sigler and Captain Gavin Platz undertake a preliminary reconnaissance. The game plan will then be discussed with the group on their arrival. As an overview the plan will be to cover the following different areas during the week:

1. Flats fishing aimed targeting GTs, other pelagics, reef species and we hope to identify some yet to be discovered Bonefish locations
2. Big Game – we aim to register the maximum numbers of species with an eye on a world record (remember that Molaniki is an accredited IGFA Weigh Station)
3. Light inshore targeting mega GTs and pelagics around the close reef drop offs (a few spare rods might be advisable)


This trip has been planned, organized and will be overseen by personal involvement to ensure that your experience is the best possible.

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GENERAL INFORMATION LETTER
MOLANIKI LODGE IN FIJI

All trips run (FIJI TIME) Sunday to Sunday, 7 nights. So people that live in the United States would fly into Fiji on Saturday (arriving Fiji on Sunday) and fly home (departing Fiji on Sunday) arriving back in the states on Saturday. Get it? :)

It's the perfect adventure playground...

Fabulous Molaniki offers unparalleled facilities for snorkeling, diving, game fishing, fly fishing, lagoon flats fishing, village eco-tours and private beach retreats ... whilst preserving and balancing the delicate land and sea flora and fauna.

It's all there to delight your every sense ... exotic marine life in a totally unspoiled environment ... tranquil with white sands and turquoise waters in one of the world's most pristine locations, exceptional reefs for snorkeling and diving, electrifying deep sea fishing, pampering spa services and, of course, delicious fresh seafood.

Where in the world is Molaniki? I have attached a map for your review.

Situated on the edge of Kadavu Island (pronounced Kan-da-vu) at the southernmost tip of Fiji, Molaniki is a natural scenic wonderland that will fascinate, captivate and compel.

Where the best of the world's big game fish are ready and waiting to be caught ... where the romantically-inclined can experience a unique marriage ceremony in an authentic Fijian village chapel ... indulge in the hedonistic pleasures of the superb spa retreat ... and where candle-lit dinners can be enjoyed by guests in their own private deluxe beach front bure or "Cabana".

Nestled in 4.5 hectares of virgin beach front land, with soft white sand under tropical palms, Molaniki features luxuriously appointed bures on private beach front with uninterrupted views of the reef and bay.

Once you arrive (as there is only one place to fly into in Fiji) at Nadi, we will meet you and take you to our lodge. Again, the name of the lodge is "Molaniki". If you have a party of at least 6 people, you will be taken to the lodge via helicopter or by Seaplane - quite an experience. This is the way to go! :) If you are not a party of 6, we will still pick you up from the airport and get you to the lodge, just so you know.

If you want to spend additional days in Nadi for touring, the Molaniki Lodge Hotel of choice is the Hotel Sofitel in Nadi. Just let me know if I can arrange any special tours or days that may interest you!

Once you are settled into your Bure (and by the way, they are brand new and beautiful) you can do any of the following over the next 7 days:

Fishing from our fleet of 4 boats ranging in size from 30 to 44 footers.

You can fish up to 8 hours a day if you want to and all of our boats are equipped with heads, beds, captain, mate, fighting chairs, bait, ice, lunches, beverages, snacks, rods, reels, lures, fighting belts, harnesses, etc.

NOTE: You are on the fishing grounds and are fishing within 10 minutes of the lodge! There are NO long boat rides!

Welcome to blue water sports fishing at Molaniki. The GREAT ASTROLABE REEF forms part of the top of the fish migration circle around the Southern Pacific and is only 1 kilometre off Molaniki's Beach. The water drops to 1,500 metres outside the Reef with nothing between it and Antarctica!! ... Giant Trevally

You will be in game fishing waters 10 minutes after the boat starts!!

The waters of Molaniki are crystal clear, pristine and simply brimming with sports fish. From Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Big Eye and Yellow Fin Tuna, Giant Travelly and the elusive Bone fish as the ultimate Fly fishing challenge, all are there to be caught... and who knows... you may enter the Hall of Fame…

What else can you do????

Well, you are on a beautiful journey... mind, body and soul transported to another time and place... lulled by soothing hands, herbal infusions, intoxicating aromas and seductive tropical sounds.

As you luxuriate you experience the ultimate in pampering bliss, our professionally-trained Fijian staff offer a world class selection of energizing and invigorating massage and beauty treatments, blending a variety of bodywork styles and utilizing the unique healing spirit of the Fijian culture... a deliciously inviting experience in the exquisite tranquility of magical Molaniki.

The ladies of our village have prepared their own special blends of pure coconut oils infused with local essences of frangipani, hibiscus and other exotic fragrances.

A massage is great after a day of fishing or skip a day of fishing or two or three, whatever you want!

What else can you do?????

Molaniki's Dive Master and experienced staff will take you to places you never dreamed of.

Molaniki and the famous Great Astrolabe Reef feature some of the best diving spots, varying in depths, currents and diving delights - only minutes from our beach.

Between the reef and the beach are many troughs down to 150 metres, with bombies, dive-throughs, schools of giant manta rays, sharks, eels, barracuda and abounding varieties of tropical reef fish.

Our fully qualified Dive Master is resident at the resort. If you want to dive, you must be certified and bring all of your own equipment. We do provide tanks and hard weights. So, whether diving or snorkeling (again you would need to bring your own snorkel equipment) in the shallower waters ... Molaniki will amaze you with a kaleidoscope of colorful, soft & hard corals and its wonderful array of marine life ... world class diving in a tropical paradise.

What else can you do????

... An exotic South Seas Wedding and honeymoon destination awaits ... Do you dream about getting married or renewing your marriage vows in a tropical paradise ... far from the pressures of the western world?

Molaniki offers you the opportunity to experience a unique marriage ceremony in an authentic Fijian village chapel, complete with village priest and a real village choir. Heavenly sunsets and scenery provide an exhilarating backdrop for wedding photos ... a romantic and intimate way to exchange vows and commitment in one of the most exotic wedding and honeymoon destinations on Earth.

You and your loved one will experience total privacy ... Intoxicating tropical scents ... gentle swaying palm trees. Wander secluded beaches at your leisure ... gaze at the stars, fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. Enjoy the luxury of your own private bure overlooking turquoise waters.

But if lying in the sun all day doesn't appeal, remember there's a whole range of activities to tempt you ... pamper yourselves in the Molaniki Spa ... enjoy an intimate beach front dinner as the sunset pales into starlight ... Savor delicious local specialties, combined with a mix of international flavors providing only first class cuisine ... or simply snorkel the Garden of Eden and all of the other things I have mentioned.

The sun-kissed island of Molaniki Resort is a remote, exclusive and exquisite escape from a stressful world ... a paradise for lovers ... an exciting and unique getaway for those with romance in their hearts.

SO HERE WE HAVE IT:

Fishing including Flats fishing if you want
Snorkeling
Diving
Renew marriage vows or get married
Spa with great massages
Eco tours
Private Beach Retriets
5 Star Chef
Transfers via helicoper or seaplane

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We have 5 brand new Bures, each one has one bathroom and either 1 Queen bed (for a couple) or two queen beds for 2 people. So each of the 5 Cabanas sleep 2 people - giving you 10 slots;

BY NOW YOU HAVE TO WONDER, "HOW MUCH DOES ALL OF THIS COST"?

Per person in the NEW BURES - $3500 each

WHAT DOES THIS PRICE INCLUDE????

EVERYTHING - except your flight to and from Fiji and any additional days in Nadi. We recommend only $20 US gratuity. This is for 7 days in Fiji! All of your meals, alcohol, activities, accommodations! I don't think this cheap price is going to last long. I picture for 2008 the prices being $4500 to $5000 per person.

REQUIREMENTS TO LOCK IN YOUR DATE:

If you are serious about a fabulous island holiday and superb flyfishing, we require a 25% deposit. NOTE: Please contact us for payment instructions. The balance is due 60 days prior to the charter date.

Please let me know if you require anything else. Also, if you decide to go, when would you be making your decision?