Napoleon City | Solid Adventures

An Experience to Write Home About

Rising up out of the open ocean, Napoleon City is a piece of coral standing on its own in the middle of absolutely nothing. Surrounded by seriously deep water, this atoll has created its own water world. Apex predators hunt, stalk and destroy prey along deep water drop-offs, reef edges, and expansive, shallow water flats. Vast numbers of Giant Trevally patrol all sections of the atoll. Numerous Napoleon Wrasse, huge schools of Giant Parrotfish, several Triggerfish species, and an endless number of other species inhabit the waters of Napoleon City.

GTs, Napos, Triggers, Giant Bumpies, Bluefin and More

Napo City is perfectly suited for any type or method of sport fishing. You can hunt with a fly rod in your hand, covering flats and reef sections, or target monster GTs along the outer reefs with big poppers, stick baits, or jigs. Our recommendation is to try it all!

Fly fishing is primarily on foot, wading along reef edges, sand dunes, and shallow flats. Depending on the tide and conditions, we will use different tactics to locate hunting fish. On an incoming tide, we target fish pushing onto the flats using the channels onto the reef, the so-called GT highways. On outgoing tides, we’ve been successful finding and hooking fish moving out using deeper channels from deep within the flats areas.

We consistently see plenty of fish in the waves just outside of the reef. Spotting GTs sitting high up in the wave faces, patrolling for prey being pushed out over the reef with the outgoing tide will get your adrenaline pumping. Time your cast well and land a fly behind a breaking wave face and you could be in for a real surprise. Make sure you have your drag set tight before casting.

We will also cover sand and stone bottom flats looking for tailing Triggerfish, Indo Pacific Permit, and more. For the ambitious angler, there are huge schools of Giant Parrotfish cruising along the reef edges. Trick one into biting and you better hope you have your gear properly rigged.

Species likely to encounter on the flats or shallow reef sections
Based on our previous expeditions to this place we know there are GTs, Bluefin Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and Triggers entering the flats and shallow reef sections in search of easy prey. We’ve also caught jobfish, various species of snappers, and have been told that Indo Pacific Permit frequently visits the flats. Giant Parrotfish are always present along the reef presenting a real challenge for the ambitious angler.

Spin fishing for GT, Napoleon Wrasse, Dogtooth Tuna, and more will mainly be done casting poppers and stick baits covering reef edges and drop-offs. Fishing will be done from so-called long boats, 35’ outboard vessels powered by 40 hp engines. Since we will arrive during the eastern trade winds we expect an ocean boiling with fish so bluewater fishing and jigging will be possible for anyone who wants to give it a try.

Species likely to encounter in deeper water and along the outer reef
GT, Bluefin Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, Dogtooth Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Blacktip sharks, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and more. In deeper water, we expect to see Marlin and Sailfish as well.

Relax, Refuel, Recharge

Fishing in a place like this, as fun as it is, takes its toll on any angler. You will be out all day covering plenty of ground and fighting serious fish. On top of that, just being out in a place like this, taking in the whole experience and surroundings, will have your body and mind working full speed on all cylinders. Therefore it’s important that you can come back each day after fishing and completely recharge.

We stay on a beautiful, full-service, Indonesian-style wooden ship, Pinisi, where generous and delicious meals are served three times a day and as many snacks as you can handle. The ship has a total of 6 guest cabins. Four shared cabins for 2 guests equipped with a comfortable bunk bed and a private bathroom. The ship also has two private cabins with queen size beds and private bathrooms.

The mothership is very spacious and has plenty of space to relax and just hang out. Most guest cabins are located on the lower deck. The second floor has a spacious lounge area with a flat-screen TV and an endless amount of movies, a kitchen, and a large area for storing tackle and bags. The third floor has a large dining table and eating space in the back. The front has couches and seats to relax in while taking in the views of the ocean. On the top, we have a sun deck to enjoy when the sun is not too hot. The sun deck is also a perfect spot to watch the incredible night skies and milky way. Enjoying an after-fish beer or gin-infused coconut drink on the top deck, watching the sunset while sharing stories from the day’s session with a bunch of excited anglers is pretty hard to beat. Especially if you were the guy landing a monster Napo or GT!

Proper Preparation is the Key to Success

Fly fishing for Giant Trevally requires an 11 or 12 weight, 9 foot, single-hand fly rod. Pick one that you feel comfortable casting, rigged with a premium reel made for saltwater fishing, loaded with a tropical GT line, and at least 300 yards of backing. Fly fishing is mainly done wading on firm reef sections or sand flats. Proper wading boots are a must. Anglers mainly focusing on GT’s will spend most of the time carrying an 11 or 12 weight rod in hand, and have a second 8 or 9 weight rod held via their backpack for quick access. For information on how to carry your extra rod please read this article about How to get ready for your first GT trip. More specific gear recommendations are provided in the pre-trip information sent upon booking your trip.

Spin fishing these waters requires serious equipment that can handle the brute force of big Giant Trevallies, Napoleon Wrasse, and more. Make sure you bring rods and reels that are built specifically for this type of fishing. If you plan on bringing the good old pike reel that’s been serving you just fine for the last couple of years then think again. Tropical saltwater fishing is brutal and will tear most freshwater gear to pieces. Trust us on this one. Specific recommendations are provided in the pre-trip information sent upon booking your trip.