The Giant Trevally has gone by many awe-inspiring names…now, “The Airborne Hunters of the Seychelles” will be one of them.
At this point in time, it is safe to say no aquatic life nor bird is safe from the Giant Trevally (GT)! One may believe fish only eat other fish to survive, this is a false statement. BBC’s film crew myth busted this idea while filming on the coast of Seychelles for a new natural history series Blue Planet II. Airing October 29, 2017, watch exclusive footage as the 127-lb. beast explodes from the water in slow-motion targeting a seabird for a meal.
Having the ability to jump up to 6 feet and reach speeds up to 37 mph, this apex predator has no problem in succeeding its hunting efforts. The GT was able to swallow the bird in a single gulp as the crew watched in awe. Series producer James Honeyborne stated “It’s one thing seeing a fish flying through the air, that’s unexpected enough. But then seeing a fish flying through the air and catching a bird in its mouth, wow… yep – a bird-eating fish.”
From the looks of it, fly tiers now have a new challenge… Tie a fly to imitate a bird cruising on the surface of the water. Maybe come up with a new kite-flying technique to get a GT’s attention? As we learn more about species habits, we fishermen keep coming up with new innovating fishing techniques to increase success. I am very excited to see what comes out next.
“The Blue Planet II” is coming out this weekend on the 29th on the BBC and BBC Earth, and we can’t be more excited, especially, now that they released shots of Giant Trevallies plucking terns (a seabird) straight out of the sky…in a single gulp. The BBC filmed these birds eating GTs in the Seychelles, close to one of our favorite angling destinations, Alphonse Atoll.
If these badass fish are on your bucket list, go read “5 Tips: Catching GT’s On The Fly”
We also thought you may enjoy this video, of @FishTheSwing, catching a GT on a flip flop…
Please send us an email theflylords@gmail.com if you are interested in booking a trip to chase these beastly hunters!
Photos from the BBC and Flylords Founder Jared Zissu
Collin Terchanik is a Fly Lords contributor out of Central Pennsylvania. Check him out on Instagram @c_terch
