Christmas Island is still one of the most prolific bonefish destinations anywhere, especially for anglers interested in pure wading. The fishery has recovered, close to the incredible numbers of bonefish that made Christmas Island famous in the 1970’s and 1980’s, since conservation mandates were put in place. The new regulations on commerical fishing and an energized local fly fishing guide culture, have breathed new life into this top saltwater fly fishing destination. Christmas Island is blessed with thousands of acres of shallow water, white sand and coral flats covered with cruising bonefish in the 2-6 pound range and the chance to hook a double-digit fish. The atoll is very close to the equator, so there is little variation in the weather from month to month. The bonefishing on Christmas Island is consistent year round, making it an exciting and rewarding bonefishing destination for both beginner and experienced anglers.
While you can spend a whole trip stalking bonefish on foot, usually over solid, white-bottomed flats, there is also variety in the fishing. Golden, Bluefin, Striped and Giant Trevally (up to 100 lbs), Triggerfish, Milkfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and even Sailfish can be caught during your stay. More recently, the Giant Trevally, or GT’s for short, have become a favorite species among fly anglers. GT’s can reach 60+ lbs and will attack a fly with reckless abandon, so don’t forget to bring a 12-weight!
Guests stay at The Captain Cook Hotel. Seven night/seven day packages originate in Honolulu, Hawaii. This is truly a year round fishery with very little temperature fluctuation, given its proximity to the Equator. For detailed information click here.
New Bonefishing Destination in the Indian Ocean
St. Brandon’s Atoll, Mauritius is an exciting new bonefishing destination that has quickly become one of the top locations to land numbers of bonefish over 10 pounds. In addition to the bonefishing, Mauritius offers possibly the best Indo-pacific permit fishing anywhere in the world, and a mix of trevally, including GT’s up to 100 pounds. St Brandon’s Atoll is a remote location with a limited 12-week season. Since the mothership accommodates 8 anglers per week, Mauritius offers exclusivity in addition to the world-class bonefishing in a remote location.
