Christmas Island Lodge – Kiribati

A long time premier destination for angler’s seeking the island’s incredible bonefishing, as well as solid numbers of Giant Trevally, Blue Trevally, Golden Trevally, Triggerfish, Milkfish, several species of Reef Fish, and more, Christmas Island is home to unparalleled flats fishing and is incredibly diverse, having something to appeal to everyone. You can look forward to consistent fishing and weather year round; Being so close to the equator, this year round fishery is seemingly unaffected by weather conditions and seasons, coupled with over 150 square miles of easily wadable flats, endless oceanside coral reefs teeming with fish, and mesmerizing blue water opportunities. This area is primarily a walk n wade fishery, but there are opportunities for fishing by boat and limited deep water fishing, until the lodge gets a larger boat (in which they’ll be offering trolling for tuna experiences).

Although the fishing is year round, catering to whatever time of year fits your schedule, there are some times that are better than others! The wet season is January through June and the dry season is July through December (but actual precipitation is extremely minimal, regardless of the season). January and February are slightly busier times of year, since the local government and organizations tend to be working to produce better fishery management.

Tides have a significant impact on flats fishing and spring tides occur during full and new moon phases, which result in the most dramatic fluctuations in tidal swings. The new and full moon are some of the best times to consider booking, if you’re targeting Giant Trevally. But, neap tides are also a great time to book as well (during quarter moon phases), resulting in less of the rise and fall of the water depths, creating longer lasting conditions that are ideal for roaming the inner lagoon flats and Bonefishing. You can also time your week at the lodge to be in between the quarter moon and full or new moon phases, to get a combination of both scenarios. Temperature ranges around 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75 degrees in the evening. 

Christmas Island Lodge, in particular, stands out on this island for their fishing program, because of their flexibility; Because they limit the number of anglers to 8 per week, they have the ability to make sure you get to spend your day exactly how you want to.

For instance, if chasing Giant Trevally is your main goal, your trip will be tailored around that, if you want to catch as many bonefish as possible they’ll make it happen, and any other style of fishing or goals you have you can consider it done. Regardless of what your day entails, you’ll usually be spending all day on the water; Typically, you’ll be fishing from 8 am to 5 pm and guides are typically 2 anglers per guide with opportunities for private one on one guiding services, but you can also fish by yourself if you’d like. The guides will provide you with lunch and have plenty of water, sodas, and beer for you to celebrate the day.

The lodge is currently developing a new generation of fishing guides and you will see several guide trainees that are shadowing the guides and helping throughout the day. 

The lodge is the best basecamp to experience all the prime locations this island has to offer, with access to the inner lagoon in under 10 minutes, fishing at the famous Korean Wreck, Huff Dam, and other backcountry lagoons within an hour, and a private launch site in London to access offshore opportunities in 45 minutes.

Experience Trevally fishing within a 5 minute walk from your bungalow as they cruise the flats or hang on the edges, greedily awaiting to attack your fly. These super charged and highly aggressive fish will leave any seasoned angler weak in the knees! The guides will always be carrying around a 12 weight rigged and ready rod, just in case an opportunity presents itself.

The best way to catch the aggressive Giant Trevally is to specifically target them, be mentally committed with your time and focus, and be prepared for long days of hunting these apex predators. You might only get one shot a day, but it will make you keep coming back for more!

There’s so much variety in the fishing options provided, that you can keep yourself stimulated with various species, other than Trevally. Be the first anglers on the island to start and leave each day within the inner lagoon, where the flats are teeming with eager and hungry Bonefish, try your hand at targeting the colorful and hard fighting Triggerfish, or hook and land a 35 pound Milkfish, which will test the knots on your backing! You can also target many other species sich as Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and various Reef Fish.