[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Christmas Island is one of the most unique angling destinations on Earth. This giant atoll sits 1,300 miles south of Hawaii and 100 miles north of the Equator. The consistent weather allows anglers a year round opportunity to fish miles and miles of wadeable sand and coral flats.
Located on a beautiful white sand beach, your bungalow will be nestled among the palm trees overlooking the ever-changing aqua colored waters of the atoll’s lagoon. It is only a short 10-minute boat ride to several large, shallow easily-waded flats teeming with bonefish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1515193288256{padding-top: 75px !important;padding-bottom: 65px !important;background-image: url(https://gotfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Christmas-Island-Lagoon-View-Bungalows-7.jpg?id=7288) !important;background-position: center;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1511971558733{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Quick Facts” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:35px” google_fonts=”font_family:Playfair%20Display%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1509473587224{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1511971459383{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;}”]
- Species include bonefish; trigger fish; trevally; tuna; sweetlips; red bass and snappers.
- Bonefish are the target species, and they average two to three pounds.
- The presence and availability of travally for the flats angler makes this destination special. The guides know where to find feeding trevally on the flats, and, a well-placed fly will get it done most of the time.
- The air conditioned bungalows are just a short distance from the beach and have private bathrooms and showers.
January through mid-April
- 6 days of fully guided fishing
- Boat, guide and fuel
- All meals and standard accommodations
- Room service
- Laundry
- Internet
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Charter Airfare to and from Christmas Island.
- Diving and snorkeling are optional paid activities
- Staff gratuities. *They work hard for you, so please be generous.
South Pacific style skiffs are used to transfer anglers to the many productive bonefish flats and reef drop-offs. The pick-up trucks will be used for the short trip from the Lagoon View Bungalow’s to the docks and when fishing the “Korean Wreck” or other sites that can only be reached by using land vehicles, they will be used. The head guide will discuss these special areas when they are fishing well. If any angling guest has a problem with a guide or boatman, please report it to the head guide as soon as possible, so the matter can be resolved immediately.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1518733123609{padding-bottom: 65px !important;background-image: url(https://gotfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Christmas-Island-Lagoon-View-Bungalows-3.jpg?id=7284) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1509396482057{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Non-Fishing Package” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:48px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:50px” google_fonts=”font_family:Playfair%20Display%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”$910 per person, per week” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:25px” google_fonts=”font_family:Playfair%20Display%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Included:
- Boat, guide and fuel
- All meals and standard accommodations
- Room service
- Laundry
- Internet
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Charter Airfare to and from Christmas Island.
- Diving and snorkeling are optional paid activities.
- Fishing can be added at a daily rate.
- Staff gratuities. *They work hard for you, so please be generous.
Food and Lodging
Located on a beautiful white sand beach, your bungalow is nestled among the palm trees overlooking the ever-changing aqua colored waters of the atoll’s lagoon. It is only a short 10-minute boat ride to several large, shallow easily-waded flats teeming with bonefish.
The bungalow has six double twin-bed bungalows, comfortably accommodating 10 – 12 anglers at a time. There is a private bathroom with shower in each room and a porch with views of the lagoon. There is also a mini-refrigerator in each room. Breakfasts and dinners are served in the dining room. You make and pack your lunch each day from the choices on a small sandwich buffet and it will be put in the coolers assigned to your skiff. We have liquor, wines, beer, soft drinks and bottled water that will be charged to your bill and your tab is payable at the end of your stay. If you require special dietary meals, please let us know in advance of your trip.
Travel
Fiji Air flies every Tuesday between Honolulu and Christmas Island. You cross the date line, so you leave on Tuesday and arrive 3 hours later on Wednesday. You come back on Wednesday and, 3 hours later when you land in Honolulu, it is Tuesday. The flight leaves Honolulu at 12:00 noon. You need to check in at 9:00am for the international flight. Coming back you leave the island at 7:00am and arrive back at approximately. 10:30am. Do not plan connections without at least a 3 – 4 hour layover, as sometimes the flight is a little late and if the Honolulu airport is busy, Customs, Agriculture and Immigration can take a while. The weight limit is 50lbs for one checked bag, plus a carry on. An extra bag is charged $120.00.The flight is surprisingly nice, the seats are comfortable, you are served a snack, and there is a movie on board the 3-hour flight.
It will be necessary for you to overnight in Honolulu the night before your trip to Christmas Island. We stay at the Honolulu Airport Hotel, which has free shuttles. If you want snacks, liquor or wine, purchase them at the duty free shop at the Honolulu airport before you depart for Christmas Island. You are allowed 1 liter of liquor, wines or spirits.
On arrival to Christmas Island, you will clear Customs and The Villages staff will be there to meet you and transfer you to the lodge. Once you arrive at the lodge, unpack and settle-in, then you will be briefed about the week’s fishing program with the guides on hand.
*Diving and snorkeling are optional activities at Christmas Island and are separate from the fishing package. Payment for these activities is done at the Island during your stay. For diving bring your certification and your own mask and regulator set. Diving must be done in pairs. You must have a buddy.
Passports/Visas
It is necessary to have a Passport that is valid for 6 months from your date of departure from Christmas Island.
U.S. and Canadian citizens no longer need a tourist visa to visit the Island.
Money
Take an ample amount of small bills (US$5.00, 10.00 and 20.00) for tipping and purchasing small items. The Australian Dollar is the currency at Christmas Island, but US Dollars are accepted at the exchange rate of the day. You will need to bring $50.00 cash for your fishing license and $50.00 cash for your exit fee keep this aside in your passport). Bottled water is approx $2.00 (16oz.) and beer is approx $3.50 per can. The bar has a limited selection of spirits for sale by the shot. Mixes like tonic, soda water and coke are all available. Bring sufficient cash for your bar tab. The resort does not take credit cards and travelers checks are levied a huge fee. The old rule of travel is to bring less stuff and more money. You can always put it back in the bank when you get home.
Tipping
Suggested guide tip is US$30.00 per person per day. Anglers can tip their guide more (within reason) for exceptional service. Tip for boatman is US$5.00 per person per day.
Guide and boatman tipping are done daily. Staff tips are US$10.00 – 15.00 per person per day and can be placed in the tip box in the dining room at the end of your stay.
Electricity
Voltage at the lodge is 110V and “most” of the plugs are the same as in the U.S.A. 2 vertical blades.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1518732805551{background-color: #1e73be !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Fishing Reports” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:35px” google_fonts=”font_family:Playfair%20Display%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1510612588194{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;}”][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”100″ element_width=”3″ item=”8050″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1518733079985-4bf1ff83-2224-0″ taxonomies=”798″ css=”.vc_custom_1511974927823{padding-top: 15px !important;}”][spacer][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1497036034545{padding-top: 75px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Suggested Gear List
Christmas Island is near the Equator so the sun and water glare can be powerful and damaging to the skin. You must be prepared with strong sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and above. Also, use an SPF-UVA lip balm.
Personal Items
- Travel toothbrush, toothpaste
- Bar of soap in a zip lock bag, shampoo
- Travel Kleenex tissues, packet of wet wipes
- Shaving and grooming articles
- Eye drops. Contact lens wearers should bring extra glasses (in case of irritation)
- 3M Nexcare waterproof bandages
- Nuskin
- Moleskin with travel scissors (essential)
- Neosporin ointment
- Anti-diarrhea medicine (e.g. Imodium AD)
- Lomotil
- Cipro
- Tylenol or Advil and throat lozenges
- Motion sickness pills
- Antacid (e.g. Pepto-Bismol tablets)
- Gold Bond medicated powder
- Sunscreen, at least 30SPF, (bring extra)
- After-sun aloe-vera lotion
- Packets to mix with bottled water (e.g. Mio, Chrystal Light)
- Insect repellent spray, Benadryl 2% cream (bugs are seldom a problem)
- Prescription medicine (2 week – ample supply)
- (Bring any medication that you’re already taking and any that you think you might need on the trip.)
- For Airport Security, carry copies of the Doctor Rx or the actual Prescription bottles.
General Items
- Camera with instructions and extra batteries
- Memory cards or film, waterproof case
- Polarized sunglasses, (at least 2)
- Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Travel alarm clock
- Extra luggage ID tags
- Gallon zip-lock bags for waterproofing and ice
- Small roll of Gorilla tape and zap a gap
- Extra copies of your passport (front 2 pages)
- Snacks that don’t melt
- Ear Plugs
- Wasabi & Soy Sauce
- Universal wall plug adapter
Clothing
- Flats boots, socks
- Long-sleeved flats fishing shirts
- Full length wading pants
- Fishing cap or flats long-bill cap (at least 2)
- After fishing pants, shorts and shirts
- T-shirts, underwear, socks
- Sandals and shoes to wear around the lodge
- Light rain jacket (keep with you)
- Sun gloves
For the Flight
- Cash
- Passport
- Airline tickets
- Credit cards
- Ball-point pen and Sharpie
- Reading material
- Headphones
General Fishing Gear
- Fly rods & Spinning rods
- Fly reels & Spinning reels reel bags and reel lube
- Flies and fly boxes
- Extra fly lines & backing (at least one for bonefish)
- Line cleaning kit
- Hook file
- Fishing pliers and/or hemostats
- Line clippers, pocket knife
- Small boat towel, sunglass wipe-cleaners
- Small first aid kit
- Waterproof bag for camera equipment etc.
- Bonefish release tool
- Gravel guards
- Panatone marking pens: orange, pink, yellow
Fishing Boots
Flats boots should have thick soles that will protect your feet from bruising. Many of the flats have coral edges that can be sharp and very hard. Dive booties are not heavy enough. Heavy soled laced up styles with sewn in tongues are best. Be sure to bring plenty of moleskin.
Fly Fishing Gear
You want to fish 7-8wt fly rods with floating lines for bonefish on the flats. For Trevally on the flats, a 10wt with floating line is ideal, just offshore and around the coral heads you might consider a 12wt – 14wt outfit with fast sinking lines or shooting heads. Reels should have a sound drag system and be able to hold at least 200 yards of backing.
Bonefish leaders should be 9 ‘ fluorocarbon in 12-16-20 lb with 12-16-20lb fluorocarbon tippets. Trevally and reef leaders should be 20lb Seaguar with 50-60lb shock tippets. Some anglers go straight 60lb to the fly because of the coral. GT’s are not leader shy. Lines over 10wt should have 40lb. mono butt sections and 8wt and below should have 30lb. Fluorocarbon works best for Bonefish leaders with fluorocarbon tippets. The water on the flats is crystal clear.
Fly List
Most of your Bonefish flies should be size 6 and 8 with small 5/32 and medium solid brass eyes. You should carry a few in size 4 with heavy eyes (for deeper waters like flat edges and deeper flats. and some size 8 for when the fish get picky. Guides really like solid brass eyes and then gold bead chain for tailing fish.
- Flats: Bonefish, Trigger Fish
- Gotcha’s – both bead chain and brass eye (very good)
- Crazy Charlies – gold/tan wing with orange accent, silver/white wing
- Christmas Island Specials – Orange, Pink, Pearl. Orange seems to work best.
- Gotcha Clouser – for “Korean Wreck” & blind casting
- Moanas Chili Pepper
- Wired Charlies
- Flats: Trevally
- Enrico foam poppers in 3/0 and 1/0. A variety of colors
- Crease flies in green/white, blue/white 3/0
- Cut Bait flies
- Cruisers in tan/white
- Reef: Trevally, Tuna, Sweetlips, Red Bass and Snappers
- Big flies are the answer, 3/0 – 4/0
- Large Crease flies
- Big Clouser Minnows
- Cut Bait and Cruisers
Conventional Gear for Reef Fishing
For casting over the reefs just outside the lagoon mouth, the best outfit we have found is a 7 foot, 3 piece spinning rod, like the Adams Built Trevally series,with a stiff butt for fighting large fish and a tip that will cast 2-4 ounce plugs and lures. Spinning reels should have high-speed retrieve. Serious anglers will consider strong reels like the Diawa Saltist or Van Stahl. The new braided lines in 50-80lb should be used for casting distance and overall toughness. These are big fish and they need to be stopped before they reach the coral, whether you are talking about Giant Trevally, big Red Bass, Sweetlips or other tough reef species. Pelagics like Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish or Wahoo will spool you in an instant unless you have sufficient quality gear. Mono leaders should be around 50lb-80lb test; and when around Wahoo or Barracuda, wire leaders will be necessary.
You will need to bring an adequate supply of plugs and lures. For casting, popping lures like the Yo-Zuri Surface Bull and other 5”- 8” lures that create lots of surface disturbance in bright shiny colors work best. Red/white, green/gold and blue/silver are all good colors. Change hooks to a single Gamakatsu 9/0 4x stout. Bring extra hooks and split rings as these fish really tear up tackle. You should have split-ring pliers for working with tackle and saltwater pliers (e.g the Abel #4) for un-hooking fish. Wahoo Marauders in Purple Pink work well for trolling. In most cases your guide should handle these large fish.
We suggest that each angler bring as much tackle to fit their own needs and requirements. You will be fishing the flats and, if you want to, the inshore blue water for larger gamefish such as Tuna, Trevally, Wahoo, Rainbow Runner, Barracuda, Bonita and Rockfish. Anglers might want to fish the flats for Bonefish in the morning and then boat out in the afternoon and challenge the inshore species. The guides are all selected veterans of both flats and inshore fishing and can and suggest the best methods for each fishing area and species.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]