Christmas Island (also known as Kiritimati) is nestled in the southern Pacific and is an atoll that has long been a name associated with saltwater fishing. So why should you go all that way to go fishing when there are destinations that are far closer?
Christmas Island has long been synonymous as a saltwater fishing destination, originally its fame was gained through its fantastic bonefishing, but it was soon realised that there was a wide variety of fishing and species to discover. This resulted Christmas Island becoming one of the original destinations for GTs to be targeted on a fly, back in the 1980s. Being located a long way south from Hawaii Christmas Island is only 200 km north of the equator which means it has extremely stable weather conditions making it a truly year round destination.
The Atoll
At just over 250 square miles Christmas Island is the largest atoll in the world and in comparison most Seychellois fisheries seem small.The central lagoon system extends some twelve miles across, this is small in comparison to areas like the southern coast line which runs for over 60 miles. There are five primary species targeted, bonefish, giant trevally, triggerfish, milkfish and bluefin trevally, although, as with many atolls the water teams with life and there is full of a host of other interesting fish to catch. Christmas Island has long held a reputation as a superb bonefishery and much light has been shone on its GT fishing, less talked about are some of the other opportunities that its waters offer.
Triggerfish – Christmas Island has a very healthy population of triggerfish and some of them at truly massive specimens, looking like rugby balls. It is a great place if you want to test your skill against the Jack Russell of the flats.
Milkfish- There are HUGE numbers of milkfish on this atoll and at times these gather into enormous schools. Although hunting them inside the lagoon system can be challenging, some of the largest schools gather in bluewater on the outer-side of the reef.
Bluewater fishery – Due to the extreme drop off the atoll has a prolific bluewater fishery and great fishing for sailfish, wahoo and tuna can be had throughout the season. It is possible to catch bones on the flats and then try for sailfish to catch a “Bill and Bones” slam.
There is no doubt that a trip to Christmas Island offers great value for money and is one of the cheapest shots at many of the species we would normally target in the Indian Ocean. Trips at Ikari House start at US$3,100 per person which is a 1/3 of the Seychelles yet still offer the chance of giant trevally, bluefin trevally, golden trevally, triggerfish, bonefish, milkfish, sailfish and tuna.
Standard package: $3100
Shard accommodation and shared boat/guide basis.
Premium package: $4300
Single accommodation and single boat/guide basis.
If you would be interested in further details or an itinerary then please contact Peter McLeod or alternatively call our office on +44(0) 1980 847389.