Fanning Island
A rare paradise
Fanning Island (Tabuaeran) is an untouched gem with great appeal to adventurous saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to cast in some of the most isolated and pristine flats on the planet. It’s ideal for those seeking a truly rustic, remote fishing experience where anglers encounter a variety of prized species, including bonefish, giant trevally, bluefin trevally, and the distinctive bumphead parrotfish.
An unforgettable adventure on the edge of the world
Fishing on Fanning is predominantly wading the expansive saltwater flats, with deep-hulled Panga boats used for navigating the fishing grounds. Anglers enjoy a highly personalised, one-on-one guiding experience and the island caps rods at only six per week, ensuring minimal angling pressure. Each day, two anglers set out with a seasoned team of two guides and a boat driver, whose knowledge of the island’s tides and weather conditions ensures the best chance of catching fish.
Bonefish, known here for their impressive size, are scattered across the lagoon. Anglers can expect to catch bones averaging three to five pounds, with 10lb giants a regular highlight. The giant trevally average 30 to 60lb, with some offering an adrenaline pumping challenge topping the scales at 90lb. Bluefin trevally and the eye-catching bumphead parrotfish also roam the flats, adding a colourful element to the fishing experience. Napoleon wrasse and a variety of other exotic species add further excitement for travelling rods.
Simple fishing camp
Fanning’s remoteness means adapting to island life is essential. Only two flights arrive each week, and weather delays are a common possibility. Visitors stay in a basic fishing camp which has limited power, lighting, and charging points powered by solar energy. While a new Starlink satellite Wi-Fi system was introduced this year, connectivity remains intermittent.
Accommodation is simple and geared towards providing a comfortable place to rest after a day on the flats rather than luxury amenities. Food is locally sourced and straightforward, with fresh fish and shellfish, rice, and fruit the order of the day. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks and treats, as supply deliveries to the island are infrequent, with soft drinks and water shipped from nearby Christmas Island. Alcohol can be purchased duty-free at Honolulu’s airport.
Fly fisher’s paradise in the Pacific Ocean
Fanning Island is accessed via Christmas Island which is just over an hour away by plane. Flights only started in 2016 and the island’s 40 square mile lagoon had until that point seen very few (if any) fishermen or flies. It’s still little visited and an incredible spot for the serious fly fisherman looking for adventure.