As far as saltwater experiences go, joining this hosted Christmas Island holiday will tick all your boxes. All our hosted trips are created to offer single anglers or people that are just looking to travel with like-minded anglers the chance to fish some of the most faraway destinations without the hassle.
The host’s knowledge is invaluable on trips like these as, more times than not; they have travelled to these locations and know little tips on making the journey as smooth as possible. You will be in contact with the host from the moment you book the holiday to the days after you return. They will assist in fly selection, recommend rods and reels to take, and, of course, will be with you throughout your journey. So if you like travelling in a group and feel you would like to join us, call one of the team, and they can make your dreams come true.
Christmas Island is one of the first saltwater fly fisheries globally; many modern techniques and fly patterns were forged on its iconic flats, and it’s now known as one of the most consistent wade fisheries on the planet. This unique natural masterpiece combines all the elements critical to saltwater fly fishing success; endless hard sand flats, consistent all-year-round weather and remarkable numbers of fish. It offers spectacular sport with vast numbers of Bonefish, abundant populations of beautiful coloured Triggerfish and groups of substantial Giant Trevally. The island offers some of the best and most unspoilt saltwater fly fishing on the planet, and it remains one of the finest destinations in the world for both beginners and experts alike.
Without a doubt, the main attractions on the flats of Christmas Island are the Bonefish. These sleek, metallic warriors glide the flats in all directions scouring the coral and hard sand bottoms for shrimps, crabs and worms. For saltwater anglers targeting these fish, it’s always a thrill presenting a fly to a hungry Bone, watching them speed over to investigate before engulfing it and shooting off 100 yards of backing in a flash. The unique part about fishing these flats is that all the fishing gets accomplished on foot, and the majority of the time at close quarters, with anglers stalking the flats in full predator mode, hunting the fish down with rods at the ready. The Bonefish average around 2lb to 4lb, but much bigger specimens to nearly 10lb get landed every season.
Along with the Bonefish, the island is equally famous for its Giant Trevally fishing. There are few sights in fly fishing as spectacular as watching a colossal GT smashing mullet in shallow water. To catch one while stalking the flats requires a mix of skill, perseverance, good luck and also discipline, as often when fishing for them, you’ll be letting hundreds of Bonefish opportunities pass you by. The GT’s are large, powerful, can turn on a dime and possess speeds of over sixty kilometres per hour. Committing to fish for these stunning fish for a whole week can be a tough call, but for the few who commit, the rewards can be unique, and the accomplishment is well worth it. The GT’s average around 40lb but can grow to well over 100lb.
Located south of Hawaii, Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge on Christmas Island is only 200 kilometres north of the equator, meaning it has exceptionally stable weather conditions and consistent fishing all year round. Angler traffic from America is heaviest during the winter and spring months, but this has more to do with anglers looking to get away at this time than the fishing being productive. One of the most productive seasons can be Fall, a period often overlooked and one where some of the best fishing spots can go untouched. As the summer months come to a close, September starts to cool off, and weather patterns become more consistent, allowing feeding patterns of Bonefish, Giant Trevally, and other species to become more predictable as a result of cooler water temperatures.
Another thing to consider is the various moon phases of the month. Anglers looking for a well-balanced, productive time to fish the flats, or want to focus on Bonefish, should book during quarter moon cycles that provide neap cycle tides and long sweet spots of moderate water depth on the flats. Anglers looking for great opportunities for Giant Trevally and blue water species should look toward the full moon and new moon periods of the month. These times provide the most significant alignment of the earth, moon and sun and generate the most considerable tide swings. Hybrid weeks with either a full or new moon towards the beginning or end of a week provide good opportunities for both.
Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge utilizes several unique, locally crafted, outrigger-style transfer boats; these boats are fun, reliable and transfer anglers to and from the flats every day. All the fishing on the island, for the Bonefish and Giant Trevally, is performed whilst wading the endless shallow flats. The majority of the wading is straightforward, with the bottom consisting of solid white sand. However, there are odd occasions when you may need to navigate some coral outcroppings, rock shelves or deeper channels, but overall the wading is very easy.
Each day the fishing on Christmas island is based on two anglers with two guides on a one-on-one guiding service. The guides are world-class professionals who have amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience regarding all facets of fly fishing at this remote atoll destination. They’re highly skilled in pursuing all the species the island offers and have been fishing and guiding the waters for many years. They know which flat to be on, in what weather conditions and in what state of the tide. They are some of the atoll’s most skilled and passionate workers and love nothing more than to share with you their knowledge and rest assured, they will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime.
To find out more about Christmas Island fishing and Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge is the perfect base for anglers to stay at when exploring and fishing the rich waters of Christmas Island. Family-owned and operated by Mwatanga (Matt) and his partner, giving you the best service and friendly staff, it’s located in Tennessee, just 40 minutes to the airport and 10 minutes to the boat dock.
The lodge features four rooms, double or single, and each comes equipped with air conditioning, a small fridge and a walk-in shower with hot and cold water. Outside there is also a bar and eating area.
With limited supply deliveries per year, the island food is very straightforward but tasty. Breakfast usually gets served around 6 am and consists of coffee, eggs, bacon and toast. While much of the evening table fare is fish and shellfish from the ocean, with sides of rice and fruit.
We recommend taking a range of crisps, snacks and any treats from home which you can fit in your case. Soft drinks and water get included during your visit, and if you’d like any alcohol during your stay, you can purchase from duty-free at the airport in Honolulu.
All Christmas Island fishing trips are seven nights and include six days of guided fishing. Because the island can only be accessed by a charter flight that runs once a week, all packages are fixed at one week in length.
The reason to make the trip to Christmas Island is to fish. There is minimal infrastructure on the island and minimal non-angling activities. Aside from wading the flats, guests who don’t fish can enjoy walking the beach, snorkelling and birdwatching.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive in Los Angeles Depart Los Angeles
Arrive Honolulu
On arrival, you will transfer to your Hawaii Hotel by taxi.
Overnight Accommodation: Hawaii Hotel (Twin Room) R/O
This is a free day to relax and explore.
Overnight Accommodation: Hawaii Hotel (Twin Room) R/O
After breakfast, catch a taxi to the airport.
Depart Honolulu
Arrive Christmas Island (Note: this is only a 3-hour flight from Honolulu, but you cross the International Date Line).
Overnight Accommodation: Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
In the morning you will leave for a full day fishing with guides. Guiding is based on two anglers per boat each day. Fishing can be either fly-fishing or popper fishing. The fishing is so varied, you can do different things each day.
Most of the fishing will be done while wading and entails sight casting to visible fish in shallow water.
Overnight Accommodation: Tropical Flats Fishing Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
You will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight to Honolulu.
Depart Christmas Island
Arrive Honolulu
On arrival catch a taxi to your Hawaii Hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Hawaii Hotel (Twin Room) R/O
You will have some free time to relax or explore.
Depart Honolulu
Arrive Los Angeles Depart Los Angeles
Arrive Home
The season runs from September to October.
Season: All year
Peak: October to February
Weight: 1lb to 13lb
Average Weight: 3lb
Season: All year
Peak: October to February
Weight: 1lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: All year
Peak: August to February
Weight: 5lb to 140lb
Average Weight: 37lb
Season: All year
Peak: August to February
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 3lb
Season: All year
Peak: November to December
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 7lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/09/2024 | 19/09/2024 | 12 | £7,468 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
So many fish... Not enough time....
What an amazing holiday adventure I had on Christmas Island.
Lots of fish caught each day and many different species.
Fly Fishing for bonefish was excellent along with many other species on fly from the flats and the boat.
Great company, fantastic guides & boats, excellent food & accommodation, looked after extremely well.
A fishing holiday to never be forgotten.
Pictures added to Dropbox.
Ray
It was great to catch up with you on the phone after the trip. Glad you recovered all ok from the trip.
It was an mazing trip as usual and glad you got to catch so many fish. It was also a pleasure to get to fish with you for a day, even if you did catch all the fish :)
Lets hope you come a join us again next year as I have now set the dates.
Just also wanted to say a huge thank you for your continued custom and support over all these years.
Kind Regards
Peter
As my first saltwater flats trip I had no expectations other than what I had seen online. Sportquest recommended a hosted trip to Christmas Island and it was the perfect introduction to saltwater fly fishing. Lost various species of fish to go at. It was very well organised with a great host and great company. Can’t wait to start looking for my next destination.
Lloyd
Thanks for the feedback and the chat on the phone it is so good that you managed to retyrn after all that time waiting.
I look forward in helping you on the next adventure
Surprisingly there were less fish on the flats as in previous years. The accommodation at tropical island flats is inferior to that at Ikari lodge -the lack of beach access is a great disadvantage, however the food was good.
Hi John
Thank you for the feedback as always. Sorry to hear you feel the accommodation is not as good as the previous one. Obviously we changed as the existing one would not commit to reopening at the time and we had you all very keen to get back to Christmas Island again.
As normal thanks for your customer it is always appreciated and I look forward in dealing with you again next time.
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