GEAR UP: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)

Kiritimati lies just north of the equator south of the Hawaiian islands. The letters “ti” in their native language is pronounced as an “s”, giving it the name Christmas island. Famed for its legendary bonefish flats, the island is also home to milkfish, yellowmargin triggerfish and GT. Packing for this trip can leave you with gray hair, for there are so many species to consider when packing your bags. So here are some things to bring to the most famous atoll in fly fishing.

Travel

Bring everything you need to fish with you on the plane. There is one flight in and out of Kiritimati each week. The flight stops on the island as a halfway point from Oahu and Fiji. If you pack all your flies and rods in checked luggage and it does not make it off the plane, you’re not fishing. It is not uncommon to see people wearing their wading boots and clothes to fish in on the plane. And this is advisable, you’re going on a fishing trip, make sure you can fish when you get there. Because of this, traveling with a waterproof fishing backpack can be very helpful. That way when you get to the island, you have a bag that you can use to fish. Umpqua’s Tongas 1800 backpack works great. Your carry-on for the flight must be your rods. If your rods do not make it to the island you can not fish. Fishpond’s Dakoda Carry-on case is ideal. It holds rods and reels as well as tippet and tools. Be careful what tools you put in this bag. Nail knot tools and bodkins will belong to the TSA if you try and pack them, so put sharp pointed tools in your checked bag.

Gear and Tackle

The gear and tackle required for Kiritimati varies due to the species that inhabit the warm waters there. Here are the common species and what can be used to catch them. Many of these fish can destroy your gear. They can slalom through coral and snap fly lines. GT’s can break rods and straighten hooks. Triggerfish, milkfish, GT and bonefish can all blow up a reel. Kiritimati is in the middle of nowhere, If your reel breaks, you need an extra one if you want to fish. The fish that is most likely to break equipment is a GT, so an extra fly line is a must. An extra rod is a great idea as well. Your bonefish rod will be your daily driver on the trip. Because of this, your flyline can get beat up on coral. Bringing an extra bonefish line can be a trip saver.

Bonefish

This is the fish that brought anglers to the famed flats of Kiritimati all those years ago. Seven mile flat, Paris, London and smokey flat are all hallowed ground in the world of fly fishing. Walking these flats can feel like a pilgrimage for an angler.

A typical bonefish rod (7wt-9wt) will do for the flats. It is advised to bring a larger bonefish rod (8wt- 9wt), for seeing a bonefish well over the ten pound mark is not uncommon. Bring a range of leader and tippet ranging from 8 pound to 20 pound test, with 12-16 pound being what is most commonly used.

Triggerfish

One of the exotic species that is gaining popularity. If you do not know about these fish check out “Triggerhappy” on our blog. The guides of Kiritimati will encourage you to throw a fly at these fish, and for good reason, they are a riot when you hook them.

An 8wt-10wt rod is typically used for these fish, for turning and stopping them is crucial if you want to land them.

Milkfish (chanos chanos)

A newcomer to world of fly fishing, do not miss a chance to cast at these goliaths. Anglers are still figuring out the best way to hook into and land these monsters. I used an eight weight rod, 16 pound test and a small algae fly on a circle hook to land my largest milkfish. 8-10 wt rods are advised and 12-20 pound test with algae fly’s on a small hook. Trust your guide and have fun with these bad boys.

Giant Trevally (GT)

You know what it is. You have heard the stories. Bring a big rod and don’t be surprised if it ends up in pieces. These fish are more than happy to snap your fly line and swim off the flat. Most anglers use 11wt-12wt rods. Strong leader and tippet is advisable, think 40-80 pound test. Keep in mind that if your leader is stronger than your fly line then you can lose a lot of money. For flies, throw larger baitfish patterns ranging from sizes 1/0 to 6/0.

Flies

Bonefish

The christmas island special was named that for a reason, BRING IT. A standard bonefish box will work well. Brings a lot of flies, hooking into hundreds of fish on a trip is not uncommon.

GT

Baitfish baitfish baitfish. Cover your colors and your sizes with your flies, and if you want to have some fun, throw in some poppers. The NYAP is my personal favorite.

Triggerfish

Small crab patterns. Sometimes they will eat bonefish flies.

Milkfish (chanos chanos)

Small algae flies.

Clothing and gear

Just about all of the fishing on Kiritimati is done wading. A sturdy pair of wading boots is necessary, walking over coral and rocky flats is common. Wading socks are highly recommended to prevent blisters. Bringing multiple pairs will make your feet more comfortable throughout the trip.

Because you will almost directly on the equator, sunscreen and sun clothing are a must. Many older anglers wear white collared shirts and shorts to fish in. While this works, there are many tech hoodies that can do a better job keeping the sun off. Gloves and face masks can help keep the trip enjoyable for the entire week. Nothing will ruin the trip more than sun poisoning.

Gifts for guides and staff

Tips are expected for guides as well as staff at the lodge. It is also normal to leave a gift for the guides. Hats are the norm, but most of the guides tools are gifts that have been left. Sunglasses, pliers and backpacks. Do whatever you feel is right. If you caught the fish of a lifetime with a guide, leave him something special.

Kiritimati is a must for any saltwater enthusiast. If you would like more detailed information for your trip, contact us directly. (admin@tailflyfishing.com)