tackle and flies

      Christmas Island is one of the premier bonefish and trevally destinations in the world. Because of its remote location on the equator, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to acquire any fishing gear or personal effects on the island itself. The following suggestions will help you enjoy your time on Christmas Island and assure that you have accounted for the proper equipment and clothing.

FLY RODS: Two different outfits will be needed for successful fishing.

• Bonefish: 7-8 weight, fast action.
  
• Trevally: 10-12 weight, fast action.

     Travel rods in 3-4 piece construction are helpful for carry-on purposes. An extra rod is strongly suggested.

REELS: Christmas Island will challenge any equipment you bring. Owning the best quality reel you can buy will ensure a problem free angling experience.

• Bonefish: a reel capable of handling 200 yards of 30 lb. backing.
  
• Trevally: a reel capable of handling 250-300 yards of 30 lb. backing.

     A large arbor reel is an advantage with both fish species. Bring extra spools with backing and extra fly lines.

LINE: Make sure that the lines you purchase are specifically for saltwater, otherwise you will encounter problems with your line functioning properly.

• Bonefish: a weight forward, floating line with a saltwater taper.
  
• Trevally: a weight forward floating line with saltwater taper.
  
• Offshore fishing: a Teeny 300-400 grain fly line.
  Back-up fly lines for each type are highly recommended. Many fly lines have been lost or destroyed by fish and coral.

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LEADERS:

• Bonefish leaders: 9-12 feet long, 10-15 pounds, clear monofilament.
  
• Bonefish tippet: Size range of 8-15 lbs.
  
• Trevally leaders: 30-40 lb. wire leaders, 6 feet in length. Pre-made leaders for bluefish and barracuda will work nicely. A shock tippet ranging from 60 lbs. and up can also be used.
        Don't forget: extra tippet of clear monofilament for bonefish, and extra wire or shock tippet for trevally. Make sure you bring wire crimps
  

FLIES:

     Trevally are not considered selective feeders. They tend to be very aggressive and will attack anything that looks like a food source. Large streamers, poppers and tube flies all work well to grab a trevally's attention.

• Poppers #2/0-2, blue/white, red/white, red/yellow
  
• Deceivers #2/0-2, in colors listed above.
  
• Any large saltwater streamers in blue/white, green/white, red/white, yellow/red.

     Bonefish will be found primarily on the flats. Since water on the flats ranges from 1-5 feet in depth, a wide selection of weights must be incorporated into the flies. From no lead, to bead chain, to lead eyes, it is important to have each type of fly tied in many different weight categories. All flies should be very sparsely tied.

• Amount: We recommend at least seven-eight dozen flies for the week.
  
• Colors: mostly orange, yellow, tan, copper, pink and pearl.

< b>Flies:

• George Bush, bead chain #8, 6
• George Bush, lead eye #6, 4
  
• San Juan Worm Charlie #8
  
• Moose Turd #8
  
• Moana's Chili Pepper #6
  
• Yellow Krystal Flash Charlie, bead chain #8, 6
  
• Yellow Krystal Flash Charlie, lead eye #6, 4
  
• Pink Krystal Flash Charlie, bead chain #8, 6
  
• Pink Krystal Flash Charlie, lead eye #6, 4
  
• Tan/Pearl Crazy Charlie, bead chain #8, 6, 4

Click here to get a complete list of recommended clothing you will need for fishing on Christmas Island.