For anglers more focused on a true fly fishing adventure than room service & white linens, Christmas Island has always been a favorite & storied destination allowing you to settle in and immerse yourself into the hunt. Whether you’re chasing plentiful & hungry bonefish, trying to trick tailing Triggers, drifting algae to pods of Milkfish or stalking the edges and channels for monster GT’s, there is something for anglers of all interests and experience levels.
This remote Pacific Atoll is home to multiple unique fisheries including the outer reef, blue water and most notably; the 144 square mile interior lagoon which is home to channels, coral pancakes and seemingly endless white sand flats. The primary target flats species are bonefish ranging from 3-8lbs., multiple species of Triggerfish, and multiple species of trevally including the ever-elusive apex predator: the GT. Anglers can also switch gears by fishing algae flies in the bluewater for Milkfish or heading off shore for a variety of other species. Flats are accessed by Ikari House’s fleet of transfer boats including some of the traditionally built Kiribati outrigger boats. This is a wade-fishing specific destination and typically anglers will be dropped off and walk, two anglers to a guide, across flats of varying size to be picked up on the other side.
The Ikari House is a simple but comfortable beachside lodge situated on a private beach at the mouth of the lagoon. The private beach and location makes access to fishing quick and easy and evens offers beachside pickups in the morning on calmer days. The lodge has 12 double occupancy bedrooms each with air conditioning, private bathrooms and ample storage inside for clothing and outside for fishing tackle. After fishing drinks and appetizers are enjoyed beachside under the setting sun and dinners are served buffet style in the open air thatched building consisting of rice, beans, chicken, pork, pasta, lobster and more. Breakfasts include eggs, bacon, fruit, coffee and juice and angler pack their own lunches out of a variety of sandwiches, chips, & snacks. A selection of beer, sodas & bottled water is available via an honor system board kept track of by the angler during their stay. The staff on premise are friendly & helpful keeping you relaxed and the lodge organized and clean!
Fiji Airways flies weekly from Hawaii (HNL) to Christmas Island (CXI). The 3-hour flight departs Honolulu at noon every Tuesday so anglers would be required to arrive in Hawaii on the Monday prior to departure. Returning flights from CXI depart in the morning landing you back in Hawaii 11am making for easy connections home.
