Christmas Island, AKA Kiritimati is in the Republic of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean not very far from the equator. It is about 3000 klm north east of Fiji and 1200 klm south of Hawaii. With the primary island in the group being 3000 klm to the east, Christmas Island truly is one of the most isolated places on earth.
Map of Xmas Island (Kiritimati)
There are just over 90 000 Kiribas people living on over 30 coral and sand atolls spread right across 5 million square kilometers of sea along the equatorial line Most are very poor as the islands and atolls are usually coral and sand and grow little crops. Employment possibilities are very very limited with government administration service, fishing and tourism being the primary opportunities both in the country and also on Christmas Island.
The majority of the 5000 odd residents on the island have no or limited employment.
Fishing
Fishing tourism on Christmas Island is a major industry with several thousand fishing enthuiasts from around the world travelling to Christmas Island every year to indulge their fishing passion chasing bonefish. The island has an enormous and shallow lagoon of around 400 square klm and it's home to healthy populations of big Bluefin, Golden and Giant Trevally with Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin and Mahi Mahi found offshore
Bonefish Giant Trevally
As Christmas Island is almost right on the equator the weather does'nt change much year round. Average daily temperatures year round are near 30 with night times around 23. The area is a little rainfall year round with slightly more rain from october through to december.
It is naturally the wonderful Bonefishing that draws fishing travellers to Kiritimati with miles of shallow, warm lagoon to wade around often less than 2 ft deep and huge and hungry bonefish grazing in the top parts of the tide. Best conditions are found in light winds, with clear skies, incoming tide days after or before a new or full moon. Fly fishing is the most preferred strategy but Bonefish will also be caught with spin fishing outfits. Bonefish cruise through waters eating on the bottom and can spook very quickly so that the plop of a lure or slice can spook them off. Fishermen need to be well placed to cast exactingly to 40 foot and delicately lay down a fly next to the fish. Most Bonefish landed are less than 5 lb but large ones of twice that size are often landed.
Guiding
It is really desirable to take a local guide as their knowledge and experience will secure you a lot more fish and when I was there I saw only 30% of the fish the guides saw. At approximately $50 a day it is definitely worth it and they want the money that visitors bring to the economy. Most accommodation properties will organize packages including a guides and flats boat but you should bring all of your own equipment as little is available for hire or sale.
Beach front lodge Lagoon boat
Where To Stay
Accommodation on Christmas Island is mostly clean and comfortable but basic. Food will be plentiful although not fancy and there are few shopping facilities available. The Australian dollar is the currency of use, electricity is 240v, water should really only be drunk from sealed bottles and there are no exotic illnesses known.
Travel To Christmas Island
Air Pacific, The national carrier of Fiji is the only airline to fly to Kiritimati and they do this only once every week from Nadi in Fiji and Honolulu in Hawaii. All flights arrive on the island on Wednesdays.
Map of Xmas Island (Kiritimati)
There are just over 90 000 Kiribas people living on over 30 coral and sand atolls spread right across 5 million square kilometers of sea along the equatorial line Most are very poor as the islands and atolls are usually coral and sand and grow little crops. Employment possibilities are very very limited with government administration service, fishing and tourism being the primary opportunities both in the country and also on Christmas Island.
The majority of the 5000 odd residents on the island have no or limited employment.
Fishing
Fishing tourism on Christmas Island is a major industry with several thousand fishing enthuiasts from around the world travelling to Christmas Island every year to indulge their fishing passion chasing bonefish. The island has an enormous and shallow lagoon of around 400 square klm and it's home to healthy populations of big Bluefin, Golden and Giant Trevally with Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin and Mahi Mahi found offshore
Bonefish Giant Trevally
As Christmas Island is almost right on the equator the weather does'nt change much year round. Average daily temperatures year round are near 30 with night times around 23. The area is a little rainfall year round with slightly more rain from october through to december.
It is naturally the wonderful Bonefishing that draws fishing travellers to Kiritimati with miles of shallow, warm lagoon to wade around often less than 2 ft deep and huge and hungry bonefish grazing in the top parts of the tide. Best conditions are found in light winds, with clear skies, incoming tide days after or before a new or full moon. Fly fishing is the most preferred strategy but Bonefish will also be caught with spin fishing outfits. Bonefish cruise through waters eating on the bottom and can spook very quickly so that the plop of a lure or slice can spook them off. Fishermen need to be well placed to cast exactingly to 40 foot and delicately lay down a fly next to the fish. Most Bonefish landed are less than 5 lb but large ones of twice that size are often landed.
Guiding
It is really desirable to take a local guide as their knowledge and experience will secure you a lot more fish and when I was there I saw only 30% of the fish the guides saw. At approximately $50 a day it is definitely worth it and they want the money that visitors bring to the economy. Most accommodation properties will organize packages including a guides and flats boat but you should bring all of your own equipment as little is available for hire or sale.
Beach front lodge Lagoon boat
Where To Stay
Accommodation on Christmas Island is mostly clean and comfortable but basic. Food will be plentiful although not fancy and there are few shopping facilities available. The Australian dollar is the currency of use, electricity is 240v, water should really only be drunk from sealed bottles and there are no exotic illnesses known.
Travel To Christmas Island
Air Pacific, The national carrier of Fiji is the only airline to fly to Kiritimati and they do this only once every week from Nadi in Fiji and Honolulu in Hawaii. All flights arrive on the island on Wednesdays.
About the Author:
Paul Collery runs Sports Fishing Adventures a company that focuses on all inclusive fishing travel. More info on Christmas Island fishing holidays can be located at Yuletide Island Bonefish
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