The shallow saltwater flats of Christmas Island make for excellent bonefishing. Depending on tides, you will do most of your fishing in 6 to 30 inches of water. Some flats are 50 feet square and others are nine miles long. Endless clear water, sand, and coral flats make spotting bonefish easier than in other countries. You can wade and fish miles of flats and shallow reef zones on the ocean side of the island.
At The Villages, it’s only about a one-minute walk from your bungalow to the skiff. (No long pick-up rides.) And it’s only a 5- to 10-minute skiff ride to large, shallow flats teeming with bonefish. Both fly and conventional anglers are welcome.
Fishing Equipment: The Lodge does not provide fishing equipment. You will need to come prepared as fishing tackle is not available for purchase on the Island. A list of what to bring is included in our confirmation packet.
Fly Fishing: Fly anglers will want to fish with 7 to 9-weight fly rods with floating lines for bonefishing the flats. Christmas Island bonefish prefer sparsely-tied fly patterns.
Spin Fishing: You’ll want a 7 to 8-foot medium/light action spinning rod with 10-lb. test for flats bonefish.
Fishing License: For Christmas Island, an annual fishing license ($250) is the only option. Anglers will pay $100 USD upon arrival, and the Lodge will subsidize $150.
Guided Fishing: At The Villages, each angler has their own guide. The Villages is the only lodge on the Island that offers this. You’ll have a new guide each day. Your guide assists with spotting bonefish or trevally and improves your chances of a hookup. A boat captain will drop you and your guide off on the flats. When you’re ready to move, your guide will radio the captain, and he’ll transport you to a new location. The fishing guides are local Islanders who speak English.
Bonefishing Fine: On Christmas Island, there is a $1,000 fine if anyone kills and keeps a bonefish. Netting areas for locals have been extended to protect the bonefish and trevally fisheries.