PPS Destinations Report

Christmas Island, Republic of Kiribati

Date:         March, 2002

Reported by Rod Wentworth; PPS Director WA, USA

  When PPS last visited Christmas Island in 2001, the fishing was inconsistent.   Some days were great, but others were disappointing.  Those of us who had fished this bonefish-laden atoll before, were wondering if it was just fishing luck, or had the constant pressure finally affected the fishery?

  This last March (2002), I was able to give it a try again.  In hopes that last year was just an aberration, PPS member Dr. Don Pratten and I pried the flats, hoping to wear out our arms fighting bonefish and trevally.  It was
Don's fourth and my third time to the largest island in the Republic of Kiribati.  Don was along with the Society of Fly Fishing Endodontists (SOFFE), headed by Dr. Bob Rosenburg (endobob@earthlink.net).  They have a
fine group and also plan a trip to the Henry's Fork each year.  

  The first thing we found when we arrived was that there were more people.  The population on the island is growing by leaps and bounds -- almost doubling in the last four to five years.  The increased number of people
fishing at any given time is due to new accommodations and guides.  That being said, however, there is still plenty of room to get around and, although you may see others fishing from time to time, you aren't bumping elbows. 

  The biggest effect seems to be on the personality of the fish.  In years past, once you spotted the fish, all you had to do was make a reasonable cast and the fish was on.  This time, for the most part, we found the fish to be beyond spooky.  Just the shadow of a passing cloud was often enough to make the bones dash off the flat.  When they did follow the fly, the refusal rate was well beyond what it was in the past. 

  The highlight of our trip was not bonefish, but trevally.  Don Pratten was fortunate to land a giant 47 lb. (a little over 21 kg) trevally on 20 lb. leader.  I managed to cast to and turn another large fish, but didn't hook up.

  We spotted lots of bones and we did manage to catch fish.  Everyone in the group seemed to have at least have one really good day.  Those who hired their own guide for the week probably had the best and most consistent
results.  It's just not the sure thing that it once was, though.  We had one fellow in our group that has been going to Christmas for 20 years and he echoed our concerns. 

If you haven't caught a bonefish, then Christmas Island should still be a fine experience.  If you've been there/done that, then, like me, you're probably looking for a new bonefish destination.  Hope to see you on a future PPS adventure.

Rod Wentworth, DDS  RWentwrth@aol.com