Christmas Island on the Fly

I don't have time anymore to post much, but I'll make time for Christmas Island.  This was my second trip and I can foresee a third sometime in the future.  Thanks to CXI you don't have to go half way around the world to find bones, trevally, tuna and more.  This trip we didn't get any really big GTs but did get some nice bones.  Most of us had big GT opportunities but the big GTs are hard to fool, and even harder to land from a flat.

Some highlights of our 2018 trip hosted by the Reno Fly Shop targeting bonefish and trevally.

I'll be heading to the Tree River for the world's largest Arctic Char in August, at a minimum I'll post about that trip.

Big Bones Brah - Maui Fly Fishing

Now there is no excuse not to take the family to Maui, turns out there are some large and challenging bonefish to be taken on the fly.  Its sounds a little crazy but 8-10 pounders are to be expected in Hawaii, with 12 and up not uncommon.  The secret's out about Oahu, but Maui is right up there as a fly fishing destination, only problem is, unlike your typical bone fishery, they're only in certain places at certain times, they're really tough to locate, almost impossible to see and as a result, hard to catch (unless you've been doing it all your life).  Forget what you know about bones, and stalking them on white flats in ankle deep water, Maui is a whole nother game.

 This is one place where you need someone with some local fishing knowledge...wait for the plug.  Captain Jon Jon, owner and proprietor of Local Fishing Knowledge is the only fly fishing guide on the entire island and he know's his stuff.  A lifelong fisherman, fishing is less of a livelihood for this guy, and more of a lifestyle.  

Below is NOT what you're going to find on Maui, that's the easy type of bonefish'n, the kind where you can spot your quarry 40-50 yards out, have time to set up, false cast, cast short, recast and still stick it....it doesn't work that way on Maui.

Now let's say you get a lucky lead from a local about a reef or beach with bones, and let's also say the wind lays down and swell lightens up so you can actually see the fish...what to throw at them?  The right fly is below, but I can't tell you which one it is, only Captain Jon Jon ties them so you'll have to talk to him.  Jon Jon is like a spiritual scientist about reef/flats ecosystems, bone fish ecology and all things fishing.

You may not get the large schools 50-100 strong like you do in Abaco or Kiritmati, but what they lack here in numbers they more than make up for in size.

Abaco Island - Bountiful Bahamian Bones

The pace of life slows down a good deal while at Abaco Lodge in the heart of the Abaco Islands.  The lodge is an advantageous launching point for fly angling being situated in the middle of the Marls, a 300 square mile shallow marsh system on the western side of the island known to be one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the Bahamas.

The Lay of the Land

Relaxing after a day of fishing for bones...I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.

A typical flat

Some warm up fishing - sharks on the dock at night on the fly...don't forget a 12 weight rod, wire leader and circle hooks, these guys can get pretty awnry.

If you get the opportunity to fish the eastern creeks on the east side of the island, take it, it's a complete change of scenery with many stalking and wading opportunities for larger fish and the occasional permit.  I had a shot at two inclusive of one refusal and one take but no hookups.

The Marls are riddled with Conch, given they're delicious and plentiful, you'll find them in many of your fantastic meals at the lodge.

Kalik is 97% water and the preferred source of hydration on the flats

Baby cudas are abound, keep a 10 or 12 weight rod handy with a needle fish pattern for the big boys that show themselves from time to time.

The guides at the lodge are all top notch and indispensable, listen to them closely if you want to maximize your time on the Marls.

Some wadeable white sand flats on the east side of the island, you can spot fish on these flats from 100 yards out giving much time to approach from upwind to get the perfect cast in.

If you can spot fish on the grass, you're a better man than I.  Thank God for good guides.

Complimentary Cubans and a bonfire end most nights in Abaco.