I hosted two weeks at Christmas Island Lodge this January. The lodge sits near the old Captain Cook Hotel property and has 12 airconditioned rooms and a central meeting “maneaba” for guests to enjoy the beachside breeze, meals and happy hour. Speaking of breeze, my two weeks enjoyed a steady 17-25mph wind! The wind is very normal and makes it easy for guides to always set anglers up to fish down-wind. The wind also makes staying at Christmas Island Lodge super pleasant. Each room is within a few steps of the beach and full exposure to the breeze. I spoke to other anglers staying at other lodges and the tropical island heat and humidity are a constant when you are located inland, not so at CIL.
Christmas Island is of course noted for its consistent numbers of bonefish. Expansive light-colored flats and 160 square miles of lagoon, are an ideal habitat for bonefish that range 2-6lbs on average. We did have several fish landed that exceeded the 6lbs.
Other fish are present at Christmas Island, Giant Trevally and Trigger Fish get the most interest but Blue Fin Trevally, Striped Trevally, Wrasse and more are fun to catch as well.
Week one we had outgoing tides for the most part. It seemed that bonefish were not on the flats as long as they were the following week, which enjoyed a shorter window of dropping, and a longer window of rising tide during the fishing day.
The fishing program at Christmas Island Lodge is super well organized. on arrival day, anglers are given an orientation about how each day will work, the schedule, location, tide, and transportation are discussed. Not only was this program laid out day one, but it was also followed each day to the letter. Shortly after the orientation, anglers are assisted with tackle set up so that they are prepared for their targeted species. Christmas Island Lodge does not supply any tackle; anglers must bring their own equipment.
Ideal gear included a 7-9wt for bones, 9-10wt for triggers and 10-12wt for trevally species. Floating saltwater lines, 12ft leaders, bonefish tippet 12-20lbs, triggers tipped 20-30lbs, Trevally tippet 60-100lbs. Excellent quality flats boots are a critical piece of equipment at Christmas Island. Many of our 24 anglers over the course of two weeks used the Korkers Salt Sneaker. The Korkers Salt Sneaker is super light but provides excellent support, comfort and protection from the coral at CXI.
I had a chance to try out the new for Spring 2026 Patagonia River Salt Wading Boot 2.0. The River Salt 2.0 was fantastic. Like the Korkers flats boot its lightweight. The Cordura and mesh upper is extremely durable. A draw cord and standard lacing system is included with each pair of boots. I tried both and both worked well. The draw cord system was a little bit cleaner as it tucked away under the tongue of the boot. The traditional laces made getting in and out of the boot a touch easier. Like Patagonia’s Forra Boot the River Salt 2.0 looks and wears more like a hiking boot. I wear a 10.5 tennis shoe and wore a 10 River Salt 2.0 with a super thin 2.5mm Backcountry Skin Quick Flowz Neoprene sock. If I had worn a 3.5mm neoprene sock a size 11 would have been a consideration. The sole of the new River Salt is a Vibram “Megagrip”. It was awesome on the coral and when grip was important getting in and out of a wet boat. I can see the River Salt 2.0 being used in freshwater as well, the Megagrip sole was super sticky. Think New Zealand, Alaska, South America, spots where felt is not allow and you walk a bit during your fishing day.
Christmas Island Lodge’s ideal location allows it to show anglers a large portion of the atoll. I found this intentional attempt to give anglers the overview of the very large fishing area a real plus. We fished the lagoon, the Korean Wreck, Huff Dam, Backcountry and even fished the Bluewater outside of the lagoon.
We had some serious highlights from the two weeks. First and foremost, the camaraderie among our groups. When fathers, sons, and close friends make up the entirety of the 12 anglers, you are going to have a good time. The staff and local community that helps run Christmas Island Lodge are super kind, conscientious, and responsive. You ask, they will do their very best to accommodate. For a place that has access to so little, the customer service ethos is amazing.
The weather, despite a few clouds the consistency of light that allows for hunting fish is outstanding.
After gaffing/landing a large Tuna on a spinning rod, one of our guides straddled a 45-50lbs Yellowfin Tuna. The bleeding, gaffed, clubbed, gaffed, and clubbed again, Tuna is gyrating between said guides legs for a good 10 seconds. Until, he reached under the gill plate elbow deep and grabs the beating heart and pops it in his mouth! Yep he did.
For first time saltwater anglers, catching multiple bonefish is a highlight at CXI. Other than the Seychelles CXI might be the best place to make this happen.
Interacting with the people of CXI was a highlight of everyone’s trip. Musicians and dancers presented one night per week. The genuine joy they displayed was really cool.
Of course, the fishing. While we didn’t crush it either week there are plenty of bonefish, triggers and GT’s to be had.
Caddis Fly Travel is available to answer and questions and book your trip to Christmas Island Lodge. Please email us at travel@caddisflyshop.com for current availability and planned hosted trips to Christmas Island Lodge.
