Report: Christmas Island fly fishing

Here are a few pieces of a trip report of a recent clients visit to Christmas Island.

Mat,
I thought that I would write a report of sorts that I hope will help you and prospective clients in the future with Christmas Island. This was far more than a fishing trip it was a life experience that I would not have missed for the world and I had a great time. Mike the guide A.k.a “Cracker” well there can not possibly be a nicer guy on this planet. His knowledge of the flats was unquestionable and fish spotting quite extraordinary this alone would make him a good guide but Mike always went one step further with everything. He provided direction when needed and advice when asked but never over done for instance not one word on playing my GT until I asked at the end what was the best way to land it then he helped out as needed. He could not do enough for me and would in fact do everything from Dawn to Dusk I was under his care but never over powered. After fishing he would rinse off my rods and reels if I did not get to them first, rinse out my flats boots, even my clothes.

So to the fishing the biggest problem here was of course the one we have the least control over, the weather. Winds were unusually high and skies were quite over cast. After four tough days on the weather front I asked if it were possible to fish the Korean wreck area on the ocean side, and like everything else this is not a problem. So it’s up at 4.30 and after dropping off the divers for the day we fish the ocean rock/coral flats, we spotted some Trevally and caught a few Pompano and other various species, but again no bones, everything but. I enquired about the rear end of the lagoon and Mike said we would go there in the afternoon, after what seemed a drive to eternity and myself starting to doubt Mike a little we arrived at the most beautiful spot I have ever seen and somewhat less windy as well. We spotted several smallish but very spooky bones with no hookups but then got into two nice fish both over 24inches my best bones up till then.

The last day and as usual Mike has a plan we will go back to the rear lagoon and fish all day. Today it all came together we saw lots of fish and had 11 hook ups and eight landed bones with all of them going over 6 lbs the best my personal best between 7 and 8 lbs, also a few Blue fin Trevally as well. I was quite happy with this but the best was yet to come and I think the picture tells the story, after an initial run of over 300yds and 30 mins maybe 40 mins later a beautiful GT of about 40lbs or so (Mike’s estimate).

Fishing conclusion, I did not see the numbers of bones that I had expected but to be fair the weather was an issue and the wind was very difficult even fishing a 9 wt all but the last day. The size of the fish however in the rear lagoon was a pleasant surprise they were solid fat heavy fish the best 27 inches plus long. So much for the rumor of only small fish.

Regards
Trev

We have 2 spaces left on a group trip to Christmas Island between the 22nd-29th of July. Cost is $1900 for the week. For further details please email me.

Chris Casting


I love willowgrubbers


Fish on in Fiordland

Jan 2008 is almost over!

Well....I first must offer my apologies for tardiness but my excuse is that I have been fishing of course.
Since my last report in I have had several large fish take the fly but unfortunately I have not yet landed the magical double, although I certainly have been connected a couple of times! The fishing in the South of the South Island has been nothing short of spectacular. Dry conditions and hot weather have meant fishing for everyone and the dryfly action has been red hot for the last 6 weeks. The willow grubbers (small willow worm and perhaps our best "selective trout" fishing) are in full swing and the Mataura mayfly hatches are nicely predictable and large bags can be had.
I have had several decent walks into the back country and the cicadas are chirping with big fish ready to take protein from the top. Guides at this time of the year are generally busy but by booking early, disappointment can be avoided or take a hosted trip and enjoy some of the local hospitality.
I had the pleasure of fishing with P-A and his wife from Sweden a couple of weeks ago and what anglers! It was great to swap some tales from the other side of the globe and learn about the grayling and chec nymphng techniques. We caught some lovely fish together. It was noticeable that their ability to cast accurately and with a little wind about correlated to plenty of fish taking the fly.
I will post again soon but its off to catch shark on the fly this weekend and then over to the West Coast to chase Kahawai and Searunner browns.

New Destination: Fly Fishing Cuba

We have just bought online our our fly fishing options in the unique country that is Cuba. We have a comprehensive range of fly fishing destinations in Cuba with the recently opened flats of Las Salinas, the tarpon destination of Las Brujas as well as the oustanding flats opportunities available on the islands of Cayo Largo, Isla De Juventud and Jardines de la Reina. There are still a few weeks available during the 2008 season at each of these destinations so if you would like further information please vistit our Cuba webpage or email me.

More New Caledonia press

Peter Morse has written a nice piece on fly fishing in New Caledonia in American Angler magazine. American Angler is a high quality publication providing solid “how-to” information for those seeking to master this most sophisticated of angling sports. For those who would like to view the article it can be found here.

For more information on fly fishing New Caledonia please email me.

Argentina Dorado fly fishing

For those interested in powerful freshwater sports fish we can now offer some of the best Dorado fishing available in Argentina. Through our asscociation with Aurelia Lodge in Tierra Del Fuego we are now able to offer float trips for Dorado on the Rio Juramento in the Salta province. These floats trips provide 10-12 hours each day of Dorado action with fish averaging 10-15lb and fish exceeding 20lb often taken in this river.







For more information on these float trips please email me.