Christmas Island Hosted Trip Report 2026
Every destination fly fishing trip seems to begin the same way: late nights at the vice, last-minute gear purchases, fly boxes spread across the dining table, and endless conversations about tides, weather, and what flies might be the magic pattern. Before we knew it, months of preparation had passed and departure day had arrived.
This year, Headwaters Art & Fly Shop hosted a small group of three anglers to Sunset Horizon Lodge, fishing with the legendary Kia and his team from Christmas Island Outfitters. Small hosted trips like this are something special. With only a handful of anglers, you spend every day fishing shoulder-to-shoulder, sharing successes, learning from each other, and building friendships that last long after the trip ends.
We departed Mackay early on Tuesday morning, picked up our final angler in Brisbane, and soon found ourselves Fiji-bound with excitement levels running high. Everything was going to plan until just three hours before boarding our flight to Christmas Island (CXI), when Piero received the phone call every travelling angler dreads.
His luggage had been left behind in Brisbane.
For a moment, the mood dipped. A missing bag on a remote Pacific atoll is enough to ruin a trip before it begins. But to his credit, Piero took it in stride. We spread everyone's gear out across the airport lounge floor and quickly realised that between the group we had enough rods, reels, flies, clothing, and tackle to keep him fishing. It wasn't ideal, but it certainly wasn't going to stop us.
The flight to Christmas Island was pleasantly quiet, allowing most of us to stretch out and get some sleep. As always, the first glimpse of the island through the aircraft window was unforgettable. The impossibly blue lagoon, endless white sand flats, and deep cobalt ocean beyond are sights that never lose their magic, no matter how many times you've seen them.
First Bones
After arriving at the lodge and settling in, there wasn't much time to waste. Kia was eager to get us on the water, and we were equally eager to begin.
A quick breakfast of eggs, sausage, and toast was all we needed before piling into the truck and heading for the harbour. Soon enough we were climbing aboard Saint Peter, rods rigged and ready, anticipation hanging thick in the tropical air.
Our first afternoon was spent around Smokey and 9 Mile, and it didn't take long before the group experienced their first Christmas Island Bonefish. While we encountered Triggerfish and Trevally along the way, everyone had one thing on their mind: Bones.
There's something unforgettable about that first Bonefish run. One moment you're watching a subtle tail wave over a coral flat, the next your reel is screaming and backing is disappearing toward the horizon. Those first fish quickly turned into stories that would be retold all week.
The ride back to the harbour that evening was filled with laughter, replaying every cast, every eat, and every blistering run. Back at the lodge, celebratory drinks flowed freely before an early night in preparation for the six days of fishing still ahead.
What a Week
Our first full day set the tone for the trip.
Fishing Matu Tepu, Orvis, and Matu Pua, we were greeted with calm conditions and willing fish. Everyone landed multiple Bonefish throughout the day, along with Queenfish and several species of Trevally. Triggerfish were present in good numbers, but as many anglers discover, seeing a Triggerfish and actually convincing one to eat are two very different things.
The following days seemed to blend into one long, sun-soaked adventure. Early mornings, endless flats, crystal-clear water, and fish after fish. Some sessions produced over fifty Bonefish for the group, while others delivered heart-stopping encounters with Triggerfish and giant trevally.
One afternoon in particular stands out. We spotted a GT patrolling the edge of a flat, moving with the confidence only a true apex predator possesses. Hearts immediately started racing. The cast landed perfectly, the fish turned, accelerated, and for a brief moment everything lined up. The hook didn't stick, but the memory of watching that fish materialise from nowhere and charge down the fly will stay with us for years.
As always, flies were a constant topic of discussion. While we cycled through a variety of patterns, the standout performer was the classic CXI Special: tan body, tan wing, UV tan flash, and a pink head tied on SL11-3H hooks. We fished both brass dumbbell versions for deeper flats and bead chain versions for skinny water. Chilli Peppers were also a guide favourite, and throughout the week natural colour combinations consistently produced fish.
Lodge Life
After long days on the water, Sunset Horizon Lodge was the perfect place to recharge.
With such a small group, we were fortunate enough to each have our own room—a luxury greatly appreciated after spending ten hours under the tropical sun. Hot showers, cold air conditioning, comfortable beds, and a quiet place to unwind each evening made all the difference.
On our first night, Lisa and the lodge team welcomed us with a traditional Kiribati dance performance. Before long, guests and staff alike were dancing together, sharing laughs and enjoying a few ice-cold beers. Some members of our group displayed surprising dance talent, while others were perhaps helped by the refreshments.
Breakfasts typically consisted of eggs, toast, sausage, and spreads, with pancakes or crepes making appearances throughout the week. Dinners showcased local flavours, including grilled tuna, tuna sashimi, crayfish, chicken, taro, rice, and breadfruit. Lunches were simple but effective: homemade bread, ham and cheese sandwiches, PB&J, and fresh coconut whenever requested.
Evenings often ended around the dinner table as sea breezes drifted through the open dining area. Stories from the day grew larger with each retelling, beers stayed cold, and fly boxes were replenished with materials we'd brought specifically for the trip.
There is something uniquely satisfying about sitting on a remote Pacific island tying a fly at night and catching fish on that same fly the following morning. It's one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why we love this sport so much.
The Wrap Up
Our week on Christmas Island delivered everything we could have hoped for and more.
We experienced incredible fishing, shared countless laughs, formed new friendships, and enjoyed the kind of genuine adventure that is becoming increasingly rare in today's world. The Bonefish fishing was exceptional throughout the week, while the opportunities at Triggerfish, Trevally, and GTs kept everyone engaged and constantly learning.
Kia and the Christmas Island Outfitters team were outstanding. Their ability to read conditions, select the right flats for each tide, and consistently put us in front of fish was remarkable. On challenging afternoons, whether dealing with cloud cover, wind, or changing tides, their experience proved invaluable.
Likewise, Lisa and the entire Sunset Horizon Lodge team made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Their hospitality, warmth, and attention to detail elevated an already unforgettable trip.
Christmas Island is one of those rare places that exceeds expectations. The fishing is world-class, the people are wonderful, and every day feels like an adventure.
If you've ever dreamed of fishing Christmas Island, we'd love to help. Whether it's selecting the right gear, tying the right flies, or simply answering questions about what to expect, we're always happy to share our experience.
Our next hosted Christmas Island trip is scheduled for 22–29 September 2027, and places are limited.
If you'd like to join us, now is the time to secure your spot. Click below to book your place.
