Fishing around for the Best

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Fishing around for the Best
Christmas Island: Bonefishing Bonanza

By Paul McMenamin

When fishermen agree on anything, it is a noteworthy event. However, anglers acknowledge that the single most prolific bonefishing destination in the world is Christmas Island, a tiny atoll 90 miles north of the Equator and 1,300 miles south of Hawaii.

Noted angler Lefty Kreh, writing in the Baltimore Sun, comments: "The flats are huge, composed of hard sand and provide good wading. On these flats roam probably the most bonefish you'll see in a lifetime. A good saltwater angler should be able to average at least 20 bonefish a day."

Because of its proximity to the Equator, Christmas Island offers excellent angling year-round. Reflecting tidal conditions, two weeks of each month are noticeably better than the other two, so you should time your arrival accordingly. If you get tired of the flats, try your hand at the offshore light-tackle fishing. Taking 10 wahoo a day is common, and the good-eating yellowfins are abundant as well.

The lodge accommodations on the island are fairly rustic, and there isn't much shoreside nightlife, but visitors to Christmas Island come to fish, not to party. If you are looking for five-star hotels and fancy restaurants, you'll be disappointed. However, if a world-class flats fishing experience is what you desire, trips can be booked with a variety of agencies. Package trips start at $2,500 per week including round-trip airfare from Honolulu.

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