Saltwater

Why Fly Fishing in Kiribati (Christmas Island)

Kiribati or Christmas Island is widely regarded as offering one of the world’s most consistent and productive saltwater fly fishing destinations. Located in the central Pacific, this remote atoll is defined by vast shallow lagoons, endless coral flats, and reliable year-round fishing conditions. Anglers are drawn by the scale of the fishery, where sight fishing across gin-clear water on expansive flats is part of the everyday experience.

What Makes Fly Fishing in Kiribati so special

Kiribati is characterised by its combination of vast, highly accessible flats and the ability to fish efficiently by skiff across extensive lagoon systems. Boat-based fishing allows anglers to cover large areas each day, reaching remote flats, channels, and drop-offs that consistently hold bonefish and other species. The sheer size of the fishery, combined with reliable conditions, makes it one of the most productive and accessible saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Pacific.

Key Fly Fishing Species in Kiribati 

The waters around Kiribati are best known bonefish, but they also support a diverse range of other challenging and highly sought-after saltwater species:

• Bonefish – Abundant and often found in large schools across the flats and lagoons.
• Giant trevally – Powerful apex predators found around reef edges, channels, and surf zones.
• Triggerfish – Tricky customers requiring technical sight-fishing on shallow coral flats.
• Milkfish – Selective but rewarding species often cruising lagoon systems.
• Barracuda & trevally species – Common and aggressive, providing consistent action throughout the day.

Aardvark Expertise in Kiribati

Several members of the Aardvark McLeod team have first-hand experience fishing Kiribati and are well placed to explain the nuances of this exceptional Pacific atoll fishery.