CXI Preparation Notes

Heading to CXI for a tropical flats fishing safari? Let’s walk through the gear preparation for a successful trip. We have put together a dedicate page on the website for CXI gear recommendations. Check it out CXI Gear Recommedations

Fly Fishing Rods

7 and 8 weights will cover most of the Bonefish situations, an 8 or 9 weight for those that want to target Triggers, with a 10,11 or 12wt for the GT’s and larger species. Worthy of noting – A fast action 6wt saltwater rod provides great sport with the average size fish.

However, if you can only take one rod, an 8wt is a better choice for all round use if there is a necessity to cast into the wind.

Each day, the guide can carry a 10-12wt rigged with a Baitfish Minnow pattern or GT Brush fly in readiness for larger trevally that appear on the flats.

Taking a spare rod is a highly advised in case of accidents or mishaps.

Note: there is no fly gear available on Kiritimati, so you must take all spare equipment with you, rods included.

Before your trip, practice casting in windy conditions from every angle. You will be situated on vast open flats without protection from wind. It pays to be competent in short range and medium range casting lengths. From 10ft to 50ft is the range that the majority of your fishing will be within.

Fly Fishing Reels

Reels need to be of good quality with a smooth drag, LOW start up inertia and preferably sealed because it can spend time submersed as you attempt to get that photo of a lifetime while releasing a fish.

Sealed drags don’t mean waterproof, so talk to us about the difference and what fly reels are sealed versus IPX rated waterproof drags systems. We strongly recommend Lamson Hyperspeed and Lamson Litespeed M fly reels as they feature a proven, reliable and waterproof system and are of the largest arbor sizes around.  Fly reels for CXI should be rigged with a minimum of 100 yards of 30lb backing is required.

Large arbor reels have a definite edge particularly when using lighter tippets. The drag maintains a consistent pressure and the faster retrieval rate of the large arbor comes into its own when the fish turns and runs towards you. They also have the added advantage that, because of the larger diameter, the stiff core tropical lines do not need to be stretched before use.

Fly Lines

The water on the flats is anywhere between ankle and waist deep. Floating lines are the most popular choice as they are easier and quicker to reposition as the fish move across the flats. Sinking lines are slower to reposition and are readily damaged on the sometimes-rough bottom in the shallow water. There are many lines by different manufacturers that are suitable.

For Bonefish, Triggers and small reef species, WF floating, high quality tropical saltwater lines are recommended. Just make sure that the line you take is made for hot weather use otherwise it will be soft and ‘mushy’ to use. The most common lines of choice are the Scientific Angler Bonefish taper lines and Airflo Flats Universal lines.

For Giant Trevally, WF floating tropical weight-forward shooting heads (GT specific tapers are recommended). If using factory welded loops on your fly lines, please reinforce loops with 2-3 nail knots using 16 lb. fluorocarbon and coat knots with Loon Knot Sense.

Many of the lines have the added advantage of a colour change at about the 30ft mark and this is a great aid when judging distance. If the line you use doesn’t have a colour change, use a waterproof texta to provide a reference point.

On stiffer rods, upline by one weight to the designated rod weight. This makes it easier to make quick presentations at short distances in windy conditions. Casting distances can vary between 10 and 50 feet.

Take spare fly lines with you. The coral can be sharp and quickly destroy or cut a fly line.

Stripping Baskets

Line management is one of the critical aspects when wading the flats. The current will pull the spare line laying on the water and make it difficult to make quick accurate presentations. On the ocean side, due to the wave action, it is near impossible to fish without one.

Whatever design you use, the prerequisite is that it allows you to make long strips. If you take one, make sure you get familiar with its use prior to the trip.

Easy Shrimp Line Master and/ or Ahrex Flexistripper would be the 2 to choose from. Check them out in the Link below

Line Master

Flexistripper

Leaders

For Bonefish; 10-foot-long tapered monofilament leaders to 10-16 lbs., tipped with 2 feet of fluorocarbon tippet 16 lbs. (use heavier tippet in coral areas and carry 12 lb. for spooky fish)

The best choices are 12, 16 & 20lb tapered leaders teamed with 10, 12, 20lb fluorocarbon SA tippet material. The abrasion resistance over standard monofilament is a definite advantage on the broken coral bottoms and its invisible nature is another positive.

For the flats, tie about a metre of 10 or 12lb fluorocarbon tippet material (use a triple turn surgeon knot) to a 9 ft tapered leader. Try longer leaders if the fish are a bit spooky.

When fishing the ocean side beaches around the Korean Wreck use a tippet of 20lb to help prevent break offs on the sharp reef growth.

For reef and larger species use a shock tippet of 60lb or if you are chasing some of the toothy critters such as wahoo, a foot of 40lb Tyger wire.

Fishing Accessories

Polaroid Sunglasses – if possible, take ones with amber glass as well as a lens cleaning kit. Many of the guides prefer this colour for spotting and they are so good at it, it certainly can’t be disputed that they are best.

• pliers
• line nippers
• hook sharpener
• ferrule wax or similar
• nail knot tool
• lip balm
• sunscreen
• reel lube,
• screw drivers and a small adjustable spanner may also be handy to enable reel servicing if required. Leatherman type tools have many of these items as attachments.
• sun gloves
• sun gaiter
• finger stalls or Lucoplast waterproof tape for stripping finger
• fly line cleaner and conditioner
• loop replacement materials
• wet wading socks and gravel guards or neoprene wading socks with inbuilt gravel guards.

Packs

Some form of hip pack bag, backpack or sling pack with water bottle holder to wear on flats. A waterproof option is a strongly recommended due to the number of flats wading on the trip.

Check out Simms Dry Creek Hip and Sling packs, Orvis Pro Waterproof Hip and Sling packs, Fishpond Thunderhead Hip and Sling packs. These options are some of the best available.

A large box to store the bulk of your flies plus a pocket-sized fly box to take with you on the flats along with your Camera / Phone and don’t forget the charger.

Apparel

Footwear – Good quality wading boots that are shin length with a thick sole as you will be wading on sand and broken coral all day. Diving booties with thin soles ARE NOT adequate. DON’T skimp on socks……well-padded socks (Simms are the best) will prevent chafing when the coral sand (inevitably) enters your boot. Long pants or skins will also help prevent sand entering boots as well as keeping you from getting sunburnt legs. Simms Gravel guards are another alternative to help stop the sand entering. Always carry a spare pair of socks in the bag you leave on the boat so you can change if coral enters your boots and begins to cause discomfort.

Coral is an animal, and infections will take hold quickly if left untreated.

Clothes – Set of clothes to wear over and back plus 2 or 3 sets of fishing clothes and some casual clothes for night wear.

Headwear – Legionnaires type cap or wide brimmed hat. If you prefer caps, a bandana or buff is useful to help keep sun off the neck and face.

A lightweight rain jacket for warmth if you are wet and travelling in the boat.

A pair of thongs or sandals for use in shower and at night.

It’s rarely cold at Kiritimati but a light sweat top or similar may be required if it rains and gets windy.

Fly tying gear

It is a good idea to organise one vise and some tying gear to be taken for the group you are with.

Personal Foods

If you have any special dietary requirements, make sure you take what you need. Your lodge hosts will endeavour to be as accommodating as they can with the limited supplies that are available to them.

Take any favourite foods with you e.g. cereal, muesli bars, Gatorade concentrate, honey.  There is a very limited range of food items available in the local trade stores.

The locally made bread is not to every one’s taste. As an alternative, take a couple of packs of flat bread/wraps for making lunches. The added advantage is that they don’t require refrigeration.

It should be noted that because of its isolation, Christmas Island doesn’t have many of the pests and diseases we have in Australia.

Processed food is OK however fresh food, mainly fruits, will be taken from you.

10 things I wouldn’t go back to CXI without

1 – Hydrolite- we ran out, had 20 packets

2 – hand sanitizer for cleanliness

3 – face wipes to clean off sunscreen (the showers are not like at home)

4 – Powerade powder form – keep your fluids up, the flats can be draining

5 – sunscreen

6 – yeti tumbler – to keep your post session drinks cool.

7 – wraps – the local bread is not to everyone’s taste and wraps make great lunches when filled for the day’s sessions.

8 – toilet paper – yep.

9 – body wash and loofa

10 – Chuppa Chupp lollie pops