Captain Cook Lodge



Overview


Fly Fishing for bonefish and trevally on Christmas Island at The Captain Cook Hotel

The Captain Cook Hotel is the original and oldest lodge on Christmas Island. The bonefishing on Christmas Island is legendary but more and more anglers are looking at the trevally as a worthy opponent. Since they both exist in huge numbers you can’t go wrong. If that is not enough add the milkfish and some offshore fishing to boot. The Captain Cook is a step above the other bonefishing lodges on Christmas Island in terms of accommodations and food. They have been doing it for a long time and have it down to a science. The year round bonefishing of Christmas Island can aptly be called Fly Fishing Heaven!

 

Fly Fishing for bonefish and trevally on Christmas Island at The Captain Cook Hotel

Christmas Island is known locally as Kiritmati, which is pronounced “kiri ti mas’. Once a week jet service from Hawaii and Fiji has helped fly fishermen get to the island quickly and reliably over the last 5 years. Gone are the das when you never really know if you were going to get there. Putting Christmas Island to words is a bit like catching the proverbial moonbeam in a bottle — it’s difficult to do justice to the island’s magnificent fishery and to capture the kaleidoscope of experiences. Christmas Island has become our single most reliable year-round destination for bonefishing. Fishing is only part of this Pacific travel adventure. No matter what you’ve heard or read about Christmas Island, it remains a unique experience. It’s still fresh and unpressured. If you like light-tackle action in a marvelous warm-weather climate, this is the place to find it — plus, it’s still a genuine value in today’s fishing world.


Lodging


Fly Fishing for bonefish and trevally on Christmas Island at The Captain Cook Hotel

The Captain Cook Hotel is convenient to the island’s jetport, is operated by an English-speaking staff, and is nestled within sight and earshot of the island’s barrier reef. The hotel’s 24 modern, simple but pleasantly decorated rooms offer air conditioning. They are all on one floor and open onto a courtyard facing the beach. Each room has a small refrigerator and private bathroom, which includes a stall shower heated by solar energy. There are also attractive, thatch-roofed cottages situated along the beach.

Fly Fishing for bonefish and trevally on Christmas Island at The Captain Cook Hotel

The dining will include ample portions of a variety of hearty meals as well as some exotic dishes and fresh seafoods. Meats and vegetables are flown in from Hawaii, so there’s no concern about stomach disorders. Groups are treated to a weekly outdoor luau, featuring fresh lobsters and complete with traditional native singing and dancing. The comfortable Frigate Bar in the hotel or the open-air Maneaba on the beach is where the gang usually gathers each evening to spin yarns of record bonefish that got away or the ravages of imposing trevally. Both are always well-stocked, there’s plenty of ice, and the informal atmosphere couldn’t be better.


Fishing



Fly Fishing for bonefish and trevally on Christmas Island at The Captain Cook Hotel

Christmas Island offers what is perhaps the best bonefishing in the world, with vast numbers of fish – and some very big ones – on easily waded, clean, hard, white sand flats. Experienced flats fishers will often average 10 or 15 bones a day, with a 20-plus fish day possible anytime. And while most of these will average about 3-4 pounds, several could be in the 6- to 9-pound range. Trophy bones are always possible. We’ve had numerous reports of weighed and measured 10-14 pounders and even larger fish that have been spotted, hooked and lost.

The ocean side flats have to be accessed by truck as you can’t get to shore by boat the Korean Wreck flats are the best known examples. Most of the interior lagoon flats are accessed by boat but some nice flats are accessible only by truck or van. Captain cook offers three options for utilizing those methods. The least expensive trip is to use the truck/van transport to the flats for 6 days… it is still guided fishing, it is just you don’t have a boat! Another option is to use a boat exclusively for the trip and the third option is a mixture of both. Use a truck 3 days and a boat three days to give you a very diverse itinerary. Please see the rate tab to price out these options.

Fly Fishing for bonefish and trevally on Christmas Island at The Captain Cook HotelMore and more anglers are adding to the daily excitement with three different kinds of trevally – giant (to 100 pounds-plus), blue (to 15 pounds), and striped (to 20 pounds and more) – that are taken with fly, baitcasting or spinning tackle on the flats while bonefishing and also along the lagoon edges and in the surf. Trevally (a kind of jack) are awesomely strong fish that strike savagely at or near the surface. Some fly fishers are going with hopes of breaking IGFA line class records for these amazing fish.

Species

  • Bonefish
  • Giant Trevally
  • Blue Trevally
  • Golden Trevally
  • Milkfish
  • Trigger Fish
  • Sailfish
  • Yellowfin Tuna
  • Skipjack
  • Wahoo
  • and many many more

Fishing Photo Gallery

Tackle & Gear

Here is a list of the basics you will need for your trip. Many of our destinations are pretty remote with no chance to buy things on site.

Christmas Island Gear List

SpeciesRodsReelsLineLeaders
Bonefish9 foot 8 or 9 wt. (maybe a 10 wt. on a windy day) Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 200 yards of 20 lb. backing.Floating tropical line9 ft-12 ft leaders with 10-12 lb. tippet.
Small Trevally, Triggerfish9 foot 9 or 10 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 200 yards of 25 lb. backing.Floating tropical line9-14 ft leaders with 12-15 lb. tippet.
Large Trevally, Milkfish9 foot 12 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 300 yards of 30-40 pound backing.#1 Floating tropical line
#2 Floating with clear sink tip
9-12 ft leaders with 25-30 lb. class tippet and 60 lb shock or wire tippet.
Offshore species9 foot 12 -14 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 400 yards of 40-50 pound backing.#1 Floating with clear sink tip
#2 Full intermediate sink line
#3 Full fast sinking line
9-12 ft leaders with 25-30 lb. class tippet and 100 lb shock or wire tippet.
Barracudas,
Sharks
9 foot 9-10 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 300 yards of 40-50 pound backing.#1 Floating tropical line
#2 Floating with clear sink tip
6-9 ft leaders with 20-30 lb. wire bite tippets.

The Fly List

Go a little smaller than you might think, better to have too many 8’s than 4’s for the bonefish. Tie a few patterns with just the weight of the eyes as a variable 1 with lead eyes, 1 with chain, 1 with small chain, and 1 with no weight or mono eyes just to make sure you have flies for very skinny water all the way to waist deep water. Presentation seems to be much more important than fly selection.

Christmas Island Fly List

Fly NameColorsSizesQty for a 1
Week Trip
Clouser minnowchatr/white 1/0-2/06
Enrico's Tarpon PinfishOlive/white3/04
Assorted offshore
streamer
Assorted3/0-6/0
3-12 inches
4
DeceiversAssorted1/0, 3/0 bigger??6
Chili Pepper orange 4, 64
George BushStandard4, 6, 812
Bonefish CLouserassorted4-612
Crazy Charlie
bead eye
pink,white,tan,brw 4, 6, 812
Moe bonefish amber, pink 46
Christmas Island Specialspink, orange6, 818
CI Wormorange, natural86
Gotchastandard4, 6, 812

Packing List

Tropical Packing List

Packing ItemPacking Item
PassportCamera & media
Photocopy of Passport (packed separately)Computer
Airline ticketsCell Phone
Itinerary with contact numbersReading & writing materials
Emergency Medical insurance docs ( if purchased)Rod repair (tip top and glue)
Major credit cardSun gloves
Cash for tips (there are a couple ATMs in San Pedro but they may not be working))Face Sun protection (buff)
2 Hats with brim and neck guard (or sun hat for non anglers)Sunburn relief spray
2-4 long sleeve shirts for fishing (SPF fabric)Sunscreens SPF 30 or above
2 quick dry pant for fishing (SPF fabric)Sun block for lips and nose
2 quick dry shorts for fishing (SPF fabric)Toiletries
White socks (tops of feet get burned in the boats or wear under wading shoes)Prescription meds
UnderwearNon-prescription Meds
Casual pants or shortsEyeglasses (and spare)
Casual shirts, short sleeveFly Rods
SandalsReels
BeltFanny or other small fishing pack
Light sweater or fleeceWater bottle ( Holster optional)
SocksWaterproof boat bag
Wading shoesLines
Bathing suits,Leaders
T- ShirtsTippet
Sandals or walking shoes ( Barefoot is good)Flies
Rain jacket (an occasional cold squall will roll though or the boat spray may chill you to the bone!)Nippers
Bug repellent (for dead clam days or evenings)Pliers/forceps
Sunglasses (polarized with lanyard)

Rates


Captain Cook Package Pricing

Number of nightsNumber of
Days fishing
2 to a room
2 to a guide
1 to a room
2 to a guide
1 to a room
1 to a guide
7all 6 days guided using skiff to access flats and offshore fishing.$2650$2795$3100
7All 6 days guided, 3 days wading (delivery to flats by truck), 3 days wading/offshore with skiff.$2400$2600$3000
7all 6 days guided, wading only (delivery to flats by truck.)$2250$2390$2700
7
Group of 8 or more
6
Group of 8 or more
Save10%Save10%Save10%

Prices Include: round trip ground transportation from the CXI airport and the lodge, three meals a day, guided fishing each day ( for fishing packages). Prices quoted are in US dollars per person.

Prices do not include: International Airfare to CXI, Alcoholic beverages, fishing license, Departure tax or gratuities for your guide and resort staff

Why Book Through Flyfishingheaven.com?

Why book through flyfishingheaven.com?

1. Unbiased Advice:


Most people recognize the advantage of our unbiased advice, there are hundreds of destinations to choose from and our job is to know the ones that are right for your needs. We offer the real story you can't get from a lodge owner. Would the outfitter in questions tell you are booking in a less than stellar part of the year? Remember our unbiased advice is 100% free!



2. We Can Book Anywhere:


Our website highlights many of our favorite destinations but we have access to hundreds more. If there are fish there, we can book it. In fact, we will give you 5% back if you book a trip through us that is not on our website! We enjoy learning about new spots!



3. Loyalty Discounts:


2017 Special: You are automatically enrolled in our loyalty program before your first trip and will get the 5% cash back on your very first trip. This offer is good until December 31, 2017. In January you will ear your loyalty discount on the second trip and every trip thereafter. This discount applies to all your friends who are going with you as well. f you organize a group of 8 or more we will give you 10% off! All you have to do is book the first trip and you are a flyfishingheaven.com frequent fisher!



4. Price Guarantee:


If you find a price lower than ours we will beat that price by 5% if you book through flyfishingheaven.com!

Our Pledge

We promise to work for you, not a lodge, outfitter or resort. We pledge to get you you to a destination that will live up to your expectations at the best possible price. You will never be charged more than booking directly (in fact most of our clients are paying less - *see below). We will make sure you are well prepared for your trip with specific knowledge about the gear, the flies, the rods, packing lists, travel documents, connecting information everything. Since we are not tied to a particular destination we promise honest pros and cons of any destination at the time of year you are traveling.

We do earn a small commission when we book a trip as all lodges and outfitters offer this as they depend on agencies like ours for much of their business. This fee is paid by the lodge not you, and they do not keep different prices for direct bookings vs agency bookings, it is bad business.


Payment and Cancelation Polices

A 10% deposit is required if you are booking more than 6 months in advance, 50% deposit is required when less than 6 months until departure date with the balance due 60 days prior to departure. If you are forced to cancel with more than 60 days notice, you may keep full credit towards another trip or receive a refund less a 10% service charge. Deposits on cancellations with less than 60 days notice are not refundable unless your spot can be filled. MC, Visa, and checks are accepted. We recommend travel and or medical emergency insurance for all our trips.



Seasons


Christmas Island Fishing Calendar

MonthBonefishTrevally/CudasMilkfishOff shore Fish
JanuaryExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
FebruaryExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
MarchExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
AprilExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
MayExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
JuneExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
JulyExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
AugustExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
SeptemberExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
OctoberExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
NovemberExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
DecemberGoodExcellentExcellentExcellent

It is not a typo, the fishing is truly year round here!

Gallery


Please take a look at the  photo and video galleries related to Andros South.


Activities


Fly Fishing Christmas Island – Activities

Christmas Island Fly fishing for bonefish, giant trevally

There is nothing to do but dive and fish. Period. The island is not charming, it is a third world country, there are no pools, beaches everywhere but they are un-raked and hence fill of garbage and debris. Do not bring your spouse here expecting a romantic get away. It is a blast if you both fish but not if you don’t.


Travel


Fly Fishing Christmas Island – Travel Tips

Christmas Island Fly fishing for bonefish, giant trevally

The only flight from the US is offered by Air Pacific, it leaves from and arrives into Hawaii every Tuesday. Mst people overnight in Honolulu on Monday night. The air fare is NOT part of your package and must be purchased separately (see below). This is one destination where travel and medical evac insurance are very good ideas. With only one flight per week there are countless ways to miss a flight or perhaps the only flight to the island has mechanical problems, what if the beacon on Ci goes out of service, what about a snowstorm in your home city? Medevac insurance is also important for the same reason – there is NO WAY to get off the island in case of an emergency short of hiring a 25,000 charter. Then if you need medical folks on board start thinking $50,000!!

The 2 best places to buy Air Pacific Flights are your local travel agent or http://www.airpacific.com/

Air Pacific Flight # 823 departs Tuesdays from HNL and arrives Wednesday at CXI . (You cross the international date line), so even though it is a 3 hour flight you arrive Wednesday (Christmas Island date) you leave Christmas Island on Flight # 822 on Wednesday and arrive in Honolulu on Tuesday, crossing the date line again. For instance: your ticket should look something like this: departing JAN 10 from Hawaii arriving JAN 11 On Christmas. Departing JAN 18 from Christmas Island arriving Jan 17 in Hawaii.

Don’t worry, there is only one flight a week and the travel agent can’t book anything but the right dates to Christmas Island. Hawaii and Christmas Island are in the same time zone. Fly into Honolulu at least 1 day before your trip, stay overnight in Honolulu on Monday. I like staying at an extra day in Hawaii to get used to the big time difference and to get an insurance day for trip delays coming out of the states. You never know what weather may delay your flight to Hawaii. Check in is at 9 :30 AM Tuesday at Honolulu’s International terminal. The will be an air Pacific sign in the Quantas counter area.

Visa: Important: You must have a current Passport to enter Kiribati, Many countries no longer need to obtain a visa in advance – please see below if your country is anywhere below you DO NOT need a visa.

1. Nationals and citizens of the following countries are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering Kiribati where the intended duration of their stay is 30 days or less: Belize, Federated States of Micronesia, Macao(only in respect of holders of Macao Special Adminisirative Region Passports), Marshall Islands, Palau, Republic of China (Taiwan), Republic of Korea.

2. Nationals and citizens of the following countries specified are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering Kiribati:
(Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Grenada, Greece, Hong Kong (only in respect of holders of British Nationals Overseas passports and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports), Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Poland, Portugal, Romania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, United Kingdom Overseas Territories of (Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands), United States of America, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe).

BAGGAGE LIMITS: Air Pacific allows 32 KG of checked baggage. Above that and you pay a stiff $15 per Kilo. 32 Kilos is 70 pounds so it should be no problem. You are allowed the standard one carry on bag. The storage bins on the Boeing 737 are standard size and will fit rod tubes ( at the time of this writing)

CUSTOMS: When you land on Christmas Island you will stand in a line waiting to pass through “customs” This procedure seems to vary every week and every one always gets through just fine, remember you are now on island time and rules. So relax, you will be fishing in about an hour and 1/2! They allow one liter of alcohol duty free.

Be prepared for a stiff duty for more. they may search your bag thoroughly or maybe not! You will meet with several agents, one to ask this, another for that, and another for the fishing license. Fill out the paperwork for the license and they will forward it to the Mini Hotel and collect payment from them later. Usually you will pay Agnes or Eri at the end of the week when you are leaving a tip but occasionally they collect it at the airport upon arrival. You won’t see anyone from the hotel until you pass through customs. After getting through customs, you will be asked by the drivers which hotel you are staying at. It is a tiny “airport” and a driver from the Mini Hotel will meet you. Hop in the open air transport van for the 20-minute ride to the hotel. The customs procedure may vary a little so just go with the program and you will be through in no time.

Packing List

Tropical Packing List

Packing ItemPacking Item
PassportCamera & media
Photocopy of Passport (packed separately)Computer
Airline ticketsCell Phone
Itinerary with contact numbersReading & writing materials
Emergency Medical insurance docs ( if purchased)Rod repair (tip top and glue)
Major credit cardSun gloves
Cash for tips (there are a couple ATMs in San Pedro but they may not be working))Face Sun protection (buff)
2 Hats with brim and neck guard (or sun hat for non anglers)Sunburn relief spray
2-4 long sleeve shirts for fishing (SPF fabric)Sunscreens SPF 30 or above
2 quick dry pant for fishing (SPF fabric)Sun block for lips and nose
2 quick dry shorts for fishing (SPF fabric)Toiletries
White socks (tops of feet get burned in the boats or wear under wading shoes)Prescription meds
UnderwearNon-prescription Meds
Casual pants or shortsEyeglasses (and spare)
Casual shirts, short sleeveFly Rods
SandalsReels
BeltFanny or other small fishing pack
Light sweater or fleeceWater bottle ( Holster optional)
SocksWaterproof boat bag
Wading shoesLines
Bathing suits,Leaders
T- ShirtsTippet
Sandals or walking shoes ( Barefoot is good)Flies
Rain jacket (an occasional cold squall will roll though or the boat spray may chill you to the bone!)Nippers
Bug repellent (for dead clam days or evenings)Pliers/forceps
Sunglasses (polarized with lanyard)