Giants Of Christmas Island Group Trip

Imagine a one hundred pound mean eating machine attacking your surface popper while you helplessly hold on!

Christmas Island is the largest atoll in the Republic of Kiribati. This island is not only one of the most remote and beautiful islands you could ever wish to visit, it’s also home to a huge Bonefish population. But its the several species of Trevally including the giants of Christmas Island, the GT's, (some of which can be over 100lb) that we all go for. Imagine a giant mean eating machine attacking your surface popper again and again; once hooked you helplessly hold on! Then you pray that you can stop them before they reach the reef or you run out of backing. But pray hard, as once you nearly have them in, these fish are likely to just turn around and run out again and again. All of this will certainly leave your arms aching and sore, but believe us; you will surely have a big smile on your face.

Each year we put a guided trip together in pursuit of these Giants hosted by our top guides. In addition to our own guides there will also be our local guides, who have been hand picked for their overall level of experience and skill, as well as their calm under pressure and instructional abilities. Therefore you can choose to either join one of our group trips or alternatively fish with your friends on any of the free weeks available through out the year. Each day anglers will depart via truck or catamaran for the day’s fishing. While standard packages include one guide for every two anglers, one on one guiding is available and additional boats at a reasonable additional cost. There are two main ways for fishing for the GT's First is using large surface poppers 8" to 10" with stepped up rods and big fixed spool reels. This is hard work but either fishing from the shore casting out over the reef or on days when you are out on the boat, fishing sunken reefs produces fantastic results. On a recent trip we set some new lodge records with up to 18 GT's from a boat in a day. A total of 106 GT's in the week with 4 fish over 100lb the biggest around 125lb, but that's not all, on days from the boat customers also had Yellowfin Tuna to 120lb, Sailfish and Wahoo all on surface poppers.

The second way is to fly fish for them. This can be achieved either by fishing from the boat close to the shore casting surface fly poppers and double hand stripping them back as the GT's like allot of noise and poppers that move very fast. You can also use a lure rod with out hooks and try to switch and tease the GT's out of the reefs. The other method is to fish inshore with over 250 miles of saltwater flats, lagoons and channel's. Fishing will be done while wading and entails sight casting to visible fish in shallow water. For anglers keen on the challenge of Trevally, (Giant, Golden, Blue Fin, and Striped) our guides are highly skilled and passionate in their pursuit. While a somewhat higher stakes game than Bone fishing or lure fishing the results are often spectacular!

What our customers have to say: "I thought it would be good but not that good, boy don't know if i can fish for anything else ever again . "Paul & Jane Hook "Just fantastic fishing, lost quite a bit of tackle (just could not stop them)but worth every penny. " Neil Hunter "Power, power, power, unbelievable great trip thanks a million. "Adrian Spencer

 

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa

R/O

Approximately three miles from downtown Honolulu and eight miles from Honolulu International Airport, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a 22-acre resort located on Waikiki Beach, and features a large spa and several pools. Local attractions include Diamond Head, approximately three miles away, and Pearl Harbor, located 13 miles from the resort.

Guests will have convenient access to one of the world's most famous beaches, just steps from the resort. Five swimming pools also grace the grounds, including the 10,000 square-foot Super Pool, featuring waterfalls and lava rocks. Other pools include the children's pool, the Tapa Pool, and a pool inside the spa. 90 boutique shops are located on the property, sure to satisfy anyone bit by the shopping bug. The Mandara Spa offers massage therapies, beauty treatments, whirlpools, a sauna, and a fitness center. Tours and classes may be arranged at the front desk. Live entertainment includes weekly fireworks displays, Polynesian shows, torch lighting ceremonies, and contemporary entertainment. Several animals take up residence within the Hilton's grounds, including penguins, turtles, and many species of birds. Other amenities include a business center, and parking (for a fee). There are 17 restaurants located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, as well as five bars. Restaurants include Asian cuisine at Bali by the Sea, Village Steak and Seafood Restaurant, and Sergio's Italian Restaurant.

Guest rooms feature alarm clocks, balconies, cable TV, movies on-demand, coffee makers, data ports, telephones, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access, air-conditioning, mini bars, safes (for a fee), irons and ironing boards, postcards, toiletries, voicemail, and work desks.

Room Amenities Air Conditioning (In Room) Refrigerator Telephone Television (Cable/Satellite) Non-Smoking Rooms Television Daily Maid Service In Room Broadband Internet Access Safe (In Room) Coffee Maker Telephone (Voicemail) Kitchen/Kitchenette Balcony/Terrace Mini-Bar

Hotel Details 3386 Rooms / 35 Floors Built in 1955 No Of Floors - 35 No Of Floors - 2860 Car Rental Desk Family Rooms Fitness Facility Swimming Pool Wheel Chair Access Tennis Court Business Center Dining Meeting Room Dry Cleaning Beach First Class

Resort Health Spa/Massage Beach Game Room Pool (Outdoor) Boating/Sailing Pool (Children) Hot Tub

Christmas Island lodge

F/B

Catering for no more than twelve anglers per week, accommodation at Christmas Island consists of six private bungalows that sleep two anglers. Rooms are simple, clean and spacious and have private baths, fans, screened windows, a table with chairs and refrigerators. The common meeting area features a friendly bar and a casual dining area where fresh simple meals are served in the morning and evening hours.

To ensure flexibility and quality fishing, the daily schedule and meal times at Christmas Island often vary slightly in order to take advantage of the best tides and fishing conditions.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Itinerary

12 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Sunday	Depart HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR) with BRITISH AIRWAYS AM Arrive LOS ANGELES (LAX) PM Depart LOS ANGELES (LAX) with AMERICAN AIRLINES PM Arrive HONOLULU (HNL) PM On Arrival catch a taxi transfer to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa R/O
Monday	Free day Overnight Accommodation: Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa R/O
Tuesdays(Crossed Date Line forward one day)	After breakfast catch a return taxi to the airport for your onward flight to Christmas Island. Depart HONOLULU (HNL) PM (Lunchtime) with AIR PACIFIC
Wednesday	Arrive CHRISTMAS ISLAND CXI at 15.00 (Note this is only a 3 hour flight from Honolulu but you cross the International Date Line). Overnight Christmas Island Lodge F/B Basis in Twin Rooms
Thursday to Tuesday	Full days fishing with guides, Overnight Christmas Island Lodge F/B Basis in Twin Rooms
Wednesday	You will be transferred back to airport for your return flight to Honolulu Depart CHRISTMAS ISLAND CXI at 07.35 with AIR PACIFIC
Tuesday (Crossed Date Line Back one day)	Arrive HONOLULU (HNL) at 10.35 (Note this is only a 3 hour flight from Christmas Island but you cross back over the International Date Line) On arrival take a taxi transfer to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa R/O
Wednesday	In the morning take a taxi transfer back to the airport for your return flight home. Depart HONOLULU (HNL) with AMERICAN AIRLINES AM Arrive LOS ANGELES (LAX) PM                         Depart LOS ANGELES (LAX) PM
Thursday	Arrive HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR) AM

Departure Dates & Prices

12 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Dates	Giants of Christmas Island
19th Oct to 30th 2008 Guided by Peter Collingsworth	From £4,320 pp
18th Oct to 29th 2009 Guided by Dave Plummer	From £4,320 pp

Whats Included & Excluded

Options Business Class Flight Upgrades Additional days in Honolulu Hawaii

What's Included All Flights All Transfers 3 Nights Accommodation at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa R/O 7 nights Accommodation at the Christmas Island Lodge F/B Excluding Drinks Twin Rooms 6 days Full Fishing with Guide (Based on two anglers per Guide)

What's Excluded Drinks Travel Insurance Fishing Licenses Gratuities Laundry Service Departure Tax’s

Note: The above prices are per person and are based on two people sharing, accommodation, transfers and fishing. Please be advised these prices may fluctuate due to changes in flights and exchange rates.

Enquiries & Bookings

Once you have an idea of what destinations and duration of the holiday you would like, contact one of our consultants on 01603 407596 who will be pleased to assist you with any questions and additional literature you may require to help you finalise your holidays itinerary, availability and prices.

When you are ready to book your holiday, our consultants will take down all particulars and take a deposit payment, please make sure that before making any booking that you have read our terms and conditions. At the time of the booking we will ask you to correctly spell the first and last name of each traveling member, as some flights will need to be ticketed at the time of booking and due to airline regulations no name changes can be made, once a ticket has been issued. On receipt of the deposit we will send the lead booker a “Booking Form” and a deposit receipt invoice which becomes the legal contract between Angling Direct Holidays and your party

Tackle Required
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Popper Fishing

A strong purpose built popper rod capable of casting big 8" to 10" surface poppers and stopping fish from getting back down in to the reef.
A large fixed spool reel of strong construction, reels need to be capable of holding 400 meters of 80 spectra braid and have a very fast retrieve around 6:1 the Stella 10,000 are built for the job.
Plenty of spare 80lb spectra braid.
100lb clear mono for shock leaders.
Spare strong trebles.
Hook sharpener.
Gloves for tailing fish.
Strong pliers for unhooking fish.
Weigh sling and scales.
Wide selection of surface poppers around 10 to 15 for a week to cover any possible losses. (Contact our office more more details on surface lures)

Fly Fishing Bonefish:

1. Rod: 7-8 weight, fast action
2. Reel: Saltwater, with at least 150 yards of 20lb backing.
3. Lines: WF floating, saltwater lines such as Mastery Bonefish or Saltwater Taper
4. Leaders/Tippet: 9-12 foot long leaders 10-15 lbs, clear monofilament with 8-15 lb tippet.
5. Flies:  Christmas Island Special, size 4-8 –orange, pearl, pink; Chili Pepper, size 4-8; Gotcha,  4-8; Crazy Charlie size 4-8 tan, pink, pearl, green; Clouser Minnow, size 2-4-6 tan, green.

Trevally:

1. Rod: 10-12 weight, fast action
2. Reel:  Saltwater, with at least 250 yards of 30-lb backing. A large arbor reel is an advantage with both fish species. Bring extra spools with backing and extra fly lines.
3. Lines: WF floating and intermediate saltwater lines such as Mastery Tarpon or Saltwater Taper
4. Leaders/Tippet: 30-40 lb. wire leaders, 6 feet in length. Pre-made leaders for bluefish and barracuda will work nicely. A shock tippet ranging from 60 lbs. and up can also be used.
5. Flies: Poppers #2/0-2, pearl, blue, and green Streamers #2/0-2 deceivers or any large saltwater streamers in blue/white, green/white, red/white, yellow/red.

Christmas Island Bonefish Fly Box

We recommend four to six dozen flies for the week. Colours: mostly orange, yellow, tan, copper, pink and pearl.

Christmas Island Special - Orange	3- #4	4-#6	4-#8
Christmas Island Special – Pink	3- #4	3-#6	3-#8
Christmas Island Special - Green	2- #4	2-#6
Crazy Charlie – Pearl	2-#6	2-#8
Gotcha	4-#6
Chile Pepper	4-#6
Clouser Minnow- Chartreuse/wht	3-#2	3#4	3#6
Clouser Minnow- Tan/wht	3-#2	3#4	3#6

Note: During the full moon larger flies (#2-4) with large lead eyes are used often and during neap tide weeks smaller flies (#6-8) will be more popular.

Christmas Island Trevally Fly Box

You should have about 6 to 12 flies for Trevally.  They should be 2/0 and 4/0 and should included poppers in pearl, chartreuse, and red or pink and also some deceivers in blue/white, green/yellow, and red/white.

Note:
These Trevally are renowned for breaking fly rods, running you out of line and backing on many occasions. It is important to make sure you have enough spare fly lines and backing as no equipment is available on the island.

There is also great light tackle offshore fishing available for those who wish to try it, therefore you will need to take a couple of light trolling outfits along with lures such as Rapala’s for Tuna, Wahoo etc.

Packing list:

Rods                                      Reels Leaders Flies Line cleaner Clippers/line cutters Pliers Knife Stripping Guards Flats boots Wading Socks Bug spray Toiletries(shampoo, etc)

Long Sleeve Shirts Short Sleeve Shirts Quick Dry Shorts Quick Dry Pants Fishing Hats Lightweight Rain Jacket Sun Gloves Bandannas Hip Pack Waterproof boat bag Polarized glasses Universal adaptor Headlamp for reading in bed

Water Bottle Lens Cleaner Camera Film Extra batteries Plane Tickets Travel Cash Visa Passport Sun Screen! Lip Balm Liquor if desired Snorkel mask and fins if desired Snacks (nuts, Cliff bars, etc)

 

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