Christmas Island Fish Species

Concerted efforts by the private and public sectors have gone to great lengths to restore the fishery to its golden early years.   From guides to locals to visitors, everyone pitches in to keep the stocks healthy by making the Bonefish a no-take species, and their effort has clearly paid off.  The abundance of these speedy gray ghosts is clearly evident all year long, and it virtually takes an act of God for an angler to go home without one. 

Giant, Bluefin and Golden are the primary Trevally species available on Christmas Island, with many anglers not knowing until they arrive.  The Giants grow the largest and put up a powerful fight after an explosive strike, making this species one of the reasons manufacturers have expanded to 12 and 14 weight rigs. 

Spin-casting is a popular way to catch Giant Trevally approaching triple digit weights, but anglers looking for new sensations on their fly-rods too soon begin to hunt the Trevally.  Incredibly aggressive fish, they are intensely difficult to put the brakes on, and usually head for the coral to break line as soon as they're hooked.  While this causes frustration with some anglers, most see this trait simply as a heightened challenge.

Pelagic Species

To date, Christmas Island does not offer Bluewater, Deep-Sea fishing as most know it, however, the boats are adequate to introduce anglers to plentiful offshore pelagic fishing.   The boats are not well-equipped for billfishing or heavy tuna fishing, however, the locals do know how to troll and catch pelagic fish such as smaller tuna, Mahimahi (Dorado/Dolphinfish), and Wahoo, and the trip makes for a fun excursion for those looking for a little variety.  In fact, the Southwestern corner of the island is named "Wahoo Alley" just offshore, and catches of these delicious toothy critters over 50 pounds are common. 

Fish Species Availability
These are the main species targeted at Christmas Island, however, others are occasionally caught