What I'm Packing for My Christmas Island Fly Fishing Trip

[@eprohoda]

like it- amazing recording-

[@FlyFishingWithMike]

Thanks!

[@randyzulinick6590]

Awesome, thank you. I'm heading there in January

[@FlyFishingWithMike]

What lodge will you be using?

[@cutplug6365]

Very informative, going in couple months. Can you share what bonefish flies worked? color, size and type of eyes. Thanks

[@FlyFishingWithMike]

You will have a blast! What lodge are you staying at? I just got back from my 2nd trip out of Christmas Island Lodge. Bonefish flies are pretty simple. Christmas Island Specials in orange and pink, gotchas and crazy charlies in the same colors. Frankly a CXI special was on about 90% of the time. Size 8 with some 6s. Mostly bead chain eyes with some XS lead eyes for deeper water with a heavy current. I just used silver eyes but the painted eyes would work fine as well I think. These same flies when stripped fast are also great for bluefin trevally. This last trip I used an 8-weight for bones because of the wind and the chance to hook into a bigger fish. Triggers: they are addicting. Leave your bonefish rod in the boat sometime and just tell your guide you want to target them. A 9-weight rod, 20 lb leaders and tan aphlexo crabs are all you need for moustaches and peachfaces. Take a few as they get destroyed when you hook a fish. For picassos, take size 10 bonefish flies. They are the size of your palm and have smaller mouths. GTs: The 12wt is overkill. You could get by with a 10 for most fish but an 11 would be ideal in case you hook into a big one. Don't forget (like I do) to really set the hook home. Use the rod to set as well after the initial strip set. Have a great trip!

[@judahblackmon1217]

Hi Mike, great video. A few questions: (1) Leggings - are those SPF? brand you suggest and where to get? (2) How did Cube File Hub work for you? (3) was it a GILL or GILLS hoodie? Can't seem to find an integrated hoodie (with facemask).

[@FlyFishingWithMike]

Thanks! 1 - yes the leggings are UPF50+. I took several different brands but can recommend the leggings from Waterlust (waterlust.com) especially if you want something a little more colorful. You can get them directly from their website. I also had a pair from Ubestyle (bityl.co/MZNN) that I purchased on Amazon. 2 - The NewQ Filehub AC750 Travel Router (amz.run/7Oc6) worked great. Just had to plug in the HDD and the SD and then push the backup button on the device. They have an app that you can use as well. This really simplified doing backups. 3 - GILLZ (outdoornation.com/collections/gillz). I used the Pro Series Hoodie UV. I know that Simms now has one with an integrated face mask. I like the integrated face mask as it prevents any gaps on the neck that can happen with a separate face mask Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@judahblackmon1217]

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond Mike@@FlyFishingWithMike Tight lines 🐟

[@4492573]

Do you really like the Galvan Torque 8. I’m buying a 7wt Scott Wave and I was thinking of the Galvan Torque 8. Perhaps the 7 size may be better. But I have been told it ok to go 1 size up lager with the reel

[@FlyFishingWithMike]

I like the Galvan T8. I also own a Galvan Rush that I've been using on my euro rod. The T8 sounds good in both directions. On the other hand, I REALLY like my Nautilus reels. I now own 3 of them. For me the consideration for a T7 vs a T8 would be what type of line is going on the reel and how much backing is needed. The price is so similar that I would go with the T8 for the increased backing capacity. I've put a sinking tip line on my T8 and fished it on my 7 weight when chasing bull trout.