2024 Christmas Island GT and Bonefish Tips // Episode 2

This video series includes information on what it's like to fly fish on Christmas Island, and tips on how to catch Bonefish, Triggerfish, and Giant Trevally. It's a (3) part series and will be followed by a full gear dump video on what I bring and fish with on these trips including flies, rods, reels, and clothing. Most of our hosted trips go through Ikari House Lodge including this adventure here.
My Bonefish Rig:
T & T Sextant 890-4 w/ Tibor Everglades and a RIO Elite Flats Pro Line
My GT Rig:
Sage Salt R8 1190-4 w/ Tibor Riptide Reel and a RIO Tarpon Clear Tip Floater Line
Join a Hosted Trip - redsflyfishing.com/pages/chri...
- June 4th - 11th, 2024 // Host Winston Welborn
- December 3rd - 10th, 2024 // Bobby Miller
- January 21-28th, 2025 // Host TBA
- April 8-15th, 2025 // Host Bobby Miller
- May 20-27th, 2025 // Host TBA
- June 24-July 1, 2025 // Host Joe Rotter
- January 27 - Feb. 3rd, 2026 // Host TBA
- *dates subject to change, reference our website for new additions!
Blog Article "How to Fly Fish Christmas Island" - redsflyfishing.com/blogs/yaki...
Blog Article "First Saltwater Trip Perspective @ the Ikari House on Christmas Island" redsflyfishing.com/blogs/yaki...
Blog Article "How to Catch Bonefish" redsflyfishing.com/blogs/yaki...
Fly List for Christmas Island redsflyfishing.com/products/n...
Packing List for Christmas Island cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/002...
0:00 Intro
1:10 Triggerfish Landed w/ Tips!
4:13 HUGE GT Eats my Fly
6:26 How to Lead Bonefish in Fast Current
8:20 GT ON for Joe!
11:07 Use a Long Strip to Stimulate Bonefish
13:55 Backhand Flip Cast for Bonefish
16:02 Why the Backhand Flip?
17:17 GT ON for Chad!
19:39 Little GT on a Bonefish Fly
21:38 Line Handling Tips for Walking the Flats
22:47 Stripping Styles for GT
25:21 Triggerfish Landed
27:10 Epic Rain Storm
27:46 When to Use a Heavy Fly
29:51 Identifying Milk vs. Bonefish
31:22 Wait for the Sun. Bonefish tip.

[@tomt5176]

Really nice continuation on your Christmas Island trip. The GT is on my bucket list, but I think I’ll practice a bit more around the Caribbean. Always good stuff Joe, thank you.

[@robertmyrick4233]

Great info in this video! Thanks

[@cachi-7878]

@22:30, yeah, that’s exactly what one of the guides taught me. It works so well. I only wish I had learned this at the beginning of my trip…
Great video, Joe. Really enjoyed both episodes.

[@rWmyoutube]

Just an excellent presentation!!! RWM

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks!

[@erichanson5628]

Exceptional video with amazing tips.

[@redsflyshop]

Glad you think so! Really appreciate. Put a lot of work into these videos.

[@southflyfisher]

Excellent part two of the series. Epic stuff!

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you!

[@nickmayerart]

Awesome content Joe thanks a lot! Are you still going to do a Gear Dump specifically for Christmas Island?

[@keng9064]

Great video Joe. Epic day Chad and you

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks 👍

[@cutplug6365]

Best Christmas Island info vid around, can't wait for parts 3-7!! What was the go to bonefish fly? Keep em coming.

[@redsflyshop]

Hey thanks, rather than a 6-7 video series, I jammed the best content into (2) fishing episodes. Part III will be a gear dump. My best bonefish fly was the Bonefish Buttah. Love that pattern! redsflyfishing.com/products/bonefish-buttah

[@humboldtfisher8319]

On the slo-mo it looks like you did a trout set on the that big GT by lifting the rod instead of a solid strip set. Exciting close-range action.

[@redsflyshop]

50/50, it's so easy on that initial turn even on a 60# leader because there is almost no stretch in the line. Typically I'll try to bury it once they are faced away from me.

[@cachi-7878]

@4:30, I was once in a situation where I could have caught one of three 60 pounder GTs, at a very doable distance, if it weren’t for my guide sleeping ( you read that right) while he was right next to me. I was ripshit and beside myself. This was once in a lifetime opportunity but missed it. He handed my 10wt rod too late and the wind was not on my favor so the cast landed short of their path, only to see them swim past my fly.😡 I’ll never forget this.

[@redsflyshop]

Oh that is a heart breaker!

[@robgrubb420]

don't lose your fly box chad! also does the spare rod holder on the fishpond pack not hold the tibor or was the angle from the pocket better?

[@redsflyshop]

That little system of putting the fighting butt in your pocket and lashing it down with your waist strap is the only way to go. I'll do a separate video outlining the pro's and con's, the ONLY advantage to the fishpond pack holder is you can take your pack off and the rod stays attached. As far as deploying it fast.... forget about it.

[@johndunn1078]

Joe, do you feel a 12 wt is at all necessary (useful) for Christmas Island Trevally? Looks like you travel with an 8, 9, and 11?

[@tranho12]

what rain gear were you using ? could you use the super light jackets?

[@redsflyshop]

I wear the Skwala Carbon jacket for my "light" jacket. It's a very nice piece, just spendy. I love mine so much that after my son left it at a Rugby match (my bad on letting him borrow it), I turned around immediately ordered the exact jacket again. It's not meant for heavy layering, just FYI. Light layer underneath is all. redsflyfishing.com/products/skwala-carbon-jacket

[@johnskinner5551]

Did I read that right, that you are using an 8wt for GT?

[@redsflyshop]

8 weight T and T Sextant for Bonefish and an 11 weight Sage Salt R8 for GT's, I did land a baby GT on my 8 weight.

[@johnskinner5551]

@@redsflyshop Yep, I misread. Thanks!!! Looks amazing and thanks for the tips!