Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we address common questions about fishing, gear, logistics, lodging.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Fanning?

    Tabuaeran is a year-round fishery.
    Wet season: November until April 
    Dry season: June until October 
    Windiest month: January, with an average hourly wind speed of 15.2mph
    Calmest month: May, with an average hourly wind speed of 12.1mph

  • How reliable is the inter-island flight with Air Kiribati?

    Flights are returning to a regular schedule following an extensive COVID closure.   As with all small airlines, occasional delays or cancellations can occur. In that event, overnight stays on CXI will be extended until inter-island flights are resumed. 

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes.  Required for all FIO guests.

  • Do i need rescue/medical evacuation insurance?

    Yes. Required for for all FIO guests.

  • What if my trip gets cancelled?

    A return credit will be issued for re-booking up to 12 months from date of cancellation.  What if I need to cancel? Depending on when the cancellation occurs, deposits or full fees may be forfeited. Please see terms and conditions for details.

  • How many anglers will be there during my week(s)?

    Up to six other anglers.

  • What is the drinking/potable water situation on Fanning?

    There is potable water provided by the lodge. Tap water on Fanning island is not drinkable.

  • Is there refrigeration and power on Fanning?

    No refrigeration.  Power is available via generator periodically.  We recommended bringing power banks for charging phones and electronic equipment.

  • Is there WiFi?

    Yes. Starlink is available

  • What is the wading like?

    Sand and coral flats. Some current, generally knee deep.

  • What are the boats like?

    18-20’ skiff-style open boats with uncushioned bench seating. 15-20hp Outboard power.

  • What kind of gear is recommended? Do you have a recommended packing/gear list?

    See the gear list below…

  • What is recommended for gratuities?

    Guides: $80-100 per day.

    Boatman: 10-20 per angler/day. 

    Staff: $20/angler/day

  • What about spin fishing and offshore fishing on Fanning?

    Spin fishing is possible but our program is primarily focused on fly fishing. Offshore angling is not available.

  • Are there baggage restrictions? Can I leave a bag on Christmas Island?

    Air Kiribati allows one carry on and one checked bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs). Extra baggage may be left on Christmas Island. Excess baggage to Fanning will require a fee (paid at the airport).

  • Are there other activities on Tabuaeran other than fishing?

    Watersports (surfing, windsports, diving) are all available.  Local interaction is available. Contact us for specific details.

  • I have health or mobility conditions. What medical facilities are available on Fanning?

    None. It is very primitive. 

  • Are there bugs or other critters? Should I bring a mosquito net? Mosquito repellent?

    Net will be provided by the lodge. Mosquito repellent is recommended. 

  • What is the food like on Fanning?

    Local style cuisine with fish, breadfruit and locally grown vegetables and fruit. 

  • What are the sleeping arrangements at Fanning Island Lodge? Do I need an air mattress or other camping equipment?

    There are four elevated huts with futon style mattresses and mosquito nets for sleeping. A backpacking style air mattress may be recommended for a softer cushion. A backpacking tent light and small battery powered camping fan is recommended.

  • Is the flight from Christmas Island to Fanning Island included in the trip price?

    Yes.

  • How does Fanning differ from Christmas Island?

    Fewer people, very remote, less impact from commercial development and population.

  • Can I stay at another lodge on Christmas Island? Will that affect the pricing?

    There is an alternate lodge option for overnight stays on Christmas Island. Rates will be determined by the lodges which you select. Contact us for more details on our affiliate Lodge program should you wish an alternative lodge.

Fanning Gear List

Note that this is a partial list. We will publish a more complete gear list soon.

Bonefish

  • 2 x 9-foot 8 or 9-weight fly rod [1 x Spare]

  • 1 x High-quality large arbor saltwater series reel, with a strong, smooth drag to match the fly rod. Load the reel with two to three hundred meters of 50lbs braid.

  • 1 x High-quality weight-forward tropical floating line, suitable for warm water conditions.

Triggerfish, Milkfish, Wrasse

  • 1 x 9-foot 10-weight fly rod

  • 1 x High-quality large arbor saltwater series reel with a strong, smooth drag to match the fly rod. Load the reel with three hundred meters of 50lbs braid.

  • 1 x High-quality weight-forward tropical floating line, suitable for warm water conditions.

Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Barracuda

  • 2 x 9-foot 12-weight fly rod [1 x Spare]

  • 1 x High quality large arbor saltwater series reel, with a strong smooth drag to match the fly rod. The reel should be loaded with three hundred meters of 80lbs braid.

  • 1 x High quality heavy weight forward tropical floating line, suitable for warm water conditions.

  • 1 x 750 grain sinking line for dredging

Terminal Tackle

  • 1 x 15 lb fluorocarbon tippet material

  • 1 × 20 lb fluorocarbon tippet material

  • 1 × 25 lb fluorocarbon tippet material

  • 1 × 130 Ibs Suffix Zippy soft mono

Flies

It's critical all anglers carry a complete selection of flies tied the correct way with the correct materials and on the correct hooks. We recommend the following fly selection, which will cover all your fishing.

Bonefish

  • 4 x Gotchas #6

  • 4 x Christmas Island Special [Orange] #6

  • 4 × Pillow Talk # 6

  • 4 x Fleeing Crab Cream/Tan #8

Triggerfish

  • 4 x James's Sand Prawn #2

  • 4 x James's Sand Prawn #4

  • 4 x Fleeing Crab Cream/Tan - Orange Legs #2

  • 6 x Alphlexo crab [White, Tan and Olive] #2

Giant Trevally

  • 4 x GT Brush Fly [Tan] #5/0 . SC15-2H

  • 4 xGT Brush Fly [Black] #5/0 . SC15-2H|

  • 4x Not Your Average Popper [NYAP] #8/0

Clothing, Accessories, Personal Gear

  • 3 x UV proof flats shirt [soft natural colours — as bright colours alert fish!]

  • 1 x UV proof zip-off pants [soft natural colours]

  • 1 x UV proof short pants [soft natural colors] |

  • 1 x Rain jacket [must be lightweight]

  • 1 x Sungloves

  • 1 x Cycling / lycra shorts for wearing under your flats shorts to prevent chafing

  • 1 x Flats wading boot, with thick soles and good ankle support

  • 1 x Waterproof fly box to prevent your flies from rusting.

  • 2 x Polarized sunglasses

  • 1 x Sunscreen [SPF 30+]

  • 1 x Lip block

  • 2 x Buffs

  • 1 x Hat / cap

  • 1 x Stripping gloves

  • 1 x Waterproof backpack

  • 1 x Headlamp or torch

  • 1 x Soft tissue for drying & cleaning lenses

  • 1 x Pliers for removing hooks and squashing barbs