Our Fanning Island Fishing Program
A Less-Fished Fishery
Historically, Fanning Island has been a tough nut to crack. Unless you had a cruising yacht and a lot of time, the only way to Tabuaeran was with the local airline. Then, the entire Republic of Kiribati shut down for over three years. Flights to Christmas Island resumed in May of 2023, and only more recently has Air Kiribati been flying to Fanning.
The Daily Schedule
Excited anglers are early risers, so it’s coffee by 6 am. Teretia and her friends serve breakfast around 6:30, followed by some time for final prep, then a one-minute walk to the boat pickup.
The boat to various flats ranges from 15 minutes to over an hour. Once on the flats, we fish and enjoy the natural beauty all day. The ride home is usually downwind; we try to be at the lodge by 5 pm.
Post-fishing, there’s time to relax and repair, and perhaps a short walk to “downtown” to Terine. Dinner is 7ish, and bedtime is whenever you want.
We rarely stay up past mid-nine.
Bonefish
Fanning Island bonefish usually show up as singles, with others in the area. The fish also school during a spawn.
Giant Trevally
You can land one if you’re quick and they don’t break your 130# leader.
Triggerfish & Wrasse
Large triggerfish are common on Fanning, and bumphead wrasse school up on sharp branch coral during certain tides. Very challenging!
“I enjoyed our trip to Christmas and Fanning despite the driving rain toward the journey's end. I had several firsts, including what I assume to have been a GT that took my line and took off like a freight train. Despite cranking down the drag on my Tibor reel, it broke off the 80 lb leader.”
David, 2024
Guiding and Fishing Ethos
We know this fishery is exceptional, as is our island culture. As the only guiding service on Fanning Island, we are able to support sustainable practices such as intentionally resting the fishery during certain periods.
Led by owner-operator and lead guide Mwatanga Aran, our team of guides and boatmen take great pride in fishing their home flats of Tabuaeran. Our job is to navigate the lagoon ecosystem, find prime fishing zones in constantly changing conditions, and support you in landing powerful, large fish.
More fishing and flats photos…
