Captain Cook Hotel

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Details

Saltwater
Season
Year around
The 2013 rate per angler based on two anglers sharing a guide and room is $2350. For a private guide and a private room the rate is $3150.
Number of guests
The lodge takes 18 anglers per week. Anglers typically fish in a group of 4 with 2 guides and a boatman or driver. For the week you will fish in the lagoon using an outrigger for 4 days and access the back of the lagoon or the outside flats by truck for 2 days.
Species:
- Bonefish
- Giant Trevally
- Golden Trevally
- Bluefin Trevally
- Yellowfin Tuna

Republic of Kiribati >> Line Islands >> Christmas Island

Fishing and Species

The year-round wade fishing for bonefish on Christmas Island has brought more anglers into destination flats fishing than any other location in the world. The boats are used for transport only, with all flats fishing done by wading. The wade fishing for Giant Trevally is at the top of my list for angling excitement and challenge. You can pursue the fishing how you want, no one will make you hunt GT's. In addition, the offshore fishing from the outriggers is a lot of fun, and you may want up to a 16 wt for yellow fin tuna up to 100 lbs+! All of the above and more can be done in a week, and maybe even in a day.

Arrivals and Departures

There is currently one flight per week to Christmas Island. It is on a Tuesday, on Air Pacific.

Accomodations

There are bungalows on the ocean or just back from it that have windows on three sides for a nice breeze. There is also an option for the older hotel rooms with A/C. All rooms have a small fridge and a private bath.

Non Anglers / Activities

Christmas Island is not recommended for non-anglers.

Airport / Logistics

Anglers will need to overnight in Honolulu on Monday night. The flight to Christmas currently departs on Tuesday at noon. The flight is about 3 hours. Upon your arrival, proceed through customs and a representative from the lodge will be waiting outside to transport you. On the return, the flight departs at 7:30 AM, arriving in Honolulu at 10:30 AM.

Climate

The humidity on Christmas Island is lower than on most tropical islands. With rainfall only in the 30 some inches (non el nino) years. The temperatures range from the lower 80's to the lower 90's.

Included

Lodge transfers, lodging, all meals, and daily guided fishing with 2 anglers per guide.

Not Included

The flight from Honolulu to Christmas Island (but we can assist you with it), private guide at $100 per day, departure tax, sodas, bottled water, fishing license, beer or drinks, flies and tackle.

Currency/Credit Cards

The currency is Australian but there is no need to change money. They do not accept credit cards on the island. Gratuities, departure tax, extra guides and bar tab should be paid with cash.

Gratuities

A suggested gratuity for guides is $20 per day per angler. If you have a private guide the gratuity should be $30-$40 per day. Tip the driver or boatman $5 per person per day. For the lodge staff the suggested gratuity is $10 per day.

Medical Facilities

There is no significant medical facility on the island. The nearest real hospital is Honolulu. It is mandatory that everyone have some kind of Medevac coverage.

Documentation

A passport valid for 6 months is the only thing required for Christmas Island.

Beverages

The lodge supplies filtered water. You should consider bottled water. The lodge sells beer and wine. Stick to beer and spirits for alcoholic beverages. If you have a favorite spirit, you should bring it from Honolulu.

Laundry

The lodge does laundry for a small charge.

Phone, Internet, Power

Phone: paid phone

Internet: paid internet

Power: 110 volts

The Captain Cook is the original destination for fishing on Christmas Island, having started over 25 years ago. Anglers flocked to fish here, as it was billed as the best bonefishing in the world. It was extraordinary fishing and certainly the most consistent as well. With a perspective of having fished many places around the world since then, it is still extraordinary fishing for bonefish and trevally. The easily wadeable flats that range from miles long to “pancakes” are what make the fishing unique. The outrigger boats are used only as transportation for bonefishing and occasionally fished out of for trevally. Another fly fishing option is just outside of the lagoon for yellow fin tuna and other species. The action can be crazy, with a range in size of fish from a workout for a 12 wt. to where a 16 wt. feels way too light.

The hotel is on the beach in view of the waves breaking on the reef. The hotel has 24 air-conditioned rooms that open onto a courtyard. Each room has a small refrigerator and private bathroom, which includes a stall shower heated by solar energy. The other option is to stay in one of thatch-roofed cottages/bungalows situated along the beach. As the climate is not typically very humid for the tropics, so the bungalows with a sea breeze are a good option.

The dining includes ample portions of a variety of hearty meals as well as some exotic dishes and fresh seafood. Meats and vegetables are flown in from Hawaii, so there's no concern about stomach problems. There are some choices for breakfast and you make lunch yourself and eat out on the water. The comfortable Frigate Bar in the hotel or the open-air Maneaba on the beach is where the gang usually gathers each evening to spin yarns of bonefish that got away or the trevally that ate your lunch. Both bars are always well-stocked, there's plenty of ice, and the informal atmosphere couldn't be better. Groups are treated to a weekly outdoor luau, featuring fresh lobsters and complete with traditional native singing and dancing. This is the real thing and from the heart of the local people.

Details

Season

Number of guests

Captain Cook Hotel