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Trevally
When Dennis and I first started fishing at Christmas, we used to carry the bonefish rod and get Eketi to carry a heavier rod rigged for trevally just in case we encountered one in our meandering. The theory was that we could switch rods with Eketi if a trevally appeared. It soon became apparent to us that this strategy does not work terribly well. Trevally are constantly on the prowl and move very quickly. They appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly. They do not run in schools--they run in gangs. If fish were into body-piercing and tattoos, these fish would be first in line. If they lived in your neighborhood they would be sticking up liquor stores and carrying away ATM's whole.
To successfully fish for trevally (bluefin trevally shown above) you must walk long distances on the edges of the flats and ignore all but the largest bonefish.
If you want to cast to one, you usually have to have the trevally rod in your hand, fly at the ready, when the fish appears. Even with this readiness, shots are scarce, because the trevally are predictable only in that they are unpredictable. When a trevally enters the scene, it is high excitement, adrenaline rushes and train wrecks as the trevally aggressively assaults the fly and then streaks off to the nearest coral jungle to shred the line and leader. Trevally are strong, fast, and know where to find coral. Landing any trevally of 30 pounds or larger is an amazing feat; consisting of varied measures of good luck, good judgment, and skill.
I know people who have cast to and caught trevally after switching rods with the guide, but they are few. The best strategy is to carry the trevally rod, ignore all but the largest bonefish you encounter, and be prepared to walk a long way along the edges of flats in search of your target.
Happily, trevally hunting is also a very acceptable strategy for casting to large bonefish. Most of the time we are looking for trevally near the edges of the flats, a place also frequented by larger bonefish. Bonefish do not move around with the speed or randomness of trevally, thus giving you a legitimate chance to trade the trevally rod for the bonefish rod when a particularly worthwhile bonefish happens to swim into view.
Christmas Island has changed in the past 20 years, but the experience is still genuinely unique. It is a destination for hardcore anglers, offering little in the way of other diversions, unless you are into diving or birdwatching. The bird population on the island is quite diverse and fascinating. I am told that the diving is sensational, but not being a diver, I can only report what others have related to me. If you want to split your time between diving and fishing, that can be arranged when you arrive at the island. I will return at every available opportunity and one day I might even land one of those large trevally. That too would be a pleasant change.
Neil Jennings is author of Trout Flies of Alberta and Southeastern British Columbia ISBN 0-9735076-0-8. Click here to see his tying instructions for Del Brown's bonefish and permit crab pattern--the Merkin.
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