Christmas Island is shrouded in clouds and, from the air, it is difficult to tell were the turquoise waters, white sands and clouds begin and end.  The endless saltwater flats become more defined as you descend toward the only airport on the island and your anticipation builds as the plane taxies to a stop in front of the simple shed that is the airport terminal. A small crowd of airport officials, guides and locals peer curiously as you walk down the stairs to the hot blacktop.  Visiting anglers are the life blood of the island economy and the weekly flights generate much curiosity as avid fishermen from around the world converge on this remote bonefish mecca.  Soon, your are in the back of the transportation trucks and on your way to the Tabwakea village and your final destination, overlooking the lagoon, where you will spend most of the next week.  After getting settled in your comfortable beachside bungalow you will meet with head guide, Teanake, in the Meneaba ( a covered outdoor meeting area) who will explain how the guide rotation will work for the next week and determine which species you would like to target during your stay.  The rest of the evening is spent putting together gear, discussing expectations for the next days fishing and anticipating the excitement to come.  Sleep will be difficult to find tonight.

Kiritimati (aka. Christmas Island), in the Republic of Kiribati, lies south of Honolulu about 1200 miles and is accessed by Pacific Air flights from Honolulu, HI and Fiji once a week. The people who inhabit the islands survive primarily on subsistence fishing, some occasional commercial fishing, harvesting nuts from the thousands coconut palms on the island and catering to visiting anglers.

In the morning it is a short walk to the waiting boats were the guides have already stowed your rods and gear bags and soon you are skimming across the calm lagoon in search of your first of many bonefish.  Fly Fishing is the usual method of choice for bonefish and even inexperienced anglers can catch their share as these waters are home to lots of hungry bones.  All bonefishing here is done while wading in the 80-85 degree water and sight casting to fish as they traverse the flats in search of crustaceans and other food items that thrive in this beautiful environment.  You will encounter single fish, pairs and sometimes even large schools of bonefish sliding through the crystal clear waters and you will soon become adept, after a day or two, at spotting these ghosts of the flats.  Anglers, who have never targeted Bonefish, can expect to land and release plenty of bones every day.

Bonefish are not the only predators on these flats however and the guides will be on constant alert hoping to spot one of the other main attractions for anglers, the Giant Trevally or GT. These are the apex predators of this zone and they will try to eat anything that they can get their mouth around.  Bonefish, snapper, and a myriad of other small fish are fair game for these bruisers who bustle across the flat with a confident malice.  This is big game fishing in shallow water and these fish are frequently encountered in the 20 - 50 lb range and sometimes upward of 80 lbs. There is nothing quite like the thrill of watching one of these burly dudes charge your fly and the ultimate is casting poppers to them as they cruise in search of prey. The take is awesome, and the blast of power when they feel the hook will leave you gasping. Landing fish this large, however, on light tackle requires top quality gear, skill and a lot of luck to keep them away from the coral and other obstructions that will tear up your line.  Other varieties of trevally including Bluefin and Golden Trevally are targeted h ere too and offer great sport for the light tackle angler.

A multitude of hard fighting game species patrol the blue water off shore and Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado are a common catch for fly and conventional anglers who venture outside of the protective lagoon.  The off shore angling is still being explored and intriguing stories of large Blue Marlin spotted further out in the deep blue waters will make for interesting future trips.

So, when is the best time to fish Christmas Island?  Whenever! There is no "season" and you can expect excellent fishing all year long.  The island is close to the Equator and as such does not get large swings in temperature.  It is in the tropics, so you should be prepared for occasional rain showers which can be heavy at times but a light rain shell will handle that, most of the time.  If you want to experience a different culture, explore some beautiful waters and catch a lot of fish give this remote destination a try.

For more information on this, and other, fine angling destinations contact Ken directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Estancia Del Zorro

Patagonia Chile

Chilean Patagonia's Estancia del Zorro is in the Coyhaique Alto mountain range on the Chilean-Argentine border, 23 miles from Coyhaique, Chile. The 15,000 acre Estancia rests in the habitat of the red fox (zorro), the namesake of the Estancia. An abundance of condors, eagles, a myriad of other birds, and great brown trout fishing entice fly fishers and bird watchers to follow the trail of the red fox.

You and a knowledgeable, patient guide explore the holls, canyons, forests, mountains, pampas, and waters of the Estancia. Your guide helps you fly fish for brown trout on two rivers and on a 15 mile spring creek with browns up to an astonishing 12 pounds, all within the Estancia's private boundaries.

Guests stay at Estancia del Zorro, a working ranch, to fish and explore private waters in both Chile and Argentina. We combine fishing for resident brown trout on the Estancia del Zorro with fishing for rainbows on an Argentine Estancia.

After breakfast, your guide will suggest different fishing locations during each day of your stay. You may fish one day in Chile, the next day you may cross the border into Argentina with your bilingual guide or stay on the Chile side to access one of the many trophy trout streams in this picturesque area. A Scenic 35-minute drive across the Chilean-Argentine border traverses the Argentine pampas to another private river. On the road to the river, you pass small lagunas – ideal habitat for swans, shorebirds, and pink flamingos. Paradise!

Five Rivers Lodge

Twin Bridges Montana

Join us June 27 - July 3, 2011 for some great fishing, fun and food.  Call for details (818) 785-7306

Join us June 27 - July 3 2011 for our annual Montana Rendezvous at Five Rivers Lodge and enjoy fine company, superb food, and great fishing at the premier lodge in Southwest Montana.  Experienced guides will ensure your best opportunity and landing that big Montana brown and the grand hospitality and fine food provided by Jay Burgin and Mary Jacques will make your dream trip come true.  Call us for details at (818) 785-7306.

The Dream of a Lifetime. Five Rivers Lodge, open for Montana fly fishing year around, offers comfortable elegance in a place considered to have the last un-crowded blue ribbon fisheries in the U.S. Flyfishers, beginners and experienced alike, find challenges while fly fishing Montana's Beaverhead river, Big Hole river, Ruby river, Jefferson river and Madison river plus private spring creeks and ponds that receive little fishing pressure. Birds, waterfowl, wildlife, and wildflowers are abundant in this mountainous section of the Lewis and Clark trail located in Southwest Montana. Five Rivers Lodge was designed around our two acres of spring fed ponds, and our extensive lodge gardens to integrate Montana's natural resources.

Hosts Jay Burgin, Mary Jacques and their fine staff will make you feel welcome and cater to your special needs. Fantastic gourmet meals accompanied by excellent wines are the perfect end to long days on the river and special diets are never a problem.  The extensive lodge with comfortable sitting room, library and warm, cozy rooms is a pleasure to return to each evening. Guests gather each evening over a glass of wine, a cold beer,or a cocktail to share pictures and relive their day on the water.