About Fanning Island Outfitters
Meet our local team of guides, boatmen, and lodge staff.
Mwatanga Aran
Owner and Founder
Mwatanga (Matt) was born on Tabuaeran and built the FIO operation from the ground up. He divides his time between management, serving as a member of the Kiribati parliament, fishing, and spending time with his family. Matt was a former head guide on Christmas Island and learned his fly fishing skills from Moana (a famous guide at the old Captain Cook Lodge). The Fanning Island Lodge was built with the help of local craftsmen and lodge owners Akerita and Biritita.
Matt loves to guide and sees fish that aren’t even there.
Beniamina Ataiti Buatia
Head Guide
Ben is the head guide for Fanning Island Outfitters and lives full-time on Fanning. He has nearly 20 years of guiding experience, and Ben was a former guide at Captain Cook and The Villages on Christmas Island. Ben is an expert at navigating the lagoon and helping anglers get on fish. He also trains junior guides and helps Mwatanga with logistics on Fanning.
Ben is a thoughtful and articulate family man and an important member of the Tabuaeran community.
Photo: Ben with his wife Anne (a minister on Fanning) and son after a day of guiding.
Guides, Boatmen, Lodge Staff, and Locals
Running a fly fishing operation in such a remote location takes a team. Fanning Island Outfitters employs many locals and is currently the only visitor business functioning on Tabuaeran. On Fanning, you will meet and enjoy time with guides Benny and Boari, lodge operators and staff, boatmen, and other very cool people. It’s part of the experience.
Winston Welborn
Communications and Marketing, Friend of FIO
My volunteer work for FIO has included brand design, website development, SEO, copywriting, photography, videography, communications, and consulting.
Please note that I am not an agent, employee, or partner of Fanning Island Outfitters. My contribution is on a 100% volunteer basis, and I receive zero compensation.
Personal website: fishybrand.com