Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing-Related
What fish species can I target?
Bonefish, triggerfish, various trevally species including GSs, milkfish, bumphead wrasse, tuna, rainbow runner, barracuda, and a few other species.
How many anglers will be there during my week(s)?
FIO can accommodate up to six anglers per week.
What is the guiding program?
FIO owner Mwatanga (Matt) Aran and head-guide Beniamina Ataiti Buatia lead and train select guides from Fanning. Ben and Matt formerly worked on Christmas Island and were trained by the legendary Moana of Capt. Cook Lodge. The guide ratio is usually 2:1.
What are the boats like?
18-20’ skiff-style open boats with uncushioned bench seating. 15-20hp Outboard power.
What are the gear and fly selections for Fanning?
Confirmed bookings will receive a complete list of flies, fishing tackle, and personal gear recommendations prior to the trip. We also do pre-trip Zoom meetings.
Do I need to consider tides and moon phases for my booking?
Fanning Island tidal flows are small due to the geological location of the atoll. However, because the entire lagoon is fed by only three channels, a significant amount of water moves through these channels. Larger tidal cycles stimulate more fish movement, especially for species like GTs and bumpheads. Higher tides also allow access to more areas of the lagoon. Moon phases are less important than tidal phases in our experience. As always, sometimes the fishing is hot, and sometimes not as hot.
What is the wading like?
Wading is generally easy on sand and coral flats in shin to knee deep water.
What about spin fishing and offshore fishing on Fanning?
We do not promote or offer spin fishing in the lagoon or remote channels. We often troll or casting for tuna and other offshore species near the main channel.
Travel to Fanning
How do I get to Fanning Island?
International guests must first fly to Christmas Island (CXI) via the weekly flight operated by Fiji Air. From CXI, anglers will fly to Fanning Island (TNV) on Air Kiribati.
Where will we stay on Christmas Island before and after Fanning?
We work with a number of lodges on Christmas Island and coordinate all transportation and accommodations.
What is your fishing program on Christmas Island?
Our primary focus is on Fanning. We do offer fishing and lodging on Christmas Island for guests wishing to fish there or come for extra weeks. In the event of
How reliable is the inter-island flight with Air Kiribati?
Flights are returning to a regular schedule following an extensive COVID closure. As with all small airlines, occasional delays or cancellations can occur. In that event, overnight stays on CXI will be extended until inter-island flights are resumed.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Required for all FIO guests.
Are there baggage restrictions? Can I leave a bag on Christmas Island?
Air Kiribati allows one carry-on and one checked bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs). Extra baggage may be left on Christmas Island. Excess baggage to Fanning will require a fee (paid at the airport).
Is the flight from Christmas Island to Fanning Island included in the trip price?
Yes.
Can I stay at another lodge on Christmas Island? Will that affect the pricing?
Many anglers choose to fish an extra week on Christmas Island before or after Fanning. We know all of the lodges on CXI and are happy to refer you to our recommended stays. Contact us for more details.
Do you have hotel recommendations for Honolulu?
Our preference is the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki. Easy access, nice rooms, and close to the Waikiki scene (but not in it).
Lodge Facilities
What is the drinking/potable water situation on Fanning?
Our lodge provides filtered potable water sourced from our rainwater catchment system.
Is there refrigeration and power at the Lodge?
The lodge uses solar power and battery storage to power a small freezer and charge your small portable devices. We recommend bringing a rechargeable power bank.
What is the Fanning restroom situation like?
The lodge features a shower, two toilets, and running water. Water is supplied from the aquifer, but it is not potable.
Is there WiFi?
Yes. Starlink is available
What is the food like on Fanning?
The Lodge provides morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared with local ingredients, including fish, breadfruit, spinach, squash, papaya, banana, and coconut. We highly recommend bringing personal snacks/food to supplement the lodge menu.
What are the sleeping arrangements at Fanning Island Lodge?
There are four single-occupancy elevated huts and a cabin with double occupancy at the Lodge. Mattresses, mosquito netting, bedding, a pillow, and a towel are provided.
Are there bugs or other critters?
Yes, there are mosquitoes and other bugs on Fanning. The Lodge provides mosquito nets. Mosquito repellent is highly recommended.
About Fanning Island
What is the best time of year to visit Fanning?
Tabuaeran is a year-round fishery. Anglers should know that the wind and clarity can be good or bad any time of year. Statistically (and from local knowledge) there is more precipitation November to April, and less from May to October. The windiest month is January, with an average hourly wind speed of 15.2mph and the least-windy is May, with an average hourly wind speed of 12.1mph
Are there other activities on Tabuaeran other than fishing?
The main channel has two excellent surf breaks (one right, one left) that break during the South swell season from May to September. Snorkeling, swimming, and local cultural interaction are among the other activities.
What is the language on Fanning?
Gilbertese is the national language of Kiribati. All of the FIO staff and guides speak some English, and a few have excellent English skills from their time overseas and guiding.
How does Fanning differ from Christmas Island?
Fanning is a smaller, more remote atol than Christmas. On Fanning Island there are fewer people, less commercial development, and a more relaxed style than Christmas Island. And better fishing!!!
Other FAQs
I have health or mobility conditions. What medical facilities are available on Fanning?
There is a nurse on Fanning, but no doctor or advanced medical facility. We do not recommend this adventure for anglers with medical conditions. Fitness and mobility are essential for an enjoyable Fanning experience.
Do I need rescue/medical evacuation insurance?
Yes. Medical insurance is required for for all FIO guests.
What kind of personal gear do I need?
Not too much. We provide a full gear list upon booking.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations made within 30 days of your trip start date will result in a forfeiture of 50% of your deposit.