Christmas Island - Scotty X marks the spot
We chat to top dude and Wilderness Fly Fishing head guide Scotty X about an awesome tropical flats destination.
Where are you from and what do you do?
My name is Scott Xanthoulakis, and I’m the owner and operator of Wilderness Fly Fishing. Based in Marysville, Victoria, we specialise in guided fly fishing across local rivers and streams, as well as curated fly fishing travel to some of the most iconic destinations in Australia and beyond.
What is your favourite tropical saltwater destination and why?
Without a doubt, my all-time favourite destination is Christmas Island (Kiribati) in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. The ultimate drawcard? Chasing powerful bonefish, aggressive giant trevally, and elusive triggerfish across the world’s largest coral flats. I’ve fished countless flats destinations around the globe, but I keep returning to Christmas Island—drawn by the endless potential for exploring new waters and landing trophy bonefish. It’s truly a saltwater fly fishing paradise.
What tackle would you recommend for this type of trip?
I always travel with a full arsenal of Scott and Primal rods: an 8-weight Sector for bonefish, a 10-weight Wave for triggerfish, milkfish, and tuna, and a 12-weight Raw CCC for the ultimate battles with giant trevally. My go-to reels are Lamson—they’ve got incredible drag pressure and are fully sealed, making them absolutely bulletproof in harsh saltwater conditions. Reliable gear is a must when you’re chasing powerhouse species on remote flats.
What is your favourite tropical saltwater species and why?
Over the years, I’ve chased all kinds of saltwater species, but I always find myself coming back to bonefish. They just tick every box—living in ultra-shallow water, they’re the perfect target for sight fishing. And when they run, it’s like hooking into a freight train. Pound for pound, nothing screams off the flats like a bonefish.
What is your top travel tip when travelling to CXI?
When heading to Christmas Island, invest in the best gear you can afford—saltwater is brutally unforgiving, and cheap equipment just won’t last. And whatever you do, don’t forget a solid pair of boots like the Simms 2025 Flats Sneaker. Keeping your feet in good shape can be the difference between an epic adventure and a trip cut short. Trust me, comfort and durability out there are everything.
Scott's Recommended Bonefish Gear List for CXI
Rod: Scott Sector 908/4
Reel: Lamson Litespeed M8
Flyline: Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Flats Universal Taper WF8F
Flies: Manic Fly Collection - Christmas Cracker | Crazy Charlie | Bone Crusher
Sun hoody: Simms Solarflex
Boots: Simms 2025 Flats Sneakers
Contact Scott at Wilderness Fly Fishing for info on upcoming hosted trips to CXI.