Original: $4.49
-65%$4.49
$1.57The Story
The Christmas Island Special is a legendary bonefish pattern that belongs in every saltwater fly box. This fly is the gold standard for targeting bonefish on the flats of Christmas Island, yet it catches fish all over the world. It features a sparse body and weighted eyes that get the fly down quickly to feeding fish. While it was designed for Pacific bonefish, it is also a top choice for destinations like Belize, the Bahamas, and Mexico.
What It Imitates
This pattern mimics small mantis shrimp and ghost shrimp found on tropical flats. The sparse tying style creates a translucent profile in the water, which looks exactly like a fleeing shrimp to a predator. Its flashy body and mobile wing provide just enough movement to trigger a strike without looking too bulky.
How To Use It
Cast this fly well ahead of a cruising bonefish to avoid spooking it. Let the fly sink all the way to the bottom. Once the fish gets close, use short and sharp strips to make the fly hop off the sand like a startled shrimp. If the fish follows but does not eat, stop stripping and let the fly drop to the bottom again to trigger a reaction bite.
When To Use It
This fly shines in deeper water or areas with stronger currents where lighter flies might not sink fast enough. It is also excellent for fishing on windy days when you need a heavier fly to punch through the breeze. Use the Christmas Island Special when fishing over sandy bottoms or mottled flats where shrimp are the primary food source.
Why We Like It
We love this fly because it is simple and durable. The heavy eyes ensure it gets into the feeding zone quickly, which is critical when bonefish are moving fast. It does not have excess material that can foul the hook, so you spend more time fishing and less time fixing your fly.
Comparisons
Christmas Island Special vs Crazy Charlie:
Christmas Island Special vs Gotcha:
Christmas Island Special vs Spawning Shrimp:
Description
The Christmas Island Special is a legendary bonefish pattern that belongs in every saltwater fly box. This fly is the gold standard for targeting bonefish on the flats of Christmas Island, yet it catches fish all over the world. It features a sparse body and weighted eyes that get the fly down quickly to feeding fish. While it was designed for Pacific bonefish, it is also a top choice for destinations like Belize, the Bahamas, and Mexico.
What It Imitates
This pattern mimics small mantis shrimp and ghost shrimp found on tropical flats. The sparse tying style creates a translucent profile in the water, which looks exactly like a fleeing shrimp to a predator. Its flashy body and mobile wing provide just enough movement to trigger a strike without looking too bulky.
How To Use It
Cast this fly well ahead of a cruising bonefish to avoid spooking it. Let the fly sink all the way to the bottom. Once the fish gets close, use short and sharp strips to make the fly hop off the sand like a startled shrimp. If the fish follows but does not eat, stop stripping and let the fly drop to the bottom again to trigger a reaction bite.
When To Use It
This fly shines in deeper water or areas with stronger currents where lighter flies might not sink fast enough. It is also excellent for fishing on windy days when you need a heavier fly to punch through the breeze. Use the Christmas Island Special when fishing over sandy bottoms or mottled flats where shrimp are the primary food source.
Why We Like It
We love this fly because it is simple and durable. The heavy eyes ensure it gets into the feeding zone quickly, which is critical when bonefish are moving fast. It does not have excess material that can foul the hook, so you spend more time fishing and less time fixing your fly.
Comparisons
Christmas Island Special vs Crazy Charlie:
Christmas Island Special vs Gotcha:
Christmas Island Special vs Spawning Shrimp:
