OCTOBER 20–27, 2027 · TABUAERAN, KIRIBATI
FANNING ISLAND ADVANCED SALTWATER SKILLS WEEK
OCTOBER 2027 · TABUAERAN, KIRIBATI
A PRACTICAL SALTWATER SKILLS WEEK ON FANNING ISLAND
The October 20–27, 2027 departure is a fully hosted week at Fanning Island Lodge for beginner to intermediate saltwater fly anglers who want to improve their casting, presentation and fish-catching skills. Individual places are available, with the group strictly limited to six anglers.
The ‘Advanced Saltwater Skills’ name describes the depth of the program — so it’s not a requirement that guests already be advanced anglers. Each angler will have a dedicated guide on the lagoon, supported by roving experts who can help with casting in wind, fly presentation, line management, fish fighting, knots and tackle setup. The guides will also explore some of the atoll’s lesser-fished channels and flats as tides and conditions allow.
Premium saltwater fly rods, reels and lines will be available for guests to use throughout the week. Every angler will also receive a fly box filled with patterns selected for Fanning Island. The program includes fly-tying demonstrations and practical sessions covering careful fish handling and better fishing photography.
A guest chef will work alongside the Fanning Island Lodge team, preparing meals around local produce, fresh seafood and additional ingredients flown to the island. Craft beer, wine and spirits will complement the week, with a visiting ex-winemaker hosting a dedicated wine-tasting evening. These additional elements are included at the standard Fanning Island hosted-week fare hosted by Isolation Outfitters. This is a trip not to be missed!
OCTOBER 2027 SKILLS-WEEK OVERVIEW
DATES
October 20–27, 2027.
DESTINATION
Fanning Island, known locally as Tabuaeran, in the Line Islands of Kiribati.
GROUP
Strictly limited to six anglers. Individual anglers and pairs may reserve places.
FISHING PROGRAM
Seven nights with 5.5 guided fishing days across Fanning Island’s lagoon flats, channels and reef edges.
GUIDING
One guide per angler on the lagoon, with boats providing access between fishing areas and roving experts assisting throughout the week.
TARGET SPECIES
Giant trevally, bonefish, triggerfish and bluefin trevally, with opportunities for bumphead parrotfish and other atoll species.
SKILLS PROGRAM
Practical assistance with casting, presentation, line control, fly selection, knots, tackle setup, fighting fish, careful fish handling and fishing photography.
HOSTED TACKLE
Premium rods, reels and saltwater fly lines will be available to use. Each participating angler also receives a filled Fanning Island fly box.
LODGE HOSPITALITY
A guest chef, special menus, craft beer, wine and spirits, plus a dedicated wine-tasting evening hosted by a visiting winemaker.
RATE
US$5,100 per angler – the same fare as the standard one-week Fanning Island program, with the additional skills program, advice, tackle access and special hospitality included.
EXTEND THE TRIP
A second week on Fanning Island or a separately priced stay at Ikari House on Christmas Island may be arranged before or after the hosted week, subject to flights, lodge space and guide availability.
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![A small white airplane parked on a grassy field with a cloudy sky above, and a couple of people standing near it.]()
Landed at Fanning Island
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![Thatched huts at Fanning Island Lodge on Tabuearan]()
Choose your hut
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Fanning Bonefish
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![Man holding a large fish in shallow water, with a fishing rod on his shoulder and a clear sky in the background]()
Giant Trevally
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![Angler and Guide hold a Giant Trevally on the bow of a boat in Christmas Island]()
Triggers are fun!
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Fanning Lagoons
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![Angler with bent rod fights bonefish on Fanning Island with Isolation Outfitters]()
Fighting Fun
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![Children on Fanning Island sing and perform a cultural dance]()
Cultural Evening
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Fanning Tidal Lagoons
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![Satellite view of a lagoon or atoll with labels for Napari, Tabuaeran, Terine, and Fareturaina - Gilberts Village, featuring turquoise waters, coral reefs, and surrounding dark blue ocean.]()
Fanning Island
THE ADVANCED SKILLS WEEK PROGRAM
FANNING ISLAND FLY FISHING, DAY BY DAY
ARRIVAL IN KIRIBATI · WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20
North American anglers depart Honolulu on Tuesday, October 19 and land on Christmas Island on Wednesday after crossing the International Date Line. Guests traveling through Fiji also arrive on Wednesday. The group transfers to its required overnight accommodation before flying to Fanning Island the following morning.
ARRIVAL ON FANNING · THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
After the scheduled inter-island flight, guests transfer to Fanning Island Lodge, settle into their beachfront buias and prepare for the lagoon.
The hosts and visiting experts will help match each angler with suitable rods, reels, lines, leaders and flies. Premium saltwater tackle will be available to use, allowing anglers to compare equipment and refine their setups during the week.
Subject to the flight time and conditions, the group then fishes an afternoon session. This first outing allows the guides and experts to watch each angler fish, identify useful improvements and begin providing practical advice immediately.
FOUR COMPLETE SKILLS AND FISHING DAYS · FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 TO MONDAY, OCTOBER 25
Each angler fishes with a dedicated local guide, supported by roving experts moving between boats, flats and fishing areas. Most instruction takes place while actively fishing—not away from the water.
Advice will be specific to the situations encountered during the day. That may include making a faster presentation to a moving bonefish, controlling loose line in the wind, changing the angle of a cast, preparing correctly for a GT shot, improving the strip, setting the hook or applying pressure once a powerful fish is connected.
Fanning Island provides enough water and fishing variety for these adjustments to be practiced repeatedly. Good numbers of bonefish give anglers regular opportunities to improve their presentation and line control, while the atoll’s channels, reef edges and deeper flats create genuine chances to apply the heavier-tackle lessons to solid giant trevally.
FINAL FISHING MORNING · TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26
The final morning brings the week’s work together. Anglers return to the lagoon with refined tackle, better-prepared flies and a clearer understanding of how to respond when a guide calls the direction, distance and speed of an approaching fish.
The group fishes before the scheduled afternoon flight back to Christmas Island. Including the arrival afternoon, four complete days and final morning, the program provides approximately 5.5 guided fishing days.
DEPARTURE · WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Guests connect with the scheduled international services from Christmas Island. Travelers flying to Honolulu cross the International Date Line eastbound and arrive on Tuesday, October 26 – the previous calendar day.
SIX ANGLERS AND SIX DEDICATED GUIDES
The group is strictly limited to six anglers. Each guest has a dedicated local guide on the lagoon rather than sharing a guide and boat with another angler.
That one-to-one arrangement creates more fishing time, clearer communication and more opportunity to work on the areas that matter to the individual angler. The roving experts add another layer of support, stepping in to observe, demonstrate or discuss a particular technique without taking over the fishing day.
ON-THE-FLATS ADVICE
This is not a week of generic casting lessons. The advice is connected directly to fish, water and real opportunities.
Anglers can work on casting accurately in wind, managing the running line around coral and current, choosing the right fly weight, leading moving fish, presenting without lining them, setting the hook correctly and fighting fish with greater control.
For GT fishing, the emphasis includes being ready before the fish appears, communicating with the guide, delivering a quick cast, keeping control of the line and applying the correct pressure once the fish is hooked.
Bonefish provide repeated opportunities to make these improvements. As the week develops, anglers should begin to recognize situations earlier, make cleaner presentations and convert more of their shots into fish brought to hand.
DISCUSSION, REVIEW AND FLY TYING
The learning continues after the boats return. Evening drinks provide a relaxed setting to discuss the day’s fishing, review missed chances, compare tackle and prepare for the following tide.
Fly-tying demonstrations will show how selected Fanning Island patterns are constructed and adjusted. Guests can discuss fly weight, profile, color, hook choice and durability before seeing those decisions tested on the flats the following day.
Every angler will also receive a fly box filled with patterns selected for Fanning Island. These flies can be used throughout the week and provide a practical reference for future saltwater trips.
BETTER FISH HANDLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Landing a memorable fish is only part of the process. The program includes practical guidance on preparing for the photograph before lifting the fish, supporting it correctly, minimizing time out of the water and returning it in strong condition.
Photography discussions will cover positioning the angler and fish, using the available light, avoiding distracting backgrounds and capturing strong images without compromising fish welfare.
PREMIUM TACKLE TO USE
A selection of premium saltwater rods, reels and fly lines will be available for participating anglers. This allows guests to trial different combinations on the flats instead of comparing them only in a shop or casting field.
The experts can help adjust line choice, leader construction and tackle balance for bonefish, triggerfish and giant trevally. Guests should still bring their own dependable saltwater equipment, but the hosted tackle provides useful alternatives and backup during the week.
A SPECIAL LODGE PROGRAM
A guest chef will work alongside the Fanning Island Lodge team, using local produce, fresh seafood and additional ingredients flown to the island.
Craft beers, wine and spirits will complement the week. A visiting ex-winemaker will host a dedicated wine-tasting evening, while the less formal evenings combine dinner, drinks, fly tying and discussion about the fishing still to come.
The food, beverage program, premium tackle, filled fly box, dedicated guiding and additional instruction are all included at the standard Isolation Outfitters Fanning Island hosted-week fare.
THE PURPOSE OF THE WEEK
The aim is not simply to talk about becoming a better saltwater angler. It is to make improvements while fishing productive water, repeat them across several days and turn them into more successful encounters.
Fanning Island’s good numbers of bonefish provide the repetition required to sharpen presentation and line control. Its GT fishery provides the more demanding test: staying composed, making the cast and using the improved technique to connect with, and land, a solid giant trevally.
THE ADVANCED SALTWATER SKILLS WEEK AT A GLANCE
DATES
October 20–27, 2027, including the required Christmas Island transit nights. The scheduled Fanning Island stay runs from October 21–26.
DESTINATION
Fanning Island, known locally as Tabuaeran, in the Line Islands of Kiribati.
GROUP
Strictly limited to six anglers. Individual anglers and pairs may reserve places.
WHO THE WEEK IS FOR
Beginner to intermediate saltwater fly anglers who want to improve their fishing. The word Advanced describes the depth of the program—not the experience required before attending.
GUIDING
One dedicated local guide for every angler, supported by roving experts providing additional on-the-flats advice throughout the week.
FISHING PROGRAM
Approximately 5.5 guided fishing days across the arrival afternoon, four complete days and the final Tuesday-morning session.
HOW THE COACHING WORKS
Practical advice is provided while anglers are actively fishing. Evening discussions, fly tying and tackle preparation reinforce the lessons from each day.
SKILLS COVERED
Casting in wind, presentation, line management, guide communication, fly selection, knots, leader and tackle setup, stripping, hook setting, fish fighting, careful fish handling and fishing photography.
TARGET SPECIES
Giant trevally, bonefish, triggerfish and bluefin trevally, with opportunities for bumphead parrotfish and other atoll species.
THE FISHING OBJECTIVE
Use Fanning Island’s good numbers of bonefish to improve through repetition, while developing the preparation, casting and line control required to convert opportunities at solid giant trevally.
HOSTED TACKLE
Premium saltwater rods, reels and fly lines will be available to use. Every angler also receives a fly box filled with patterns selected for Fanning Island.
EVENING PROGRAM
Informal fishing discussions, fly-tying demonstrations and tackle preparation over drinks, plus a dedicated wine-tasting evening hosted by a visiting ex-winemaker.
SPECIAL HOSPITALITY
A guest chef will work alongside the lodge team, preparing meals around local produce, fresh seafood and additional ingredients flown to the island. Craft beer, wine and spirits complement the program.
RATE
US$5,100 per angler, based on shared accommodation. The dedicated guiding, skills program, hosted tackle, filled fly box and special food-and-beverage program are included at the standard Fanning Island hosted-week fare.
ACCOMMODATION
Traditional beachfront buias at Fanning Island Lodge, together with the required Christmas Island transit accommodation specified in the confirmed itinerary.
INCLUDED
The confirmed accommodation, scheduled return inter-island flights, scheduled transfers, meals, drinking water, soft drinks and snacks, guided fishing, boats, dedicated guiding, skills program, hosted-tackle access, filled fly box and confirmed special hospitality program.
NOT INCLUDED
International flights to and from Kiribati, tips and gratuities, personal fishing equipment, room upgrades, optional activities, additional transfers, itinerary changes and travel insurance unless expressly confirmed otherwise.
EXTENSIONS
A second week on Fanning Island or a separately priced stay at Ikari House on Christmas Island may be arranged before or after the skills week, subject to flights, lodge space and guide availability.
PAYMENT AND INSURANCE
A 50% deposit confirms the reservation, with the remaining balance due 90 days before departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, and suitable emergency medical-evacuation cover is mandatory.
WHY JOIN THIS ADVANCED SALTWATER SKILLS WEEK
This week is designed for fly anglers with no previous saltwater trips, one trip or only a few weeks on the flats. It replaces years of slow trial and error with practical advice delivered while you are actually fishing.
Each angler has a dedicated Fanning Island guide, with two experienced saltwater anglers moving between the group throughout the week. They can see what is happening in real time and help correct it immediately – whether that means organizing loose line, avoiding tangles, changing the angle of a cast, improving the presentation, setting the hook correctly or applying more effective pressure during the fight.
Expect to see your fishing change within the first day or two. Fewer good opportunities will be lost to tangled line or rushed preparation. You will make more effective casts, bring more fish to hand and become more confident when a situation becomes difficult.
That support continues after the hook-up. Landing a bonefish in the surf, controlling a powerful fish around coral or responding quickly when a solid GT appears can be daunting without prior experience. Having experienced saltwater anglers beside you helps turn those moments into skills you can use throughout this week and on every saltwater trip that follows.
TRAVEL, PREPARATION AND BOOKING
PLAN YOUR FANNING ISLAND ADVANCED SKILLS WEEK
TRIP INQUIRIES AND FIT
Contact Isolation Outfitters with your departure city, room requirements and previous fly-fishing experience. Tell us whether this will be your first saltwater trip and which parts of your fishing you would most like to improve.
You do not need to be an advanced saltwater angler. You should have basic fly-casting ability, be comfortable spending extended periods on your feet and be prepared to wade over sand, coral and uneven lagoon terrain. We will discuss the program with you before confirming that the week is a suitable fit.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS AND THE DATE LINE
North American guests should arrive in Honolulu no later than Monday, October 18. The Fiji Airways service to Christmas Island operates only once each week, so do not attempt to connect into Honolulu on Tuesday morning.
You depart Honolulu on Tuesday, October 19 and land on Christmas Island on Wednesday, October 20 after crossing the International Date Line. On the return journey, you depart Christmas Island on Wednesday, October 27 and arrive in Honolulu on Tuesday, October 26—the previous calendar day.
Book onward travel from Honolulu for Tuesday afternoon or evening, allowing a sensible connection margin, or stay overnight in Waikiki and continue home on Wednesday. Guests traveling through Nadi will receive the appropriate connection guidance for their route.
INTER-ISLAND FLIGHT AND BAGGAGE
The group takes the scheduled flight from Christmas Island to Fanning Island on Thursday, October 21 and returns on Tuesday, October 26. Inter-island schedules remain subject to operational and weather conditions.
The current checked-baggage allowance is 33 lb or 15 kg. Additional weight may be charged locally and cannot always be guaranteed space. Compact packing is essential, particularly when carrying multiple saltwater outfits, reels, fly boxes and wading equipment.
We will reconfirm flight times, baggage limits, transfers and the required Christmas Island transit accommodation in the final itinerary.
PREPARING FOR THE COACHED FISHING
Premium rods, reels and saltwater fly lines will be available to use, but guests should still bring dependable personal equipment. The final information pack provides detailed recommendations for bonefish, triggerfish and giant trevally outfits, leaders, flies, wading equipment and sun protection.
Before departure, practice making controlled casts with weighted flies, handling loose line and presenting quickly from different directions. Perfect technique is not expected—the purpose of the week is to improve it—but arriving with basic casting fitness will help you benefit from the on-water advice immediately.
Send us photographs or details of any tackle you are uncertain about. We can identify gaps before you travel rather than discovering them on the island.
BOOKING, PAYMENT AND INSURANCE
The fare is US$5,100 per angler, based on shared accommodation. A 50% deposit confirms your reservation, with the remaining balance due 90 days before departure.
Payment may be made through a secure link by major credit card, ACH or electronic transfer, or by wire to our US deposit account. Australian and New Zealand anglers may request payment in New Zealand dollars using the exchange rate applied by our payment platform. Payment of the deposit constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, and appropriate emergency medical-evacuation cover is mandatory. Review our travel insurance and emergency-assistance information before making nonrefundable travel arrangements.
FINAL ITINERARY AND EXTENSIONS
Once your reservation is confirmed, we will provide the staged information required to prepare for the trip. This includes the confirmed itinerary, international and inter-island flight guidance, accommodation, transfers, baggage, tackle, packing, currency, gratuities, communications and emergency procedures.
For more information about the wider fishery, lodge and travel environment, review our Fanning Island fly-fishing destination guide.
A second week on Fanning Island or a separately priced stay at Ikari House on Christmas Island may be arranged before or after the skills week. Extensions remain subject to international and inter-island flights, lodge space and guide availability, so they should be requested when making the initial inquiry.
FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRES
USA & CANADA Toll Free (888) 404 1390
Bozeman MT +1 (406) 577 1040
Wānaka, NZ +64 27 223 6796
Mendoza, ARG +54 9 261 546 5084
Email: hi@isolationoutfitters.com