Thirteen FATC members (Glenn Haake, Pete Drochelman, John Walker, Bob Beckett, Mark Camerer, Kenny Klimes, Sterling Short, Jim Craig, Harold Bates, John Muckerman, Charlie Trankler, Brian Ellis & Matt McClure) embarked on an unforgettable fishing adventure to Kiritimati, Kiribati otherwise known as Christmas Island trading winter routines for turquoise waters, warm breezes, and world-class angling. From the moment we arrived, the island’s remote beauty and endless flats set the tone for a trip filled with excitement, camaraderie, and plenty of fish stories in the making.

Each day began early, with the group splitting into smaller crews and heading out across the crystal-clear lagoons. Whether wading the flats in search of bonefish, chasing triggerfish along the reef edges, or searching for giant trevally every angler found their own challenge. Some hooked into fish of a lifetime, while others battled the elusive ones that seemed just out of reach—but the pursuit itself was half the thrill.

The group shared laughs, friendly competition, and the kind of storytelling that only grows better with each retelling.

Evenings were just as memorable as the fishing day with all thirteen FATC members gathering to unwind, swap highlights from the day, and enjoy the island atmosphere. Fresh seafood, cold drinks, and stories under the stars brought everyone together, reinforcing that the trip was about more than just fishing—it was about the shared experience.

By the end of our time on Christmas Island, the group left with sunburned faces, sore casting arms, and a deep appreciation for both the fishery and each other’s company. The memories of the trip—epic catches, near misses, and nonstop laughs—will no doubt live on as FATC legend for years to come.