Fly Fishing in Cocos Keeling Islands

Cocos Keeling Islands is an Australian territory located in the eastern Indian Ocean about 3,000km from Perth.

Tim with a big cocos bonefish — *What most come here for, big bonefish but wait, there’s more!*

Fun facts

14.2 sq km
600 people population
3000km from Perth
900km from Christmas Island
1609 Captain William Keeling discovers the Cocos Atoll
1805 British hydrographer James Horsburgh charts the islands and calls them the Cocos-Keeling Islands
First settlement in 1826
1836 Charles Darwin visits the atoll
Became part of Australia in 1984
2000mm average annual rainfall

Cocos Keeling Islands, known simply as “Cocos” to locals, comprises of 27 islands but only two are inhabited.

The around 600 residents comprise of mainly Cocos Malays, a group of people who were brought to the islands by the British in the 1820’s to work in the coconut industry (hence the name given to the island). The majority of these people were from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Called Australia’s last unspoiled paradise by some (plausibly due to its remote location) it is a place of tranquil beauty rich in marine life.

In recent years intrepid anglers have started to discover the incredible number of big bonefish that has brought attention to the fly fishing community around the world.

Related post: Cocos Islands Frequently Asked Questions

*Look, over there! Do you see the tails?*

The Fishing

Every morning at 7AM you will head out in boats at the launch point that are walking distances from your accommodations.

A lot of the fishing is done wading in shallow flats where you can sight-cast to tailing fish. Lookout for big bonefish with their backs sticking out of the waters as they search for food in the shallow flats.

You can also drift in the skiffs and be on the lookout for target fish to cast to.

The Fish

Bonefish are the most abundant sports fish in the flats here and they will come into very shallow water often in large numbers. And one of the attractions of Cocos are the bigger-than-average sized bonefish.

Catching 8 to 10 pounders (or bigger) bonefish are not uncommon here although the monster bones are obviously more challenging to fool.

A good time however is almost always promised in good conditions where it is possible to catch more than 10 bonefish each day.

*This size bonefish are common sight in Cocos*

Cocos Islands has a Diverse Fishery

Other regular target species are triggerfish, giant and bluefin trevally. You will also often be presented with shots to permit, barracuda and other species that hunt the flats for prey.

More challenging but present targets will be the highly-desired species such as humphead parrotfish, milkfish, Maori wrasse and if you jig or spin-fish potentially Bluewater species such as dogtooth tuna and sailfish.

List of Fish Species found in Cocos Islands

Barracuda
Bonefish
Coronation trout
Humpheaded Maori Wrasse
Humpheaded Parrotfish
Cod
Coral trout
Dogtooth tuna
Mahi Mahi
Marlin
Milkfish
Parrotfish
Potato cod
Queensland groper
Sailfish
Sharks and rays
Snappers and emperors
Sepat (red and black) Family Berycidae and Bramidae
Swordfish
Trevally family Carangidae
Tuna
Wahoo
White banded cod

Flies, Tackle and Gear

The most commonly used rod line setups for Cocos are 8-9 weights. Don’t let anyone stop you from using 9-10 weights as they can come in handy in strong windy conditions and for larger species such as triggerfish and bumpies.

Proper wading shoes are necessary for wading in the flats.

Other mandatory equipment:

Polarised sunglasses
Hip/sling/chest pack
Wire leaders if you want to target barracuda or sharks

While you can purchase flies from us, it is always better to go prepared with an adequate selection of flies and terminal tackle.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in Home Island amongst its lovely community.

The houses (homestay) you will be staying in are typically spacious and comfy single storey 2-room bungalows. The homes are fully furnished equipped with all the necessary amenities you will need.