Christmas Island Gotcha

The Christmas Island Gotcha takes the proven Gotcha profile and tunes it for the exceptionally clear, spooky flats of Kiritimati (Christmas Island).

A larger orange thread hot spot at the head helps trigger aggressive eats, while the sparse tan Craft Fur wing keeps the fly's splashdown subtle. The pearl Mylar body provides just enough underflash to catch the equatorial sun, with a few strands of holographic flash tied in at the wing base. Small silver bead-chain eyes give the fly a light presentation that settles naturally onto the bottom.

Hand-tied on a Gamakatsu SL11-3H 3X-strong saltwater hook, this is a purpose-built bonefish pattern for shallow, clear water where presentation matters.

Bonefish are the primary target, while small Permit, Redfish, Speckled Trout, baby Tarpon, and Sheepshead will also eat it.

How to Fish It

Lead the fish six to eight feet ahead of the fly's landing zone and let the fly settle to the bottom without stripping. Then use short, sharp strips with pauses. The Gotcha darts and drops, with many eats coming on the drop. Watch for the fish to flare and strip-set firmly when it eats.

Key Features

• Proven Gotcha profile tuned for Christmas Island
• Larger orange hot spot for added attraction
• Sparse tan Craft Fur wing for a softer presentation
• Pearl Mylar body with subtle holographic flash
• Small silver bead-chain eyes
• Gamakatsu SL11-3H 3X-strong saltwater hook
• Designed primarily for Bonefish
• Also effective for Permit, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and Sheepshead
• Size #4

Uptide Take

The Christmas Island Gotcha is built for the fish that make you earn it. Sparse, subtle, and just flashy enough, it's a bonefish pattern made for clear water and wary fish.