WITH the Australian Dollar being as strong as it is there has never been a better time to travel to Christmas Island (Kiritimati), which lies 232 km north of the Equator and 6,700 km from Sydney.
It is the easternmost of 16 coral atolls which make up the Line & Phoenix island groups. In fact, it is the largest coral atoll in the world at 322 square kilometres with a lagoon about the same size. The atoll has a perimeter of approx 150km, while the lagoon shoreline extends for over 48 km – creating one of the most productive bonefish habitats in the world!
Chris Cook has been fly fishing for 20 years and has travelled all over the world in search of various species of fish. In this DVD he travels to Christmas Island and lands bonefish to 11lb, giant trevally to 80lbs, wahoo & sharks to 100lbs and a 128lb yellowfin tuna all on fly fishing tackle!
The film was made during a two week stay on the island with the intention being to film everything as though the camera was not there – just an angler alone in the ocean. Chris tells me this is the reason why there isn’t much smiling – that and he’s a miserable bugger by his own admission.
The film quality is of the highest standard being shot in amazing 1080p Full HD and is available in both DVD and Full HD BluRay formats. The film starts by firstly capturing the local people, their culture and stunning beauty of the endless flats that make up the lagoon. Camera work is what you would expect from a team with over 10 years professional experience in photography and film making by Ben Marlow and Bradley Lucas. Great composition, angles, cutting rhythm and stunning panoramas. The team then goes onto capture bonefish, sharks and finish with a marathon battle that culminates in a huge 128lb yellowfin tuna!
The music selection is not what we have become accustomed to in fishing films, but is well matched to the action and location. The total run time is just 35 minutes and I was left wanting more. I would have liked to have seen more talking, maybe some explanation on tackle, flies and interviews with the guides, techniques etc.
There is a short four minute interview with some of the people who were present when they tested a H-bomb for Britain in 1958. Not really fishing related, but I did find it interesting. There is also a slideshow re-capturing all the highlights from what was obviously a great couple of weeks on Christmas Island.
You can view the trailer/purchase the DVD online at www.castingatshadows.com
