Fishing in Oman?

[Tord]

Hi

I am planning to visit Oman in Jan/Feb, more precisley the south region close to Salalah (this is the part where most tourists will stay). Main purpose is not fishing but I know there are good fishing waters for Sailfish and Yellow Tuna at least in N/E Oman.

Has anybody on this forum any information on the subject, or can point to where to gather more pertinent information about fishing opportunities there?

Tord

[Tord]

To the top.

[Tord]

Short update even though the interest for this part of the world seems to be close to none.

I visited south Oman late Jan/early Feb, stayed in Salalah. Combined relaxing with stunning bird-watching and also some shorefishing.

The marine environment is quite exciting. Miles of beaches with very little people on, separated with rocky promontories. Saw huge amount of large schools of baitfish and feeding gamefish sometimes as close as 25 meters from shore. Fishing practiced by locals seems to have a marginal impact only -- saw no indications of industrial fishing at all.

Tried some shorefishing. Truth is, waters deepen fastly, the surf is quite pronounced so fly fishing from shore is not a viable option, except on the calmest days and with a stripping basket. hence I mainly resorted to spin casting with plugs and spoons. Low water (the tide is noticeable) and dawn gave best results. Caught some snappers, some silvery fish looking like a chrome bright salmon but without adipose fin and with respectable teeth, and also some jacks. Had some big ones on that had no problem emptying my reel without any hesitation, no idea what specie it was.

Snorkelling revealed a rich life beneath the surface. Visibility mediocre - good but you did not need to swim far from shore to see a multitude of reef fish, snappers, groupers, jacks, of which quite a few were of respectable size. Had the privilege to share a beautiful cove with a dozen curious dolphins in true playing mood. They stayed all day long, and would sometimes come as close as meters from me. An unbelievable experience.


/Tord