Have you ever dreamed of fishing in the heart of Dubai’s waters? This land is not only a haven for modern luxury, but also a home to a rich, ancient fishing heritage. It has a strong history along the coast where it started out as a small fishing and pearl-diving village and this legacy still echoes in the city’s spirit. Dubai Harbor has long been a destination for fishing with a variety of experiences ranging from deep sea fishing to kayaking.
However, there’s more you need to know besides finding the sea with a pair of fishing rod and bucket hat. For instance, if you’re a resident you have to obtain an annual fishing license through Dubai Municipality. This is done to ensure sustainable practices are strictly followed. Tourists, on the other hand can still join but only when they are associated with a licensed fishing guide. This article will provide you with all the details you need to know, before you set out for your fishing endeavor.
The ideal time to visit Dubai’s fishing spots is on a sunny day, with clear skies and bright sunshine. If you consider yourself an adventurous fisherman, seeking more challenging weather, then be prepared to wait. Otherwise, it’s a heaven for most fishing enthusiasts, as the weather is pleasant and the sun is out for most part of the year.
With endless sunny days, the time slot you choose becomes the next most important detail. Fish are drawn like moths to a flame when the water is cooler. This means the best time to fish is at dawn, early morning, dusk, or night.
2
Check your equipment
You can easily catch a few fish with simple gear – but if you’re aiming for the big ones, be sure to bring stronger equipment to match.
Not every fish will bite anything, so having the right lure or bait is essential. Fortunately, yacht companies in Dubai provide complimentary fishing gear on board, included in the package when you rent a boat for fishing. This gives you access to a wide species of bait.
Another benefit of yacht rental is that the captains are experienced and may share techniques that can be very helpful. They take you to the best fishing spots in Dubai and at the best time, which can be a blessing in disguise, especially for those who are on their first trip.
3
Check your location
How do you find a perfect spot for a great catch? If you notice a bunch of drifting wood or a group of seagulls, it should be where you unleash your fishing rods. So have a keen eye to identify such areas while navigating the open sea. Also, if you’ve hired services of a good Yacht company like Mala Yachts, you’ll get your hands on modern SONAR or fish finders. This gear guides you to the richest underwater spot teeming with fish.
4
Let The Catch Come To You
Fishing is all about patience —just you, the water, and the quiet hope of a catch. So chill out and do nothing while you wait for a fish to bite. To get the most out of your fishing trip, keep quiet on the boat as noise can scare the fish away. It will bother the fish and other fishermen in the area.
As you relax and wait for that tug on the line, let the calm of the water settle in. After a successful catch, there’s a sense of excitement, knowing this one won’t get away, and that feeling makes you realize the worth of the experience.
Fishing is meant to be a relaxing hobby and to truly enjoy it, you need to be relaxed. Live in the moment and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves, creating a peaceful environment for fishing.
5
Preserve and Protect the Natural Resources
Being out on the water calls for respecting our natural resources and preserving the environment. Simple actions can make a difference, for instance, ensuring the fish you don’t plan to keep is healthy enough to be safely returned to the water. The respect for the marine environment enhances the fishing experience itself, as Dubai’s coastal waters are home to an impressive variety of species.
With that in mind, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy deep-sea fishing in Dubai. Whether it’s sailfish, tuna, grouper, kingfish, or barracuda, when you go deep-sea fishing in Dubai, you’re guaranteed to catch one of these delightful species..
6
Season for Fishing in Dubai
The weather and time of year greatly influence the types of fish you catch in Dubai. If you plan in between June to September, you might have to settle for a low count as the fish dive deeper. However, at sunrise and sunset, you can hook a sailfish or queenfish, as these species are more active during these times of the day.
From October to May, species like tuna, kingfish, and king mackerel swim closer to the surface. This is when you’ll be able to catch plenty of fish, like a fish taking the bait. Then there are several other year-round species, like Hamour and Cobia, offering ample fishing opportunities throughout the year.
With a fishing license in Dubai being the only requirement, you’re all set to fish at the best spots in the city. The Municipality of Dubai has designated specific areas for fishing, allowing the anglers to have fun while protecting the local ecosystem.
Top places for fishing in the Dubai Marina, UAE:
Jumeirah Beach
Al Garhoud Bridge
Jebel Ali Beach
Al-Seef Road Dubai Creek
Creek Park
Al Maktoum Bridge
Ajman Beach
End Note
Fishing has become a popular activity in Dubai, and the city is very welcoming, inviting both seasoned anglers and beginners. The experience doesn’t end with the catch – it intensifies when the fish you’ve reeled in begins to smoke on the grill or sizzle in the pan, filling the air with anticipation. And that’s before you take that first bite and savor the freshness. It’s a sense of joy you won’t want to miss on your next Dubai trip.
Consider factors such as the experience and expertise of the crew, the type of fishing techniques used (like trolling), and the distance to the fishing spots, such as Jebel Ali Beach.
Hisham lives in Dubai and loves to participate in the life of the tourism quite actively. With deep experience in Organization Development, Hisham proceeds to travel to different countries for both business and personal needs. The zeal of entertaining and communicating with people through travel stories first stroked him four years back when he was in Europe which made him start a Facebook monologue named 'Malang Ka Safar'. Adept at spinning yarns laced with humor, Hisham seeks to capture the problems that most travelers face with and therefore provides useful tips based on his many experiences.