"Casting Dreams: A Thrilling Inshore Fishing Expedition at Jebel Ali, Dubai"

Dubai, with its glittering skyline, is also a haven for fishing enthusiasts seeking the thrill of the catch amidst the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. This narrative unfolds during an inshore fishing expedition at Jebel Ali, a day shared with fellow anglers under the guidance of Captain Michael from Zaya Fishing. The journey promises not just the joy of angling but the discovery of the diverse marine life that graces the waters off the Dubai coast.

The day commenced with a promising weather forecast – a slight breeze that hinted at an ideal day for casting. Captain Michael set the tone, assuring the crew that the sea was teeming with active fish. The plan was clear – a day filled with casting for the eager anglers, each hoping for a personal fishing triumph.

Equipped with a brand-new Daiwa Outrage 76-2 casting rod paired with a Shimano Stradic 3000 reel, the protagonist prepared to face the challenge. A Rapala suspension lure, secured with a metal wire to thwart any ambitious kingfish, dangled from the line. Additionally, a Shimano Grappler light jigging rod with an Ocea Jigger 1000 F custom reel stood ready for a change in tactics.

The first spot revealed a spectacle of frenzy on the water's surface. The cast was met with immediate success as a queen fish took the bait. The excitement built, but a delayed gaff retrieval resulted in the queen fish slipping away. Despite the initial setback, the angler found solace in the joy of the strike, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Transitioning to jigging, the group reeled in various species, with a small Barracuda making my way into the mix. An Orange Spotted Trevally (OST) became a live bait, leading to the capture of a colossal grouper. My persistence paid off as me too secured a grouper on the jig, using a Tungsten Jigpara 40 grams by Major Craft.

The day took an exhilarating turn when Captain Michael noticed frenzies at a distance, signaling the presence of kingfish. After a couple of false alarms with queen fish, the real monarch of the sea, the kingfish, emerged. I got the thrill of catching a kingfish on top water after a two-year hiatus. . When I strike the second king the leader got cut. This was in spite of having titanium wire. I quickly rigged a new lure. This was also Rapala sinking one. I continued to get 3 more kings. 

Amidst the frenzy, two sizable queen fish engaged in a spirited battle, adding a delightful challenge to the day. The Captain signalled end of trip and I was reflecting on the satisfaction derived from an action-packed day on the Dubai waters

My recent exploits in Dubai waters leave them eager for more. With visions of yellowfin tuna trips in Oman dancing in my mind, the prospect of future expeditions in this vibrant fishing hub becomes an exciting promise, ensuring that the thrill of the catch continues to cast its spell.

Jigging trip to Khorfakkan with Capt. Ali 29 Oct 2023

 

                                                                        

This was a planned trip. We were six anglers as usual. The trip was after the cyclone. Two days after heavy rain. It was full moon as well. The captain called two days before and confirmed the trip. The weather was perfect as we expected for jigging. Water was crystal clear. We could see the jigs swimming its was for may meters deep. Well, I was believing most of this will work in our favor.  The captain again called on Saturday and said the fishing was not so great. So, he had a plan to keep us in less depth in the morning hours and gradually go into deep waters.

When we reached our first location, I dropped a sea floor control rector 270 grams. On the second lift something large took my jig. I screamed “fish on” and the next moment did not feel anything. I lost the jig. When I reeled the PE braid was cut. My heart sunk. Probably it is due previous damage, I think. We did three drifts there and moved to many other locations. The captain mentioned that although radar shows fish, they are not active. I changed jigs to seafloor control Slow legend, arc and Abyss. Also, I switched to Deepliner spy, VB, CX-B. After many location changes one angler got a long tail tuna hooked on the tail. He got a Trevally as well. Now everyone wanted to know what jigs he was using. He was proud to talk about those Indonesian jigs probably bought in Malaysia. I managed to get two smaller gropers.

We kept jigging and it was time to pack up. It was hard luck. Many say that full moon is not the day for fishing. Some called me personally after the trip to emphasize the fact that full moon is not productive for jigging. I have mixed results on full moon days. Should I restrict my bookings to new moon.?

Hope I will find answers one day!!