Oman’s coastline is formed of sprawling sandy beaches, secluded rocky bays and sheer jagged cliffs that plunge dramatically into the ocean. With the Gulf of Oman in the north and the Arabian Sea in the south (a region of the north Indian ocean), Oman’s landscape is truly diverse.
Oman’s diverse waters offer the unique opportunity to cover a wide variety of fishing in a relatively compact area. What is unique about fishing in Oman is the ability to combine a range of fishing types, both on and offshore, into one holiday. This makes it a genuinely flexible operation that can offer a wide range of experiences. The inshore and offshore boats based as well as the beach fishing is all available in one location. Each day, there are no long journeys as the drop-off, and inshore fishing is just a few minutes from the dock. This allows you to maximise your time on the water rather than spending hours running to the fishing grounds. How you tailor your day will be down to your preferences and the tides are doing at that point in time.
Costal and Beach Fishing
Fishing from the shore in Oman is an adventure not for the faint-hearted, often requiring a hike to reach remote beaches. Once there, be ready for an intense experience, running along the shoreline to chase the elusive Indo-Pacific Permit in shallow waters, or casting for large spot pompano and bluefish. During certain seasons, you may even spot a Giant Trevally (GT) patrolling the coast in search of mullet or sardines.
In the morning, anglers can target large schools of tailing Permit (T. Africanus), Omani Bream, Milkfish, Queenfish, Bluefish, Pompano, and various Trevally species. These fish can be found near towering cliffs, or in the shallow waters of secluded bays and beaches.
Africanus Permit
Salalah is the crown jewel of Omani fly fishing and the only place in the world where anglers can reliably pursue the Africanus permit. During the peak season, from October to April, anglers can expect daily opportunities to hook these fish. Known as the ultimate fighter among the permit family, the Africanus lives in shallow, rocky areas, feeding on mussel beds. It’s challenging to hook and even tougher to land, especially in the strong swells and currents near towering cliffs. Their raw power in shallow waters and rocky areas rivals that of the GT, with a strong possibility of being broken off on the reef – making for an unforgettable experience.
Offshore Fishing
Should you wish the afternoon can offer a change of pace, with the option to head offshore for a session trolling for billfish and Dorado near the drop-off, or casting to large schools of tuna feeding near the surface. The offshore boats are fully kitted with all the latest equipment to get you quickly and comfortably to the action. As well as the guides being very familiar with catching offshore species on fly the boats are also kitted With a full range of top-of-the-line conventional and spinning gear and an extensive array of teasers and lures. Teasing pelagics is also one of the specialities of the operation. There is nothing like seeing the bill of a lit-up sailfish/Marlin or a neon green Dorado inhale your fly just feet from the boat.
Accommodation
Located just 20 minutes from Salalah International airport in the picturesque marina promenade of Hawana, sits the Juweira Boutique Hotel. This beautiful 4* hotel is situated along the white sandy beaches of the Arabian sea with a stunning backdrop of the Jebel Samhan mountains.
The hotel offers luxurious deluxe rooms as well as marina suites which provide a perfect place to relax after a day out on the water. Amenities include two restaurants, a bar, two large swimming pools and a state of the art wellness centre.
The floating dock is located at the end of the hotel so anglers simply need to hop off the boat after a full day’s fishing and the comforts of their hotel will be immediately available.
Whether in Oman purely to fish or to fish as part of a much wider ranging holiday, please contact Olly Thompson for more details and pricing or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.