The UAE is an amazing place for all manner of outdoor activities. Whether you are interested in swimming, theme parks, outdoor sports, or water-related activities, the Emirates have it all. You can even try wakeboarding or efoiling with Yeprent for a truly unique water experience.
Another classic activity that Emiratis love is fishing. After all, with great weather all year round, magnificent waters, and seemingly endless numbers of fish, you’re sure to have a great experience.
There are some things you need to look out for, though. In order to make your fishing experience as fulfilling as possible, keep in mind the following points:
Know what you’re looking for
In order to really be successful in fishing anywhere in the world, it’s a good idea to know what kind of fish you want to catch because this will help you understand how to find them. Different fish have different diets, biological makeups, and habits, of course, so do your research in advance and see what you can learn before you set out to fish.
Decide on the right location
Some places are definitely better for fishing than others. Before you head out with your rods, it would be a good idea to do some research on the best points to fish in. Look for areas containing shallow water, and if possible, look for rocks or things like submerged wood. You might be surprised at where large numbers of fish tend to gather.
Check your equipment
The quality of your equipment makes a difference in the likelihood of your getting a good catch. Ideally, you should use a rod and reel combination that you can use for both bait and lure fishing. Be sure that you have a tackle box, as well as proper sunglasses, and a rod holder.
Know how to keep your equipment and supplies in order
Beyond having the right equipment, you should be familiar with techniques for how to keep your supplies and equipment in top shape.
For example, you should know how to tie the right kind of knots, and retie them often as loose knots will worsen your chances of making catches.
You should also make sure that your hooks are sharp, and that you have a file to sharpen them if necessary. In addition, it is a good idea to change your tackle on a regular basis.
Know the rules!
Be sure that you are familiar with the regulations in the place you want to fish.
First of all, you need to have a fishing license. You should also be familiar with the UAE Federal Law 23 that protects aquatic wildlife and designates the places where you can and cannot fish legally. In addition, the law bans fishing during the fertilization and reproduction seasons, and it also designates the size of fish that can be legally caught.
Check the forecast
Check the weather forecast. Even though the weather in Dubai is close to idyllic, you never know when you will hit a really windy day. This can make trying to fish more trouble than it is worth, so be sure you check the forecast for any day you plan to head out.
Think about the color of the lures that you will use
The color of your lures actually makes a significant difference in your likelihood of catching fish. Both the depth and clarity of the water will determine what color you should be using. If you have clear water, for example, you should use natural colors. If you have a light sky, you should use correspondingly light colors, and dark ones for a dark sky.
Remember that different fish like different types of bait
Not all fish are the same, of course, so look into what bait would be best for whatever kind of fish you’re looking for. It could make a big difference in what you catch.
Involve the locals
It wouldn’t hurt to venture out with others who are already seasoned at fishing in the area. They can give you hints on the best places to go, and provide tips on any variables that have helped them in the past.
Remember the rules about safety!
You should always have a life jacket with you, just in case of emergency, and be sure to bring plenty of water. The days in Dubai can be scorchingly hot.
Keep all these things in mind and you are sure to have a great fishing experience. You need to be patient, though; don’t expect that you will catch tons of fish on your very first outing, or that you will get them quickly.
Fishing in the Emirates is about the whole experience of taking a day for yourself, your friends, or your family, enjoying the weather, and being able to relax with an enjoyable activity. And if you’re lucky, yes, you’ll go home with a great catch.