We’ve just had this great update on the 2024/25 seasons in Oman and Dubai from our friends at Ocean Active. Here’s all the latest from these two intriguing fisheries:
It’s been an incredible year in both Dubai and Oman, and we’re already gearing up for next season. First of all, season 20 wrapped up at the end of May and it proved one of the most successful yet.
The season started with a bang with Nick and Trevor welcoming Mohammed Al Faour into the fold as a part owner and adding two brand new fully equipped boats, trucks for both Oman and Dubai as well as lots of new toys. Our expert guide base also expanded, Ben Pellegrini joined Greg Maxwell in Oman and Nadeeka Pawan joined Ramesh Srimal in Dubai.
Dubai started September 2024 on the front foot. The first charter produced 35 queenies, mainly smaller fish typical of this time of the year. They may be on the small side but the sheer numbers make for lots of fun. We usually catch good numbers of those smaller fish in September and October, but this year was exceptional with cricket scores caught and all released safe and sound back into the Gulf to entertain us all another day, probably even bigger and stronger. Numbers of small fish tend to taper off after October/November as the water gets colder but the size of the fish increases to compensate as the larger ones come into shallow water following the large bait schools. This is also the time of year that we get shots at sizeable bonnies (false albacore relative) but they were noticeably scarce this year. As usual, there was the odd golden trevally caught but these tend to feed deeper and often the fly can’t get past the queenies.

Southern Oman had a stellar season all round, more fish, more clients, more trips and more targets. Starting after the Khareef has blown out in early October, Trachinotus Africanus showed their usual willingness to co-operate and accept a well-presented fly in the right place at the right time. This is a really fun time of the year with the fish being found quite close to home port and although the weather can get a little sketchy early season, it’s usually well worth the effort and then starts calming down middle of October. Things settled down into a regular pattern once the hectic period after the Khareef brought more predictable weather patterns. Water clarity makes sighting and casting to individual permit really exciting and, in our opinion, the pinnacle of the sport.

We’re currently taking a well earned rest after putting the boats and gear to bed for a few months after making sure everything is in tip top shape for early September. Everybody is looking forward to coming back relaxed and ready to hit the ground running.
Next season our operation in Oman will be spreading its wings. Together with our Omani partner, Around the Ocean, we will be adding a blue water fly option later in the season adding a possible sailfish, marlin or yellowfin tuna to the repertoire. We will still be stopping off inshore for a shot or two for a mahi, rainbow runner or bonnie but will also be offering the chance to run wider afield for bigger, more challenging game. When we started there was no fly fishing in the region and now there is a whole industry! We have come a long way and a lot of people joined the journey, clients and operators.
If you are heading through Dubai en-route to Seychelles, Oman, Tanzania, the Maldives or any other destination in the region, do consider Dubai for a day or two. Or if you are feeling adventurous and want to add the Africanus permit to your species list then Oman is definitely worth a look. Please contact Olly Thompson for more details and pricing or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.