One of the secret weapons in targeting Africanus permit at the Salalah fishery in Southern Oman is fishing on the spring tide. These permit are distinct from their flats feeding cousins as they congregate and feed on the semi-exposed mussel beds that sit against the base of huge cliffs dropping vertically into the ocean. To target Africanus on the mussel beds requires just the right amount of water washing over their feeding grounds. If you do hook up, it’s a visceral experience and can be quite chaotic in these gnarly conditions!

Salala, Oman, permit fishing, Aardvark McLeod

The guides know the fishery well enough to be able to give clients shots regardless of tide but if you want the whole tailing fish, targeted cast, exact fly placement and (maybe, perhaps, sometimes) eat then spring tides are optimal.

Below is the list of suggested optimal fishing dates, based around the spring tides, for the coming 2026/2027 season. For the last 6 seasons these dates have usually been booked first so the early bird catches the worm or permit!

Salala season 2026/2027 starts in October 2026

Sala season 2027/2028 starts in October 2027

Don’t be discouraged if you can’t book an optimal tide, the experienced guides will always a plan and try hard to put you onto fish regardless.

If you would like further information on fishing in Oman and Salalah, please contact Olly Thompson for more details and pricing or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.

Charlotte Opperman, Aardvark McLeod

About the author

Charlotte Opperman

Charlotte's primary role at Aardvark McLeod is all things marketing – but she’s also got a keen eye for what appeals to the part-time fisher