Marine Chronicles: A Day of Mystery and Triumph with Captain Ali

 

This marks my second-to-last trip of the year alongside Captain Ali, and with 21 out of 22 trips booked, anticipation runs high. Having returned empty-handed on November 26th at Khorfakkan, the desire for substantial catches intensifies. Captain Ali, a few days before the trip, suggests packing 120-180 grams jigs for fast jigging and a 30 grams jig for casting with a light setup targeting long-tail tuna if there's topwater activity. He adds a twist, mentioning red snappers and the prospect of slow jigging.

Starting at the usual 5 AM, I'm armed with a 210 grams Nomad high ridge with zebra stripes jig for fast jigging at our initial spot. Upon reaching, Captain reveals the depth to be 140 meters, prompting a switch to a sea floor arc 310 grams jig. The first drift yields success—a fellow angler hooks an Amberjack after a spirited fight. Excitement courses through the group, setting a positive tone. We switch locations, reaching depths of 180 to 220 meters. Constantly changing jigs pays off, and after a few hours, I land a Belt fish with a 290 grams jig. Using the Poseidon slow jerker 603-6 with an Ocea jigger 4000HG reel, the Poseidon rig proves its worth. Success follows as I reel in a grouper and a sultan Ibrahim, culminating in a satisfying catch—a medium-sized long-tail tuna.

The highlight of the day unfolds when a monstrous fish takes a fellow angler's jig at 40 meters deep. Despite the reel pushed to its limits, the fish persists. Captain Ali takes over, suspecting a Huge Marlin or a large shark. Unlike typical Marlins, this one refuses to surface, adding an air of mystery. Unfortunately, the line snaps at the leader end, leaving us in suspense.

Undeterred, we try trolling with a buoy and small Bonitos, but luck eludes us. On the way back, spotting topwater activity leads to casting for small, long-tail tunas, yet the effort yields no catches.

Overall, it's been a remarkable day at sea. Captain Ali and I decide to plan future trips targeting sailfish and Marlin later in the year, promising more thrilling adventures on the horizon

Epic Jigging Adventure in Oman: Tuna Triumphs, Deep Sea Feasts, and Unforgettable Fights

 

Embarking on a journey into the heart of Oman's rich waters, I found myself entangled in the excitement of a deep-sea jigging trip with a seasoned angler, Dr. Angler, and a group of experienced enthusiasts. Despite my initial hesitation, the promise of a bountiful catch lured me into the adventure, setting the stage for an unforgettable day on the open sea.

Setting Sail at Dawn:

With only five anglers on board, all seasoned veterans, we set out from my home at 1 AM. After a border crossing at Kathm, a brief hour of sleep recharged our spirits as we eagerly anticipated the adventures that awaited us. The boat beckoned, and as dawn broke, we were ready to tackle the challenge that lay ahead.

Jigging at Shinas:

Our destination was Shinas, a promising spot where Yellowfin Tuna were rumored to be just 80 miles away. The first fishing spot, a mere 25 minutes from the shore, delivered quick successes for fellow anglers with long-tail Tuna. Equipped with a Seafloor Control Arc jig, I cast my line into the depths, initially without success. Frustration mounted as the lean patch continued, but the allure of the deep kept me focused.

Persistence Pays Off:

Switching to a Deepliner Spy jig as we ventured into deeper waters, my luck remained elusive. However, the tide turned when I opted for a Seafloor Control Arrow, recalling its success with groupers on previous trips. The anticipation heightened as I felt a subtle tug, set the hook, and reeled in a prized long-tail Tuna—a moment I had long awaited.

Feast on the High Seas:

As midday approached, Yus suggested a break, and we indulged in a feast of freshly caught Greater Amber Jack, skipjack, and red tail scad. With Yus's culinary skills, a delectable fish curry complemented the meal, a true testament to the ocean's generosity.

The Resurgence of the Current:

Revitalized after lunch, I resumed jigging in the face of varying currents. Adapting to the challenging conditions, I switched between jigs, from 400 grams to the reliable Seafloor Control Arrow. The fish responded, and the fight intensified. Amidst the tumultuous currents, I proudly landed a Big Eye Snapper, capturing the essence of the diverse marine life beneath.

The Thrill of the Fight:

The increasing current added a new dimension to the battle with the long-tail Tuna. Their resistance seemed doubled, harnessing the current to resist capture. Engaged in a captivating struggle, I learned to leverage the ebb and flow, savoring every moment of the exhilarating fight.

A Day Well Spent:

Returning to port, our day culminated in a well-deserved meal at a local restaurant, where BBQ camel meat and burgers became the perfect finale to a remarkable fishing adventure. With the camaraderie of a seasoned team, I reflected on the day's triumphs and the shared joy of a day well spent on the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.

Jigging Adventure with Captain Ali - November 26, 2023

 

Embarking on a highly anticipated jigging trip with Captain Ali and a group of fellow anglers promised excitement and the thrill of the unknown. As we prepared for our adventure, the weather took an unexpected turn with rain and high winds forecasted. The winds in Dubai were visibly strong, setting the stage for a challenging yet thrilling day on the water. Adding to the intrigue, cloud seeding activities added an air of mystery to the already dynamic conditions.

Two days of uncertain weather culminated in a strategic decision by Captain Ali to start the trip at 6 AM. With the coast guard monitoring conditions closely, the call to begin our expedition was granted at 6 AM as expected and we set off.

Our day commenced at 7:30 AM with high hopes, but the first two hours yielded no bites. Undeterred, we shifted to our second spot, a drift between 180-200 meters deep. This decision proved to be the turning point of the day.

Throughout the day, our persistence paid off. One angler skillfully hooked a Longtail Tuna, while an impressive 17.5-kilogram Amberjack was reeled in by another. The bounty continued with various anglers securing belt fish, although my own encounter with a particularly feisty one resulted in the loss of around 200 meters of line.

In the midst of our fishing endeavors, a dramatic incident unfolded. A fellow angler accidentally dropped his rod with the reel into the deep waters. As we watched the sinking rod with disbelief, a collective effort ensued to retrieve it. In an unexpected twist of fate, as I jigged at the bottom, my line entangled with something unusual. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the lost rod and reel, submerged nearly 200 meters below the surface. Our successful recovery became the highlight of the day, a stroke of luck amidst the challenges of the deep sea.

Despite the intermittent successes, the elusive nature of the sea kept me without a single nibble on my line for the entire day. Even after changing jigs and adjusting rod setups, the sea remained mysterious and unrevealing. The experience, coupled with the fact that it was a full moon day, left me pondering the intricate dance between lunar phases and fishing outcomes.

As the boat returned to the harbor, the memories of the day lingered, a testament to the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of deep-sea jigging. While my personal catch eluded me, the camaraderie, unexpected twists, and the thrill of the depths left an indelible mark on this unforgettable jigging excursion.

"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!!