Catch of the day [Fishing]
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On Sunday at 04:00, I depart for Oman, I will be fishing with 3 of my regular fishing chums. We will be fishing the Hallaniyat Islands, that are about 30 miles offshore of the mainland in the south of the country. We have booked for 8 days of fishing, but the weather is looking iffy and variable, so we may only get 6 days fishing. getting to and from the Islands when there is wind and swell is challenging, to say the least, so we may have to leave early to catch a decent weather window. I have fished the Islands a few times before, but this is the first time we will actually be based there (which cuts out the gruelling 1-2 hours trips there and back), so we should get more fishing in per day, and also we can fish from the shore if the weather is too bad to take the boat out. Our primary target is Giant Trevally, and they love ripping currents over shallow reefs, so wind and waves adds a little to the excitement.
It will be a multi species trip, and could easily catch Bream, Dorado, Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Permit, Milkfish, Spangled Emperor, etc etc etc. So packing the appropriate tackle to cover all bases and stay within airline luggage limits has been a challenge. I've narrowed it down to 8 outfits ranging from PE2 to PE12 plus an AFTM 7 fly outfit. I have dozens of lure and flies running the gamut of sizes. Which leaves me with about 5kg for clothes and non-essentials like that.
Mini-goal is to catch a Spangled Emperor on a fly.....
Medium-goal is a Dorado on a PE2 or 4 outfit (or fly)
Max-goal is a 50kg GT (on anything)
Ultimate Goal is to break by 60kg GT Personal BestI am stoked......
"OK face up to it - you're useless but generally pretty honest and straightforward . . . it's a rare combination of qualities that I have come to admire in you" - Geo 2011
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Sounds like you’re bound for maximum fun @Giles . I’ll look forward to your trip pics!
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@Giles I wish you the best of luck!!! Both travels and on the end of the line. Is that new waterproof jacket (from the video) part of the 5kg?
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It is indeed.
One of the group, Robert has pulled out. He had a massive heart attack about 5 months ago, optician in his late 40's from Poland, spent about 4 weeks in hospital in Hamburg. He's anxious about being so remote and potentially being stuck on the island if he needs help. Poor sod had bought 4 rods for the trip.....
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An interesting thing about the Hallaniyat Islands is that the residents don't pay for any utilities (just internet), all electricity, water etc is paid for by the local Sheikh, as are all trips to and from the mainland, they also effectively get free housing from the state. I am really looking forwards to spending some time their and getting to know some of the locals.
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Fishing isn’t the number caught, but the stories told, laughter shared, and the tears shed. May your belly hurt from laughter, your eyes be dry from joy, your stories be epic, and your lines be taught! Wish you and all the best in this journey and can’t wait to hear of your adventures.
Love to all!!
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Our weapon of choice:
The weather is too fierce to attempt the crossing to the island today. It's a 100km transit, half of it across open water, and captain does not want to put us or the boat through that much shit. We may get some fishing from the shore here later today, but currently just setting up rods, tying leaders and lounging around...
I'm guessing where we will land at the Island:
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Discussing this with him last night. This is the last week that they will attempt to fish this season. The other operators that work the Islands (from the mainland) have already stopped. If the weather is kind, he says it will be the best week of the year, he's as excited as we are. He thinks we should be able to cross tomorrow.
Oh and The Amberjacks are in
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@Giles That looks like a grueling 100km trip in those waves. I suppose supplies to the island, as well as people getting on and off are weather dependent too, or do they travel by plane/helicopter?
Is local catch being served up nearby to wet the whistle for what's to come?
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I showed the route to the Captain, he said, "no we go straight, need to do it in as short a time as possible", the nearest rescue boats are 600km away
So more like this:
Only 25 families live on the island, they get provisioned by boat. No airstrip. The operation we are with provisions themselves, so the boat will have a load of groceries on it when we make the trip.
I am guessing we will eat the best eating fish that we catch, that is the norm here.
