Oman
Following the southern coast of Oman on a map leads to the Dhofar Governorate, which is considered a magical place even by the Omanis who live in a picturesque country. The region, covering 99,300 square kilometers and populated by 459,000 people, is the largest governorate in Oman.
The coast, stretching between the Al Qara Mountains and the Arabian Sea, forms a plain that is 2 to 15 kilometers wide. The mountains, towering at 900 to 1200 meters in certain areas, frame the sea, which features breathtaking white sand beaches and rocky headlands.
The geography is remarkable, and the area is abundant with historical significance, having been a vital trading center for centuries. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba’s palace was located in Khor Rori, a historical site close to Salalah.
Unlike other areas in the Arabian Peninsula, the Dhofar Governorate experiences a significant amount of rainfall during the monsoon season, locally known as Khareef, which falls in July and August. This season lowers the temperature, causes Wadis to overflow, and sends water cascading down the mountains, turning the region green. This effect is perpetual, making the area lush compared to the stark beauty of the rest of the peninsula.
Species
Inshore species consist of queenfish, golden trevally, yellow dot trevally, black tip trevally, pompano, bream, emperor, parrotfish, and bluefish. Offshore, anglers can target giant trevally, Amberjack, Sailfish, and Milkfish. And finally, The Trachinotus Africanus Permit species, available in Southern Oman, is one of the most sought-after targets for fly fishermen in the world.
Season
September to April
Accommodations
In collaboration with Ocean active, we have some great hotel and resort accommodation in Salalah just 30 minutes from the airport.
Perfect For
Single anglers, couples and small groupsFly Fishing
In 2016 Josh traveled to the middle east to fish with his good friend Nick Bowles, Owner of Ocean Active Fly, a fly fishing charter company that specializes in fly fishing in Oman and Dubai. Ocean Active has a longstanding relationship with fishing in Southern Oman dating back to the company’s beginnings 15 years ago.
They recently partnered with Around the Ocean, an established Omani Marine Company, to offer first-class fishing experiences and support the local fishing community.
Southern Oman is known for its remote and wild fishing, with giant trevally being the largest species available. Inshore fishing offers exciting opportunities for fly fishermen with queenfish, trevally, Pompano, bream, emperor, parrot fish, and bluefish. Offshore, anglers can target GTs, Amberjack, Sailfish, and Milkfish.
Southern Oman’s unique selling point is the presence of two species of permit: Indo Pacific Permit and Trachinotus Africanus. The latter species is one of the few viable fisheries in the world and is a challenging yet highly rewarding target for fly fishermen due to their size, environment, and sheer power.
TRAVEL PLAN
Several international airlines offer flights to Salalah, but we prefer to use Fly Dubai (a subsidiary of Emirates), Air Arabia, and Oman Air due to their daily flights from Dubai and Sharjah, which provides our clients with flexibility based on their desired length of stay in Dubai before their flight. Depending on the dates and schedule, the flights may be direct or via Muscat. We take care of arranging transportation from the airport to your hotel, and any transport required for excursions up or down the coast will be organized by us, ensuring that you are always in the right place at the right time.
LODGING
Located just 30 minutes away from the airport, Salalah offers excellent hotel and resort accommodations. Among them is the stunning Hawana Salalah, which boasts top-notch lodgings, delectable cuisine, refreshing pools, and a marina. The resort features a promenade that encircles the marina, complete with shops, restaurants, and a welcoming ambiance.
If we plan on embarking on excursions up and down the coast, we may opt for the more traditional Omani Guesthouses, which offer comfortable lodgings and a unique experience in Oman. These guesthouses also provide us with access to remote fishing and other areas.
