Fujairah: Fly Fishing Capital of the UAE

The Al Bawaba news service is promoting the Fly-Fishing Academy in Fujairah

Here is the news statement:

In Brief
Fujairah’s Famed Fly-Fishing Academy Re-opens for the Sporting Season
Le Méridien Al Aqah Welcomes Amateurs and Professionals to Participate on the Open Waters
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Details
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is once again confirming the popularity of water sports with GCC residents by announcing the mark of its renowned Fly Fishing Academy, opening just in time for the impending sporting season in December 2007.

Fly fishing is a seasonal activity which requires a great deal of skill and patience.

Run under the aegis of acclaimed fisherman Martin James, the Fujairah Salt Water Fly Fishing Academy teaches traditional angling method in which artificial flies are tied out of materials such as fur and feather onto a hook to imitate naturally occurring food. Rods are generally light while the lines are heavy, providing the perfect weight and momentum for casting.

Situated on the dramatic stretch of coastline adjacent to the Hajar Mountains, the Academy is, according to James, perfectly situated:
“With its densely populated and flat waters, the Gulf is perfect for this style of fishing,” said James.
“Moreover, Fujairah, in contrast to Dubai and the windy West Coast, is particularly suitable,” he added.

James, a proud recipient of the eminent Lord Mason’s Illuminated Scroll award - the most prestigious recognition within the angling world - has never traveled without his rod and since his first visit to the UAE in 1992, has been enthralled by the seas surrounding the Gulf. With his expertise throughout the years, his tutorials offer anglers of all abilities the necessary insight and expert tuition required for the sport.

“The equipment required for fly fishing is minimal and is consequently an ideal pursuit for tourists,” James continued.
“Unlike more conventional methods of angling, fly fishing is less messy and does not involve live bait but a hook covered in silk furs which, when combined with an expert cast, imitates a bait fish.”

James is also encouraging both women and children to take part in this year’s activity, as the sport is not physically extensive and nor does it require additional strength when angling, “I am there to offer help and expertise at all times. Don’t be afraid to ask any question. All participants will have my undivided attention at all times”, commented James.

The academy offers a range of courses and expert tuition and covers all aspects of the sport, from the various methods of tying knots, to the mechanics of casting and the use of floating, sinking and intermediate lines. The course includes one night’s accommodation at Le Méridien Al Aqah, with rates starting from AED 1,650. It also includes a half day classroom session, dinner with Martin and a five hour fishing Charter in the deep Blue Indian Ocean. The program is scheduled to run from December 12th to December 17th. Registration deadline for this hooking sport is December 1st, 2007.

“It’s an addictive activity,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

“Since the academy’s opening, I have been captivated by the sport and I am already getting my rod ready in anticipation,” Antaki concludes.

The full article can be found at Al Bawaba, 15 November 2007.

I wrote about Fly Fishing earlier in this year in this article, with a similar title: Fujairah: Fishing capital of the UAE

This article also has a link to discovering more about Martin James, why he likes fishing in Fujairah and photographs of the fish that he and others have caught.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Martin James with a bonito caught in Fujairah waters (photo courtesy of Martin’s web site).