Ask any angler in the UAE which fish they dream of and most will say hamour. The orange-spotted grouper is the Gulf’s favourite table fish, it fights hard near the bottom and a good one makes the whole boat cheer. Hamour fishing in Abu Dhabi is one of the trips our guests ask for most, and our specialist captains run it every week. Here is how it works.
Where hamour live
Hamour are bottom fish. They stay close to rocky ground, coral patches, ledges and wrecks, where they can hide and ambush smaller fish. Off Abu Dhabi that means the reef areas and structures outside the islands rather than open sand. Finding them is the captain’s job: our specialist captains read the depth sounder, know the marks that hold fish and move the boat until the bites start.
Bait and tackle that work
- Bait: fresh cut bait such as squid and small fish works best. The captain prepares it on board.
- Tackle: strong rods, heavy line and solid hooks. A hamour’s first move is to run back into the rocks, so you need power to turn it.
- Technique: drop the bait to the bottom, lift it slightly, feel for the knock and strike firmly. Then keep winding – the first metres decide the fight.
Why specialist trips last 6 hours
Hamour do not bite everywhere at once. The captain needs time to run to the right ground, try several marks and stay with the spot that is producing. That is why our specialist fishing trips start at 6 hours. Short trips are great for fun fishing close to the city, but if hamour is the target, give the sea the time it needs.
Best time of year
Abu Dhabi has fish all year, but the cooler months from autumn to spring are the most comfortable and very productive for bottom fishing. Early starts help in every season: calm morning water and cooler air make a long day on the reef easier. Your captain will suggest the best start time for the day you book.
Rules and good practice
The UAE protects hamour with size limits and seasonal rules, and our captains follow the current regulations on every trip. Undersized fish go back in the water, and we keep only what the group will eat. That is how the reefs stay full for the next trip.
What else bites on a hamour trip
Bottom fishing for hamour often brings other species too: emperor fish (sheri), snapper and bream are common, and the cooler fills up fast on a good day.
Hamour fishing FAQ
Do I need my own fishing gear?
No. Rods, reels, line, hooks and bait are on board, and the crew helps beginners rig and land their fish.
How long is a hamour trip?
Specialist trips with our specialist captains start at 6 hours, which gives time to reach the reef areas and try several spots.
Can beginners catch hamour?
Yes. The captain finds the fish and the crew shows you how to feel the bite and wind in. Many first-timers land their first hamour with us.
Can we keep the fish?
Yes, within the legal size limits. The crew can help clean the catch so you can take it home.
Book a hamour trip
Tell us your date, group size and that hamour is the target, and we will match you with a specialist captain and the right boat. See our fishing trips and boats.
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