You can go fishing in Abu Dhabi all year, but the season, the time of day and the weather all change what you catch and how comfortable the trip is. Here is how the year looks for anglers.
Fishing seasons at a glance
| Months | Conditions | Fishing | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October – December | Pleasant, calm seas | Excellent | Kingfish, hammour, queenfish |
| January – March | Cool, sometimes windy | Excellent | Kingfish, trevally, barracuda |
| April – May | Warm | Good | Queenfish, reef fish |
| June – September | Hot – early starts | Good | Reef fish, sultan Ibrahim |
Autumn and winter: peak season
From October the water cools and the big predators become active again. This is the best time for deep sea fishing and trolling for kingfish. Winter days are comfortable from morning to sunset, so full-day trips are easy.
Spring: warm and productive
April and May are still productive, especially for queenfish and reef fish. Plan morning or late-afternoon trips as temperatures rise.
Summer: go early
From June to September the heat is the main challenge. Book a 4-hour trip starting at sunrise and focus on bottom fishing for reef fish – the bites keep coming and you are back before midday.
Best time of day
- Early morning – the most active feeding time and the coolest weather.
- Late afternoon to sunset – a second feeding window and beautiful light.
- Midday – fine in winter, hot in summer.
Weather and wind
Strong winds can make the sea rough, especially in winter. Your captain checks the forecast and the Coast Guard notices before every trip and may change the time or route for safety.
Seasonal fishing rules
Some species are protected during their breeding season and many have minimum sizes. Your captain follows the current rules and releases protected fish.
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