Fishing in Muscat Governorate

Located along the northeastern coast of Oman, Muscat Governorate blends centuries of seafaring tradition with some of the most underrated sportfishing in the Arabian Peninsula. With the capital city Muscat as its anchor, the governorate boasts a dramatic mix of desert landscapes, steep coastal cliffs, and deep, fish-rich waters. The region is ideally situated along the Gulf of Oman, offering fast access to both offshore pelagic fishing and inshore reef and bottom fishing within sight of the shoreline. The climate is arid and subtropical, with warm temperatures year-round and peak fishing conditions during the cooler months from October to April. Muscat’s fishing heritage is woven into daily life—from traditional dhow boats to bustling fish markets—and today it’s home to a growing recreational fishing scene supported by modern marinas, knowledgeable captains, and world-class marine biodiversity.

Fishing in Muscat Governorate is exclusively saltwater-based, with excellent opportunities for offshore heavy tackle fishing, inshore light tackle fishing, and bottom fishing near reefs and rocky headlands. The waters off Al Mouj Marina, Sidab, and Mutrah provide quick access to prime grounds for trolling and jigging, with deep drop-offs located within a few nautical miles of the coast. Offshore fishing targets fast-moving pelagic species, while inshore trips focus on the productive reefs, bays, and rocky structures for a variety of hard-fighting and delicious species. Shore-based options also exist, particularly for light tackle spinning and bait fishing along the coast or near jetties and cliffs. For those looking for a unique cultural experience, traditional dhow boat charters are also available.

Muscat’s offshore waters are home to some of the region’s top game fish. Anglers can target sailfish, yellowfin tuna, longtail tuna, mahi-mahi (dorado), wahoo, and barracuda, especially from October to May when conditions are ideal. Black marlin and king mackerel are also caught, though less frequently than other pelagics. Closer to shore, reefs and rocky areas hold hamour (grouper), jobfish, emperor, trevally, snapper, and queenfish. Golden trevally, giant trevally (GT), and spangled emperor are prized targets for lure and fly anglers. Cobia can also appear nearshore during the right season. The variety of species and techniques makes Muscat a year-round, high-action destination for saltwater anglers.

Trolling with lures and rigged bait is the primary method for offshore pelagic species like tuna, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. Skippers typically run multiple lines with skirts, plugs, or ballyhoo, adjusting speeds and depths based on conditions and target species. Jigging and popper casting are popular for kingfish, trevally, and other aggressive predators near reefs and offshore structures. Bottom fishing with natural bait—such as squid, sardines, or cut fish—is highly productive over reefs and drop-offs, especially for grouper, snapper, and emperor species. Live baiting is occasionally used for kingfish and cobia. For inshore anglers, light spinning gear with jigs, soft plastics, or metal lures works well for queenfish, trevally, and barracuda. A special trick of Omani captains is “fishing with the dolphins”: as the dolphins chase the tuna, the boat joins the chase, gets ahead, and throws its baited hooks out - or so the story goes. Book your fishing trip in Oman and find out for yourself!