Sharm El Sheikh

[johnp4455]

Has anyone fished the Red sea ? I,m off to Sharm in March and was wondering if you can fish there. I think the Red sea is a national park or something !! Thanks very much.

[bushie]

hi john.i went to sharm last year.i could'nt find any fishing over there.you got to be 20 miles off shore or something like that.its a no no from the shore.its a great place to dive.i only went snokling when i was there.the fish life on the reefs is magic.im hoping to go again soon to take my paddy.you will have a great time there it wont be as hot as we had it.it was in the 50's bloody hot.if i can help in any way please ask or PM me.


bushie:)

[johnp4455]

Thanks Bushie,
I think i,ll stick to the snorkeling.

[PanamaJack]

Over the years, but the most recent experience was 10 years ago, some of our members have experimented with reef and offshore sport fishing out of Elait and Hurgarda. They caught the usual things trolling Barracuda, small Tunas and some Snapper species over the reef. But, from memory, it wasn't terribly inspiring! Although subsequently we did see photographs of a small Blue Marlin and some Sailfish one of the skippers they'd used caught out of Eliat.

However within the last couple of months I did get a flier from an operation based in Hurgarda. Here's the url of their web site - http://g_host2004.webstrikesolutions.com/index.asp and it operates under the name of Egyptfishing.com. So just to stress I've no experience of their operation, but their web site will at least show you of what's available in that part of the Red Sea.

The issue at Sharm El Sheikh appears from the previous respondent's experience going to be getting access to a boat. As you said the snorkeling sounds good!

[marktheshark]

Hullo John
I've not fished Sharm but I did visit Eilat a few years back and tried off the shore there. Not brilliant, I'm afraid. The locals seem to use 12-14ft continental-style poles and small hooks to hammer small coral-fish. Most of the restaurants had local grouper on the menu, but the most plentiful fish in the markets were farmed gilthead bream or Nile perch.
I tried livebait fishing around the coral reefs with no luck, but I did catch a string of small barracuda (up to 2lb) after dark on a small Bass Bullet lure spun slowly over the sand alongside a reef. I also had a couple of jacks the size of your hand on an epoxy fry using fly gear.
I must say that while snorkelling I didn't see many large fish, except for parrotfish, and very few predators. One thing that was very plentiful, and not shy of taking small livebait, was lionfish. Pliers and extreme care needed to unhook those - the spines carry a nasty venom.
Tried trolling off a boat too, but I was misled by the booking agent; it was one of the gulet-type schooners, not a fishing boat, the skipper didn't know or give a **** about fishing, and we were on a barbeque/cruise; so whatever's offshore doesn't take Rapalas, tuna heads, poppers or muppets trolled off the back of a large party boat!
Hope it's of some help. I went in November; the temperature should be higher when you go and that might liven things up.
Let us know how you do

[taff2]

hi i have fished sharm from a boat found out later it is a no no some boats will do it the diving is brill

[MMansour]

Hi everyone
Regarding fishing in sharm it used to be a world class fishery which is now turned into a sanctuary.So there is NO fishing there nowadays unfortunately.The other option you would have would be to go to Eltor which is about an hours drive by car or take the ferry to hurghada(2 hours) that is if you are really into trolling.Its worth the effort. As far as shore fishing i think its not worth trying. If i can be of any help send me a mail i'd be very happy to help you

[stonefish]

I've been to Sharm, Hurghada and Taba. Five years ago in Hurghada I asked the tour rep to arrange a boat for fishing. He came up with a day tripper boat and 2 **** rods with no tip rings. We trolled on the way out to an island. The scouse bloke on the other rod (never fished before) hooked into a Spanish Mackerel (I think) about 15 lb+. He posed for a photo with the lure still in it's mouth, when it flipped and the trebles got caught in his shorts, with those sharp teeth snapping at his tackle. What a panic, those shorts came off so fast in front everybody!!
I did take a 4 piece travel rod to sharm 2 years ago. Fishing I believe is a no no, but I wasn't stopped when I tried spinning , plugs, poppers etc early morning and evening.
I fished the Ras um Sid area near the Beach Albatross Hotel. No luck but I saw loads of decent fish, trevally, barracuda, rays etc while snorkelling the same area. I reckon bottom fishing could be really productive, prawns always works with me abroad.
Check the laws first or be really careful. You could always plead ignorance.
As a guide, much of the Sharm area is serviced by floating jetties for snorkelling, this is because the first 20/30 yards or so is dead coral,about 2 ft deep, then there is a15/20 ft drop off, a coral wall to a sandy bottom interspersed with coral formations and loads of fish, some big.
Tony.

[EgyptAngler]

Great forum! This is my first posting.

I would like to confirm that fishing in Sharm El-Sheikh is not allowed. As some postings pointed out, it's a protected national park. For those who practiced fishing there, I would say they were lucky they were not spotted by the park rangers. However, we never heard from those who have been! LOL.

I fish the Red Sea too frequently. Way too frequently, indeed! I believe that Hurghada and some spots along Suez Gulf are the best. Although El-Tur is the nearest city to Sharm El-Sheikh, I don't believe it's the best fishing spot. As a matter of fact I didn't like it much--very basic boats and no good fishing. This is my own experience after over 10 fishing trips there.

I would be honored to answer enquiries about fishing on the western bank of the Red Sea.

[terry f.]

Many thanks for your input MMansour and EgyptAngler and can I welcome you both to the forum....

Terry F.

[EgyptAngler]

Thanks, Terry F. for your warm welcome.

Tight lines to all.

[EgyptAngler]

Hello again everybody.
Here are a few pics from Sharm El-Sheikh fishing trips. Enjoy

[Yoman]

Hello Johnp4455!

How was your fishing last year in Sharmel Sheikh? I will go to Sharm in first days of April. What you can suggest for fishing out there.
What is the best way to fish there? Is it trolling or bottom fishing?

My be someone else was at Sharm latly.

Thank you

[Mikeyg]

Hi.
Anybody fished at Taba. Boat or shore?

[stonefish]

Hi.
Anybody fished at Taba. Boat or shore?

Been to Taba twice, stayed at the Hyatt and Intercontinental. I beleive the area is protected against fishing but may be wrong. Great place to dive, snorkel or just chill. Snorkelling from the Hyatt is awesome, loads of fish, stingrays, turtles, barracuda etc. You may find a quiet spot around the coast to fish, imagine it could be ok for spinning.

[seanyboy]

I am new to the forum so hello to you all,

I fished the Red Sea in August 2006 aboard the , "New PianoBoat" out of Hurghada.

We had five nights out at sea, mainly in the Suez Channel area.

Trolling was not productive, apparently winter and spring are the best times for catching on this method.

The wind was a problem but on the last day it eased and we had a fantastic time on the GT's.

Night fishing is good on light tackle with mainly snapper, jacks and congars.

Overall the place has huge potential, especially fishing for GT's. It is cheap but bear in mind that you have to eat local boat food for 6 days, which was not a problem for me but was for some of my crew.

Also some of the snorkelling we did was fantastic as we had to achore inside reefs for lunch and at night.

Here are some pics, one is me with the best GT of around 45lb caught on a bit popper, the other is our group with some of the night fishing catch.
I seem to have difficulties inserting the Pics so have a look at this link.

http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b248/scahill301/egypt%20trip/

All the best

Seanyboy

[EgyptAngler]

Hello to all.

Being in close proximity to Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, sailing and water sports in Taba are limited by law. However, boat fishing is allowed, but close to Egyptian borders and, surprisingly, only for trolling! No still fishing is permitted. Probably to avoid anchorage, which destroys the corals. I'm not sure about shore fishing, but hotel marinas are usually a very good place to fish, especially by night. Make sure to ask the frond desk first to avoid getting into legal troubles.

As for the GT's, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez are considered good "lands", and for several months per year. We troll for GT's most of the time, but sometimes also popper for them at certain spots. Poppering reveals bigger sizes (our record is 45kg), but requires fewer number of anglers on the boat, and a LOT of body energy! LOL

Here are some GT poppering photos:
http://www.egyptfishing.com/species02.asp
http://www.egyptfishing.com/gt2006/DSCF0032.JPG
http://www.egyptfishing.com/gt2006/DSCF0071.JPG
http://www.egyptfishing.com/gt2006/DSCF0076.JPG
http://www.egyptfishing.com/gt2006/DSCF0089.JPG

Although I never personally had any, I've witnessed many incidences of catching GT, wahoo, amberjack, and cobia on still fishing--especially just before twilight, with a live sardine or small squirrel fish kept from last night's catch. These predator species are mainly caught on trolling.

Happy fishing to all!

[EgyptAngler]

Correction:
The page I submitted contains both poppering and trolling pictures. But individual photos are all poppering. Apologies.

[flippermartin]

Hi to everyone, this is my first time on this forum.

I am going to Sharm in mid January and staying at the sultan gardens resort in sharks bay. Is it correct that I can't fish from the beach due to the coral and off the jetties?

If that's the case, can anyone advise me on any fishing trips, who and where as it would be nice to go on one if possible. Thanks.

[EgyptAngler]

Flippermartin.

Sorry I didn't see your post until too late! You must have had your trip, and probably have some fishing stories to tell us (leave lies aside for now!) Did you do some fishing in Sharm El-Sheikh?

For those of us who have questions about fishing in Sharm El-Sheikh, this link may be useful:
http://g_host2004.webstrikesolutions.com/Sharm_El-Sheikh.asp

Happy fishing!
EA

[St.Peter]

Going to Sharm in a week or 2 was wondering if there was any up 2 date info. Boat names I should be looking for. New web sites? Should I go here or change my trip to Aqaba? I found this sight for Aqaba http://www.aqabadeep.com/home_page.html it’s more professional looking than anything I have found for Sharm. Please any info or suggestions would be more than welcomed.

[EgyptAngler]

Dear St. Peter.

I don't fully understand the reason behind your post.

Why would you have to change your destination to Aqaba? If you will be traveling anywhere in a week or 2, then by all means you should know by now where you will be going, have all bookings, reservations, tickets in place, and certainly know if you will be there in 1 or 2 week's time!!

Sorry, but once again, I don't fully understand the reason behind your post.

[St.Peter]

I’m currently staying in Jordan. My wife and I have not decided 100% on anything yet. All we know is that we are going somewhere. So i would rather to go to the best available fishing destination whether it is Aqaba or Sherm. Just looking for a little input/guidance for my upcoming trip. Sorry for the confusion.

[TomBettle]

Sharm certainly won't be the best available destination as fishing is still not allowed.

[St.Peter]

Tom fihing is banned from land i know but i thought you were able to boat fish.

[Roller]

This isn't Sharm El Sheik , but its Isreal take a look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19G_oSZlaws

[TomBettle]

Tom fihing is banned from land i know but i thought you were able to boat fish.

You have to get yourself way out offshore (can't remember how far, but it's something like 15 miles????) or certainly outside of the National Park which is pretty much the whole region.

I was there a couple of years ago on a typical "Winter Sun" holiday and tried to find a day out offshore. The only boats were either one of the local ski boats would take you for the day or you'd end up collaring one of the snorkel boats (big old tubs). Either way it was expensive and the outfits didn't seem to be more than tourist catchers.... I didn't see a professional angling charter at all, and I did look.

It's a fantastic place for a holiday. Full of culture, warm sun and stunning water based wildlife (didn't see many predators apart from a couple of angel shark and small barracuda), but I would say it is the last place I'd go for an angling holiday if I had expectations of much more than a bit of reef based angling fun.

Tom

[St.Peter]

Well thanks for the information Tom. Well i guess ill be doing 3 days of relaxing then. I'm all booked to be there Monday. Let yall know how it went when i get back.

[TomBettle]

If you do find a good boat then let us know as it's somewhere I am likely to return to from time to time and having a good contact would be great.

Tom

[EgyptAngler]

Tom and St. Peter.

Yes, you do have to sail away from the protectorate before you can do any still fishing in Sharm El-Sheikh.

You would either have to sail east or north east (Straits of Tiran and Gulf of Aqaba), or south then around Ras Mohammad towards the reefs of the Gulf of Suez. The latter is a much better option, except that it takes a couple more hours.

However, I have to admit that Sharm El-Sheikh is not the best fishing destination by itself. Many factors, but I would say it's best suited for short fishing trips (day charter to 2-day safaris), and only while you're already in Sharm El-Sheikh doing something else--or "fishing while on holiday". But my advice is, no matter where you go fishing in the Red Sea, you should ALWAYS try night fishing--it's real fun!! And yes, Tom, it's true that fishing charters are more expensive in Sharm El-Sheikh.

For dedicated fishing safaris, Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba are our destination. We usually go further south in the Red Sea (originating from the western bank of the Red Sea, not from Sharm El-Sheikh). We seek remote virgin spots where fishing is really wild. We do some good land travel along the coastal desert road which extends to the southern borders of Egypt.

Happy fishing everybody.

[St.Peter]

Egypt would you recommend going out of Hurghada rather then Sharm? Or since im only doing a 1 day charter just staying in sharm?

[EgyptAngler]

Hi St. Peter.

You really seem to be hungry for fishing. However, if it's just a day fishing trip, I would recommend that you don't change your plans and stick to your Sharm El-Sheikh vacation, with possibility to do some fishing.

If in the future you plan a dedicated fishing trip, then I would not only recommend Hurghada, but even the more exciting south. Make a group of 3-4 "devoted" anglers and take a 3-day safari. You nearest airport will be Marsa Alam airport, some 220km from the starting point. You will enjoy an unforgettable fishing adventure!

Happy fishing and nice time in Egypt.

[boybilly]

Hi Egypt angler, Can you tell me if there is fishing in Marsa alam? Regards, Billy

[EgyptAngler]

Hi Egypt angler, Can you tell me if there is fishing in Marsa alam? Regards, Billy

Hi Billy.

Yes, there is fishing in Marsa Alam. However, we've always known Marsa Alam as a trolling destination rather than a still fishing destination. We've also had some great safaris south of Marsa Alam. But I recommend at least two days, which might not fit your holiday plans.

Ask you travel agent at home or your tour master in Egypt to fix a boat fishing trip for you and your group. Make sure to know what's included in the price, what extras you'll have to pay for, and what you'll have to provide on your own.

Happy fishin' in Marsa Alam.

[boybilly]

Much obliged. Billy

[robss]

Hi All

I am going to Hurghada for 15 days from the 29 of this Month. Would appreciate any info or referrals on boats available for fishing.

Regards

[EgyptAngler]

Hi Robss

I can find some boat numbers in Hurghada for you, but I'm afraid this is not exactly what you might be looking for. Probably a travel agent or trip organizer would be more useful.

If you'll be looking for a day trip (not recommended for serious fishing), it doesn't matter what kind of service you choose. Many travel agents offer fishing alongside their main travel activities, water sports, desert trips, etc. This kind of service might be more suitable (and usually cheaper) for a fun-fishing day trip. But don't take this as a Red Sea fishing trip.

If you're taking a 24-hour safari or longer (recommended), I suggest that you use only a professional fishing trip organizer. With respect to the catch potential on safaris, you don't want to waste your chance or expensive boat time with a general-purpose travel agent. The reason I'm recommending a safari over a day trip is to have time and chance to go out to good fishing spots, most of which are a few hours sailing from Hurghada city, never possible on day trips. In addition, you will be able to fish the sundown, evening, and early morning times, which are well known to be the best, and out of which none is possible on day trips that start 8:00am end 5:00pm.

I'm listing some services with websites below. Search the web you will be able to find more:

http://www.egyptfishing.com/
http://www.xtrahurghada.com/
http://www.hurghadafishing.com/
http://www.fishinghurghada.com/

As a local, I take my own fishing gear, bait, etc. on any boat and NEVER rely on whatever might (or might not) be on the boat!! Not sure if these services provide full gear or you will have to carry something on your own.

Happy fishing in Hurghada!!

EA

[robss]

Thanks for the info.