1. How did you get into spearfishing?
I was first introduced to spearfishing as a young child back in Conakry, Guinea, where we regularly went on fishing trips during the weekends. Before I even knew it, I found myself in the water with a small speargun! Unfortunately, that did not last for long.
As I moved to Europe, years passed with no real access to the sea, and my spearfishing adventures were paused for a while. Eventually, in 2009, I made up my mind to move to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Ever since I arrived in Dubai, things got spicy again! I resumed my adventures and went on freediving and spearfishing trips frequently. In fact, I have been doing freediving and spearfishing instruction as a full-time job since a few years ago.
2. Is spearfishing legal in the UAE? If yes, can you go spearfishing with a scuba tank?
As far as the UAE’s spearfishing community is aware, the UAE’s legislative authorities are currently formulating the relevant laws and regulations to regulate spearfishing in Dubai and the UAE. It is expected that the UAE will introduce a freediving or spearfishing license, as is the case currently with the Recreational Fishing License.
However, as per current policies and procedures, spearfishing is only allowed away from man-made structures, such as wave breakers, oil rigs, etc. On the other hand, spearfishing is permitted in areas surrounding offshore wrecks and reefs.
Spearfishing using SCUBA gear is a big NO due to the following reasons:
3. How do you find the Dubai spearfishing experience?
The best thing about spearfishing in Dubai is that it is readily available and accessible to virtually anybody! Spearfishing spots in Dubai are various and diverse, and spearfishing opportunities are waiting for beginner and advanced spearfishing enthusiasts in the Arabian Gulf, from shallow surface spearfishing to deep reefs and spots, individuals may either have fun, learn, improve their techniques, or seek a new challenge.
In addition to the above, UAE residents and visitors are also lucky enough to be able to enjoy spearfishing in Fujairah (only 1.5 hours away from Dubai) facing the Indian Ocean’s waters!
Due to its strategic location for spearfishing enthusiasts, between two different and unique bodies of water, spearfishermen can enjoy fishing for different fish species all year long!
4. What makes spearfishing unique compared to regular deep-sea fishing?
As spearfishing is conducted on a breath-hold basis, spearfishermen typically enjoy the benefits associated with freediving, such as health rewards for the body and mind.
Additionally, compared to other forms of fishing (such as fish and rod fishing), spearfishing is the most sustainable way of fishing due to almost eliminating any chance of accidental or unintentional by-catch. The spearfisherman is completely in control of deciding when or when not to pull the speargun’s trigger on a chosen target fish.
On some occasions, spearfishermen may go home without shooting a single shot during the whole fishing trip. However, they still feel a pleasing sense of humility knowing they had played a fair game but for that day, the fish is the winner.
5. What are the best months for spearfishing in Dubai?
While Dubai spearfishing is common throughout the year (subject to fishing weather conditions of course), it is important to note that different fish are present in different fishing seasons in Dubai. Depending on your targeted fish species, you may prefer some months over others. However, it is worth noting that during winter, thicker wetsuits may be required.
6. How long do spearfishing trips last?
The duration of spearfishing trips varies widely and is usually subject to the individual’s preferences and targeted species. A typical Dubai spearfishing trip starts from sunrise, and lasts until enough fish is caught, with the main goal being to have fun, catch a good dinner meal -if possible-, but not to just shoot fish that will not be consumed.
7. What species are you likely to catch when spearfishing in Dubai?
The diversity of fish in the UAE is astonishing! While spearfishing in the UAE, you are likely to encounter Groupers, Tunas, Snappers, Breams, Trevallies, Kingfish, Barracudas, or the elusive Amberjacks and Cobias.
In addition, over the UAE’s east coast during summer, you may encounter beautiful Dorados (Mahi Mahi) or even the occasional Wahoo!
8. Is spearfishing dangerous? What are some of the most important safety rules of spearfishing?
As is the case with all other activities, spearfishing is relatively safe where individuals strictly abide by the relevant safety rules. The main rules of safety for spearfishing are the same as those for freediving: Never dive alone, and only dive within your limits. Hence, to ensure safety, a strong freediving base is a must.
Moreover, one main risk factor that is present only in spearfishing compared to regular fish-and-rod deep sea fishing is that when spearfishing, you are continuously holding a speargun, which is a real and dangerous weapon. Therefore, learning how to properly handle a speargun and how to adapt to freediving with the speargun are critical, and should be taught by a qualified freediving/spearfishing instructor, not YouTube videos.
Lastly, the presence of a spearfishing guide can be greatly beneficial to the guests, as spearfishing guides are able to read currents, scout for spearfishing spots, and through experience, give you the best chances of landing good fish.
9. Who should avoid spearfishing?
Almost nobody! The thing about spearfishing is that most people who have basic swimming and freediving skills can do it (or learn to do it in a relatively short amount of time). Having strong swimming skills and stamina are certainly a plus, too!
However, it is recommended to avoid spearfishing if you belong to any of the categories below:
- Pregnant women
- Persons with mobility-related injuries
- Persons with pressure-related injuries
- Persons under the effects of alcohol or drugs
- Any other category of persons advised to avoid spearfishing or freediving by their medical professional
10. Is taking a freediving course required to book spearfishing trips?
No. As per the current laws in Dubai, it is not required to take a freediving course to book Dubai spearfishing trips. However, in my view, freediving courses are a critical prerequisite to ensuring your safety during spearfishing trips. Remember that the purpose is to have fun. Being a certified freediver and having completed a spearfishing course, will not only make the experience safe but will also significantly increase your chances of catching fish.
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