https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/06/the-biodiversity-of-dubai-s-shores-has-brought-fly-fishing-to-the-middle-east-for-the-firs?jwsource=cl
When most people think of fly fishing they think of being far out in the wilderness, away from civilisation, by a river or somewhere in the ocean. But Ocean Active Flyhas re-imagined this scene – offering urban fly fishing right in the middle of Dubai. This is the first fly fishing operation in the Middle East.
The founder, Nick Bowles, explained to Euronews why fishing there are fishing opportunities in Dubai:
“Dubai’s built the biggest man-made reefs with the palm islands and that, so it’s created a huge habitat.”
Artificial reefs can lead to a quick increase in the local fish population. They draw plankton which smaller fish can prey on which then attracts bigger fish suitable for fly fishing.
One species drawn to the artificial reefs in Dubai is the queenfish. They can grow to be over a metre long and up to 15 kilograms, although most are about half that weight. This kind of fish is particularly good for fly fishing because of its visual takes and the fact it swims in schools.
