UAE flyfishing - Abu Dhabi Emirate

I did find out some useful information when staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Abu Dhabi from the concierge.  A fishing licence was require from the environment agency (100 dirhams) which was obtained easily.  Secondly, Milkfish could be caught using Arno's Milky Dream fly at a location south of Abu Dhabi island.

Mark trying his luck at Al Dabbiya

I researched the fly and made up a couple before setting off to find the spot.  As myself and Mark (the car owner) approached the area signs and fencing warned off further attempts to access it near to N24 14.594 E54 17.525 area.  I can only assume those willing to access cared nothing for the consequences of being caught or we were given spurious directions so we couldn't catch the fish.

 

Anyway, we returned to the main Qatar Abu Dhabi road, and headed to Al Dabbiya.  Again, apart fro access to the water between buildings in the village, all other parts were fenced off and patrolled by the national oil company and police.
Mark went spinning and I tried the fly and again caught more needlefish.  The water's edge in the village was rocky and full of obstacles.  The Milkfish remained like the fly's name - a dream.  However, it's not one that's forgotten yet.  They are in the Gulf somewhere.

Read about the Milkfish and Arno Matthee at this link - http://www.fieldsportsmagazine.com/Saltwater-Fishing/milkfish-mayhem.html