Fly Fish Dubai

Lodging Details
This is a program that offers productive and exciting fishing opportunities at the base of some of the region’s largest skyscrapers and luxury hotels. This is truly “urban fly fishing” at its best – located in the heart of one of the most luxurious, unusual, and modern cities in the world. When it comes to accommodations and where to stay in Dubai, there is a range of options – from the “7 Star” Burj Al Arab Hotel to reasonably-priced 3-star hotels. Our outfitter works with a variety of hotels, and we can book or suggest a number of great options for a quick overnight or a longer, multi-day stay. Contact Yellow Dog for details.

Food and Beverages
When it comes to food, Dubai is almost too exotic to imagine. There are literally thousands of restaurants serving every national cuisine from around the world – including many specializing in Dubai’s own Arabic delights. This is a city that prides itself on importing some of the most famous chefs and restaurant chains that have previously been recognized and celebrated elsewhere. From high-end restaurants known for stunning décor, amazing views, and unforgettable culinary experiences, to local eateries with great prices and loyal followers, almost anything can be found on the streets of Dubai. Yellow Dog is happy to make recommendations for your time in the city.

Typical Length of Stay
While single-day sessions and two-day trips are the most commonly booked fishing packages, we can easily arrange trips and itineraries of any length.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
There is a delicate balance of old and new in Dubai, resulting in an amazing line-up of things to do. Aside from the great fishing that is found in the heart of the city, there are literally hundreds of other interesting activities and options that can be experienced during a visit to Dubai. You can spend your mornings fishing for queenfish, and your afternoons riding a chairlift and making turns at Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski area. Spend time haggling at the traditional gold and spice souks in Old Dubai before visiting some of the most high-end retail shops in places like the Dubai Mall. We always recommend heading straight to the top of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) where you’ll find incredible views stretching into the Persian Gulf. And if you’re interested in a more traditional perspective, take an abra (water taxi) ride along Dubai Creek. We are happy to assist with ideas, suggestions, and even all-inclusive itineraries for your visit to Dubai.

Internet / Communications
Dubai is one of the most modern cities on the planet, and as such, internet access, Wi-Fi hotspots, and cell coverage are a given all throughout the city. You will have no problem connecting and switching on – no matter where you are in Dubai.

How To Get There
There are numerous international airlines flying into Dubai and UAE, as the Dubai International Airport is the largest transportation hub in the entire region. The main airline that services the region is Emirates, and a lot of layover deals can be arranged when setting up your international ticket. Once in Dubai, it is very easy to get around with taxis or Uber, but if required, we can arrange a car to pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the marina for your charter.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
There are no set arrival and departure dates or times with these trips, and half-day trips can be booked for morning or afternoon sessions on any given day. Even if you have a short 7-to-10 hour layover in Dubai, we can set up a trip that will get you out on the water and into fish!

Documents Required
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in the back, and that it is not torn, delaminated, or damaged in any way. The kind of visa needed (if any) to enter the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Citizens of 39 countries (United States of America, Andorra, Hong Kong, Poland, Cyprus, Lithuania, Spain, Australia, Hungary, Portugal, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Sweden, Austria, Iceland, Romania, Denmark, Malaysia, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, San Marino, Estonia, Malta, United Kingdom, Brunei, Italy, Singapore, Finland, Monaco, Bulgaria, Japan, Slovakia, France, Netherlands, The Vatican, Canada, Latvia, Slovenia, Germany, New Zealand, Croatia, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Greece, Norway) do NOT require visas prior to arrival and get a visa on arrival.

Note: If your country is not listed above, please check with your nearest UAE Embassy/Consulate for any updates. (http://www.uae-embassy.org/travel-culture/visas-passports http://embassy-finder.com/united-arab-emirates_embassies)  If you DO NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf. The above visa information is only a guideline to help with information. Remember that is always up to the client to research apply and have the correct visa to enter, UAE or Oman.

Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes.

Travel Tools
- Travel Insurance
- Moon Phases
- Airline Ticketing
- Rent This Rod
- Global Rescue Membership

General Information
The Arabian Gulf is a shallow body of water home to a huge abundance of marine life – from the smallest baitfish to massive predatory pelagic fish. What is truly amazing, however, is the amount of gamefish that can be found in the middle of Dubai in the very epicenter of a city that is dominated by towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels. Dubai has always made an effort to build everything bigger and better, and this philosophy extended to the construction of the largest man-made reefs in the world! The massive Palm and World Islands – both located in the middle of the Dubai metropolis – have not only changed the face of Dubai but more importantly have created huge habitats for small fish. What became a healthy population of baitfish quickly attracted a wide variety of game fish, which are now found throughout the year patrolling the shallow waters in the very heart of the city. This artificial reef system has subsequently created one of the best queenfish fisheries on the planet. Fly Fish Dubai catches thousands of queens a season, with double digit days a common event. And when you throw in a few additional species like golden trevally, bonito, orange spot trevally, cobia and kingfish, you end up with one of the most distinctive fisheries found anywhere.  

While species diversity is a factor, the main target species are the ever-present queenfish, which are truly a perfect species for fly fishing. They are big, strong, and aggressive, and they jump once they are hooked. This makes for an amazing visual spectacle – from the first violent take to the final landing of the fish. Other species found throughout these waters include milkfish, golden trevally, yellow dot trevally, orange spot trevally, barracuda, cobia, kingfish, and more. One of the things that make fly fishing the waters of Dubai so unique and special is the fact that you are usually fishing in the very heart of the city – often-times directly in front of the 7-Star Burj Al Arab Hotel, Atlantis Hotel, or the more than 200 skyscrapers that dominate the Dubai skyline. All of these day trips are very easy, and the norm is a half-day package that makes for great morning or afternoon fishing with plenty of time left over to explore the many sights of Dubai. Dubai is the perfect destination for a quick holiday, a layover on your way to another regional destination, or if you are in the region for business.

The Species

QUEENFISH – Queenies, as they are fondly known, are purpose-built for fly fishing. They are visual, aggressive, jump, take flies easily and are an amazing looking fish. The majority of the time, you can expect to be sight fishing for queenfish. This is the primary species and focus of the program. 

GOLDEN TREVALLY – Goldies, as they are known locally, are referred to as Dubai Gold. They are a very special fish to catch, and certainly brighten the day when found.

KINGFISH – Known as Kings, this member of the razor gang normally cuts off flies after keeping anglers entertained with big aerial smashes.

COBIA – These tough customers don’t show up often, but if you’re lucky enough to find and hook up to these opportunistic predators, they are incredibly strong and tireless.

BONITO – Bonnies are the speedsters of Dubai, and there is typically a good run of big bonnies during the winter season. To hook bonito is one thing, but to land them is another thing altogether. 

+ Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: Nick Bowles: Fly Fishing the Desert - Queenfishing in the UAE

Boats and Equipment
Ocean Active runs two boats, custom-built, center console boats with twin or single four stroke outboard engines. The boats are all fully equipped with electronics, safety gear, and crews who are all Dubai Maritime City Authority certified captains and deckhands with STCW95 and RYA certificates. Please note that these boats do not have toilets onboard. The thing that we love most about these boats is that they are spacious, clean, and very well laid-out for fly fishermen. 

One of the great things about this program is that you can literally show up for your day of fishing with nothing but the clothes on your back, sunscreen, and a pair of sunglasses.  Our outfitter can easily provide all of the fly fishing gear for your day or days on the water, including Thomas & Thomas fly rods, Abel and Hatch Reels, RIO and Scientific Angler fly lines, and custom-tied flies for Dubai. The most common rod for the fishery is a 9-weight outfitted with both floating and intermediate fly lines and 15-25 lb. fluorocarbon leaders. There is never a need to unpack or bring any gear for your day(s) on the water. 

Day Trip and Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person and quoted in US dollars.

Charter Trip Options
Five (5) hour charter: $860 USD for one or two people. 7AM to 12PM

What’s Included:

• Boat and guide
• All fuel
• Cooler with bottled water
• Use of all fly fishing tackle and equipment
• Flies
• 5% VAT Tax

What’s Not Included:

• International travel to Dubai
• Accommodations and hotels
• Transfers and pick-ups from Dubai-area hotels
• Gratuities and tips for guide and boat drivers
• Meals and food in Dubai
• $250.00 breakage if rods/reels are broken or lost during fishing

DUBAI (UAE) CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICIES
Ocean Active (Dubai, UAE)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
For all day trips, full payment is required to secure guides and reservations. Yellow Dog strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for this trip. For all Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, L.L.C. (YDFA) Dubai day trip fishing packages, both deposits and final payments are non-refundable inside of 90 days from the scheduled trip date(s) unless a client is replaced. Both deposit and final payment can be transferred to another client for the same (original) dates. Cancellations outside of 90 days of the charter will be refunded in full less an administrative fee of 20% as charged by Ocean Active. Cancellations inside of 90 days are non-refundable and no trip credit will be issued. These cancellations must be covered by travel insurance. The outfitter reserves the right to cancel a trip due to bad weather conditions and safety issues. If Ocean Active cancels a trip due to weather, sea state or instructions from authorities this will be done as early as possible and will be confirmed with the client. Ocean Active will offer to either provide another suitable date or, failing that, 50% credit for the value of the trip. If neither alternative is suitable no refund will be forthcoming so ensure that travel insurance covers this eventuality. Yellow Dog reserves the right to charge a minimum handling fee of $100.00 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.