Nestled between Africa and Asia, the Red Sea is renowned for its warm waters, spectacular coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. This narrow sea, an extension of the Indian Ocean, boasts pristine conditions for marine biodiversity, making it a great destination for recreational fishing enthusiasts.
Red Sea: Basic facts
The Red Sea is located between Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It’s an inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying at the heart of the Middle East and Africa. The sea is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti to the west, and Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the east. To the north, it divides into the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Red Sea covers an area of about 438,000 square kilometers (169,100 square miles). It is roughly 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles) long and, at its widest point, about 355 kilometers (221 miles) wide. The Red Sea is known for its great depth, with a maximum depth of about 3,040 meters (9,970 feet) in the central Suakin Trough, and an average depth of 490 meters (1,608 feet).
The Red Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of seawater due to high evaporation rates, low precipitation, and little river inflow. Its salinity ranges from 36 to 38 parts per thousand (ppt), compared to the global average of 35 ppt. Surface water temperatures in the Red Sea can vary significantly depending on location and time of year. In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 30°C (86°F), while in winter, they can drop to around 22°C (72°F). However, at greater depth there are no considerable temperature fluctuations, which helps maintain a more stable environment for marine life.
The resilient coral reefs of the Red Sea
The Red Sea is known for its clear, warm waters, which are optimal for coral growth. The sea’s high salinity and stable temperatures also contribute to the resilience of its coral ecosystems. The Red Sea features a variety of reef types, including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and coral atolls. The coral reefs in the Red Sea are among the most renowned and biodiverse in the world, and host a vast array of marine life, with over 200 species of hard coral and more than 1,200 species of fish, many of which are endemic to the region.
Like many coral ecosystems worldwide, the Red Sea’s reefs face threats from climate change, overfishing, pollution, and coastal development. Rising water temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, while overfishing disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems. Interestingly, studies have shown that Red Sea coral reefs have a higher resilience to climate change compared to other coral systems. This is partly due to the unique environmental conditions of the sea, which have historically exposed these corals to varying temperatures, possibly making them more adaptable.
The fish of the Red Sea.
The deep waters of the Red Sea are home to several species of tuna, including yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, skipjack tuna, and dogtooth tuna. These species are popular among big game fishermen due to their size, speed, and the endurance they exhibit during the fight. While not as abundant as in some other seas, the Red Sea does have sailfish, particularly around its southern parts. The striped marlin are another exciting target for big game fishermen, as well as the mahi-mahi. Known for their beautiful colors, remarkable speed, and acrobatics, they are a fun catch are also appreciated for their delicious taste.
Inshore, reefs and other structures reefs offer shelter for a number of exciting fish species. Perhaps the biggest attraction of those is the giant trevally, or GT for short. This predator, which our writer Scotty Kyle compares to a gangster patrolling its reefy ‘hood, is a strong and aggressive fighter, perfect for anglers looking for a challenge. The barracuda, an overrated threat for divers, but an excellent game fish, are also common in the Red Sea. They provide an exhilarating fishing experience and are known for their sudden, powerful runs when hooked.
Several species of groupers and snappers can be caught in the Red Sea as well, including the inimitable red snapper, and the coral trout, a.k.a leopard coral grouper with its inimitable bright, spotted appearance. Other fish species common in the Red Sea are the amberjack, bonito, garfish, cobia, jack crevalle, king mackerel, bigeye trevally, bluefin trevally, horse-eye jack, and sprangled emperor, an iconic species of the northwest Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Please note that some of these species enjoy protected status, and while you may hook them, catch-and-release is necessary. The captain of your charter boat will provide you with the accurate up-to-date info on fishing regulations.
Best fishing destinations in the Red Sea
Although the Red Sea stretches for over two thousand kilometers, and legends abound about pristine waters and undisturbed fish populations on some of its shores, recreational fishing opportunities for a travelling angler exist almost exclusively on the popular Egyptian beach resorts such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Marsa Alam.
Hurghada is the biggest and most popular and is perhaps the biggest hub for deep-sea fishing. The area is teeming with big-game species, perfect for those seeking a challenging catch. Sharm El Sheikh is a bit more luxurious. It’s renowned as a diver’s paradise, but also offers access to some of the deeper parts of the Red Sea. For a more secluded experience, Marsa Alam provides serene spots ideal for both shore and boat fishing, away from the usual tourist buzz, and being the southernmost of these resorts, is perhaps the top choice for a dedicated fishing trip to the Red Sea.
The Egyptian Red Sea resorts are perfectly safe, and have an excellent tourism infrastructure with all sorts of hotels, shopping, and various attractions such as quad bike riding into the desert, and, of course, anything around water, on beaches and over reefs: swimming, sailing, snorkeling, diving – and fishing. Dozens of excellent fishing charters offer their services to anglers, and you can find any sorts of trips for all tastes and valets.
Best time for a fishing trip in the Red Sea
While the Red Sea is a year-round fishing destination, the best time is generally from late spring to early autumn. However, summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), sometimes reaching up to 40°C (104°F). Some people might still prefer this time for water activities, as the sea provides a refreshing contrast to the hot temperatures.
Winter, especially January, may be too cool for typical beach activities, and that refers to both air and water temperatures. Spring (March to May) offers pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). However, the Red Sea coasts may experience strong persistent winds at the time. Fall (September to November) provides comfortable air temperatures and less crowded beaches, while water remains warm. The fall season often brings clearer skies.
Fishing types and techniques
For a recreational angler, fishing in the Red Sea takes place on a charter boat. The Egyptian resorts offer a wide selection of trips from experienced captains, starting from a relaxed excursion to the nearby reef for a group of beginners, and ending with an all-day outing way offshore in search of the biggest tuna and sailfish.
Fishing techniques also depend on the quarry, location, and preferences of the client. Chumming is legal in Egypt for catching tuna, and trolling is the preferred techniques for heavy tackle big game fishing. Fishing on or near coral reefs is not allowed, but there are plenty of other reefs, wrecks and structures. Inshore, many anglers prefer anchoring or drifting and using such techniques as jigging or spinning. Simple handlining with dead bait can be a lot of fun, too.
The captain of your fishing charter is the person to ask for tips what techniques work better for a particular species and locations. Bear in mind, though, that unlike many other destinations Egyptian charters often don’t include the use of the fishing tackle in the price of their trips. The client is encouraged to bring their own rods and reels or rent them at an extra price. And be sure to bring plenty of strong sun screen!
Conclusion
A fishing trip to the Red Sea is more than just casting a line; it’s an adventure in a spectacular marine world. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, the Red Sea’s alluring waters promise a memorable experience. So, gear up for an exhilarating journey, where each catch is a story and every moment is a treasure in the azure waters of the Red Sea.
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