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Fish for your heritage
FOR YEARS, DUBAI was utterly dependent on the sea for its livelihood.
- PUBLISHED: Sat 22 Nov 2008, 7:38 PM UPDATED: Mon 12 Aug 2024, 11:17 AM
Before the days of oil and commercialism, the local population resorted to the age-old tradition of fishing to survive in the harsh, unforgiving desert.
As an integral part of the nation's heritage, we wondered who is keeping the tradition of fishing alive. While the days of fishing for dinner are gone, there is something unmistakably magical off the waters of Dubai that is being preserved by expats.
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Fishing for relaxation
The Du Plessis' brothers' – Bobby, Calvin and Darryn (not pictured here) - affinity for the water is easy to see. Clad in shorts and sandals, they have been offering private fishing tours off the coast of the UAE to local residents and tourists.
“We've always felt more comfortable on the water than on land – it's in our blood,” they said.
Waters off the coast of Dubai are some of the calmest and tranquil in the world, but most residents find little time to enjoy it. And for all of the beauty of the city's skyline, even fewer get the chance to take it all in.
“A lot of people have this misconception in Dubai that there aren't a lot of activities to do besides working. But we have this beautiful ocean right on our doorstep here, beautiful weather – and coming out to fish with some friends is the best relaxation you can have,” they claim.
But the chaos of construction and traffic don't exist on the water, only breathtaking views that will remind you of how much things have really changed here.
“Many people don't get to see Shaikh Zayed road from the sea because the view is completely different,” Bobby says. “We're so used to driving along the roads and only seeing buildings.”
So these sons of South Africa set out to charter fishing tours that would properly pay respect to the sport and way of life – while giving people an escape from the mainland.
“Our operations are about making the ocean easily accessible and showing people a good time.” But while guests enjoy the lessons and leisure of their boat, the brothers are busy teaching and managing other tasks.
“To run a commercial operation that targets tourists and residents alike, you must have the latest updates in safety precautions that include first-aid training and fire fighting,” they say.
And for anyone thinking fishing might be a bore, the biggest one caught by him was a whopping 175 kilo black Marlin that took several hours to wrangle in. In truth, there is no excitement quite comparable to reeling in your own prize when the line begins to wiggle.
A gamble in the sea
“Fishing is like gambling because at any time you stand a chance that your reel will scream off with a fish, and you don't know when it's going to happen.”
But with all the beauty and abundance of the ocean, Dubai's rapid development and audacious island reclamation projects are straining local waters and their ecosystems.
“Waters are a lot foggier than they used to be due to the sand dredging [for the Palm islands],” they claim.
“For example from the last four years hardly any sail-fish, a once abundant species, have been seen or caught.”
But this hasn't deterred them or their ambitions. Fishing for sport is not a lucrative business so they continue to pass along their knowledge of the water to customers.
“Water is our freedom; it is unknown and anything can happen,” they say.
And in a place where so much is changing, disappearing, and transforming before our eyes, holding onto a bit of the past seems reverential.
“I should like to think that we are honoring Dubai's heritage as a once bustling fishing village,” he said. “Obviously today we use modern equipment and technology, but still, you have this feeling when you're out in the ocean and you see traditional dhows with fishermen who are still out there every day.
“Dubai is such a city of contrasts, with its old and new quarters and diversity – it's what makes it such a special place.”
more information
For prices and details to book a fishing expedition, call Calvin Du Plessis at 050 8866227.
