When we talk about exotic fly fishing destinations, Oman rarely comes up first. Yet in October 2025, I had the chance to explore a corner of the world that felt like a dream: towering cliffs plunging into the Gulf of Oman, turquoise waters, raw landscapes… and permit.

Oman: A Surprising Sense of Hospitality

One of the aspects of the trip that struck me most and truly deserves a special mention was the hospitality of the Omani people. Oman welcomes visitors with genuine warmth. Here, tourists are treated as honored guests, almost “sacred” in the most positive and respectful sense. In other words, Oman is a place where you feel not only safe, but sincerely welcomed.

Sharing a story about Oman also means dispelling the air of mystery that often surrounds lesser-known destinations. In reality, anyone who sets foot in this country is immediately struck by the disarming kindness of its people, their generosity, and the overall sense of calm and safety that accompanies every moment of the journey.

A Perfectly Orchestrated Fishing Day

Every fishing day with Brandon and his team starts at dawn, following the rhythm of the tides. Departure times vary slightly, but we typically boarded around 6 AM. Stepping onto the boat to find everything already prepared was a pleasure: the guides had breakfast laid out varied and abundant so you could enjoy a bite to eat while heading to the first fishing spot.

Once we reached the area carefully selected based on conditions and client ability, fishing began. Onboard, there was always plenty of drinking water, refreshments, snacks, and delicious local dates, keeping you comfortable and energized throughout the day.

The morning sessions were dedicated to targeting permit during the high tide, followed by a generous lunch served on the boat. In the afternoon, depending on the conditions, we either returned to hunting permit or shifted our focus to cruising species like queenfish, mahi-mahi, or trevally. Around 3:00 or 3:30 PM, we would head back to the marina, with time to unwind at the hotel or explore the harbor.

The Technical Side of Permit Fishing

Let’s talk about how fascinating and technical African permit fishing can be. Once the guide helps you spot them, the experience is mesmerizing: you see them literally slam into the rocks to feed on mussels and mollusks. The fishing is technical, but not overwhelming it requires precision casting, though not at extreme distances.

The key is timing your cast with the breaking waves along the cliffs so that your fly stays in the strike zone rather than being swept away.

Brandon and his guides are incredibly skilled at maneuvering the boat, constantly keeping you in the optimal position, and guiding you on when and where to cast. It’s impressive how multitasking they are keeping an eye on the rock formations, current, swell, and all safety aspects while ensuring you always have the best possible chance at success.

The African Permit: A Technical and Mental Challenge

The undisputed star of this trip was the African permit (Trachinotus africanus), one of the most coveted and difficult species in saltwater fly fishing. Unlike its Caribbean cousin, these permit feed along steep rocky cliffs, close to the breaking surf, where they forage for mussels and crustaceans. Approaching them silently by boat without spooking them requires a delicate balance of timing, patience, and pinpoint casting accuracy.

Once spotted, these fish are breathtaking to observe: they aggressively smash against the rocks to dislodge mollusks. The fishing is technical but not overwhelming: the casting requires precision, not extreme distance. Timing is everything. You need to read the waves and cast just as they crash, so the fly stays in the feeding zone and doesn’t get swept away. Brandon and his guides excel at keeping you in the right position and helping you interpret the moment.

They are incredibly multi-tasking, managing the boat, scanning the rocks, adjusting for current and swell all while giving you calm, clear instructions that inspire confidence.

A Saltwater Paradise for Multispecies Anglers

When permit conditions weren’t ideal, we explored other opportunities. These Omani waters offer a spectacular variety: queenfish, mahi-mahi, trevally, snapper, and more. Each day brought a new surprise, blending exploration, adrenaline, and wild nature.

Often we’d fish beneath cliffs that rose dramatically above us, creating a raw, almost primordial atmosphere that made every cast feel like a moment suspended in time.

Recommended Gear

RODS, REELS:

9ft 9wt fly rod matched with a large arbour saltwater fly reel, with smooth reliable drag.
Loaded with at least 200 yards of 50–65lbs braid backing.
9ft 10wt fly rod matched with a large arbour saltwater fly reel, with smooth reliable drag.
Loaded with at least 200 yards of 50–65lbs braid backing.
9ft 11wt or 12wt fly rod matched with a large arbour saltwater fly reel, with smooth reliable drag.
Loaded with at least 200–300 yards of 80–100lbs braid backing.

FLY LINES:

1 × WF 9wt (F/I). (Saltwater Tropical fly line with a 15ft clear intermediate sink tip suitable for warm water conditions).
1 × WF10wt (F/I). (Saltwater Tropical fly line with a 15ft clear intermediate sink tip suitable for warm water conditions). We suggest Rio.
1 × WF10wt (Floating). (Saltwater Tropical fly line suitable for warm water conditions).
1 × WF 12wt saltwater Tropical floating line suitable for warm water conditions.
1 × 15lbs Fluorocarbon tippet material.
1 × 20lbs Fluorocarbon tippet material.
1 × 30lbs Fluorocarbon tippet material.
1 × 120lbs Suffix Zippy leader.

FLIES:

Our flies are hand tied and bespoke to our specifications and what works here in Oman and available on location, but here is some suggested flies to bring:

Crab patterns – Size 2 to 1/0 hooks – tied with heavy dumbbell eyes.
Shrimp Patterns – Size 2 to 1/0 hooks – tied with heavy dumbbell eyes.
Clousers – Size 2/0 hooks – (tan, chartreuse over white). With heavy lead eyes.

More Than Just Fishing

Oman is not just about fishing. It’s a land full of surprises authentic, welcoming, and intensely beautiful. Days on the boat are physically demanding, but every evening you return to shore with your mind full of images and emotions that stay with you long after the trip ends.

A special mention must go to the Omani people. Their hospitality is genuine and touching. Tourists are treated with great kindness and respect. You don’t just feel safe you feel truly welcome. Oman is one of those rare places where the warmth of its people matches the beauty of its landscapes.

Final Thoughts

This journey to southern Oman was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my career, both as a guide and a passionate fly fisherman. Not only because of the technical challenges and the beauty of the species, but for the energy and soul of the place itself.

If you’re looking for a destination off the beaten path one that offers real adventure, serious technical fishing, unforgettable landscapes, and flawless organization Arabian Fly Sport Fishing delivers.

For those who love fly fishing, and for those who seek true experiences: this is the Oman you never expected.

Interested in joining this adventure?

We organize guided group trips to southern Oman every year.

Contact me for more information and to be part of the next journey.

Get in touch

Wild Oman: Chasing Permit in the Heart of the Middle East