Once a small fishing village, Hurghada is now one of Egypt’s top tourist hubs, and rightfully so. With miles of sandy beaches and glamorous resorts lining the coast of the Red Sea, this is the place to be when you’re looking for an exotic getaway. Hurghada fishing doesn’t disappoint either, thanks to the numerous reefs teeming with diverse marine life, and warm waters where the prized game fish live.
From acrobatic pelagics to colorful reef inhabitants, casting your line in these gorgeous blue waters is always a thrilling experience. You never know what you’ll find at the end of your line, but chances are it will give a good fight before you bring it into the boat.
Top Catches
The list of fish you can catch in the northern part of the Red Sea is tempting, to say the least. Various species of Grouper, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Tuna, Barracuda, Giant Trevally, Snapper, and Wahoo are just some of the A-listers you can find here. The most productive reefs and honey holes are usually found two (or more) hours from land, so it’s recommended to head out on eight-hour trips and longer fishing safaris that last at least 24 hours.
Grouper
With such an abundance of reefs, it’s hardly a surprise that Grouper is frequently at the top of everyone’s to-catch list. Spotted Coral Grouper, aka Coral Trout, is a particularly popular hook-up on Hurghada fishing trips, and not only is it colorful and fun to catch, but it makes for excellent table fare as well. You can also find Broomtail, Red, and Goliath Grouper regularly, especially if you do bottom fishing with live bait. Groupers can’t resist an easy, slow moving mouthful when they see it. The best time to go after them is usually in June and July.
Tuna
Tuna swoosh through the Red Sea on their migratory route, and when they’re there, from January until June, there’s plenty of delicious Tuna to go around. Dogtooth Tuna is a local favorite, despite their menacing teeth. Yellowfin, Bluefin, and Skipjack Tuna don’t shy away from the right lure presentation either, and once you get them on the hook, you’re in for a helluva fight. Tuna are surface feeders, so around Hurghada, trolling is by far most efficient.
Sailfish
These giants of the deep are always the most desired prey among experienced anglers, and there are definitely some Hurghada fishing charters that will take you out on a Sailfish hunt. February, July, and August are the best months to pursue these ultimate fighters in the deep waters of the Red Sea. Live bait in the form of smaller fish and squid is usually very productive, and if you’re a Sailfish enthusiast and a passionate fly fisherman, you can try and catch one on a fly. This requires a lot of skill, but the results will be worth the effort.
Fishing Tips
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If you’re a game fish chaser, then you would do well to come anywhere from December to March, when the fishing in Hurghada is at its best. You can also catch something brag-worthy in July.
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Going after Giant Trevally will yield the best results if you use big poppers. You have to be patient and feel the tug of the line before you start reeling it in, otherwise, you risk losing the fish.
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To land that big Tuna, it’s recommended to use Rapala plugs, tuna feathers, or cedar plugs when trolling.
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Mahi Mahi love their sardines. If you want them to start gathering around your boat in a feeding frenzy, throw a good amount of live sardines overboard. Chances are, you’ll hear the reel screaming in no time.
Need To Know
If you’re vacationing in Hurghada and you want to give local fishing a try, there are plenty of options to choose from. You only need to keep in mind certain regulations before you head out, so that you can have a great time and don’t break any rules as you go.
Regulations
In case you’re planning to fish from the shore, you will need to get a valid fishing license issued by the General Authority for Fish Resources Development and the Egyptian Coast Guard. If you decide to experience the thrill of Hurghada fishing on a charter boat, then you don’t have to worry about the license at all. All you need to do is give your guide your passport or any other ID, and he will sort out the license details.
Bear in mind that it’s forbidden by law to damage reefs when you fish, snorkel, or dive around them. Reef preservation is very important to anglers and authorities alike, so admire the beauty of it all from afar, without the temptation to break a piece and take it home as a memento.
Budget
Full day (eight-hour) expeditions and 24-hour safaris are the most common types of trips available in Hurghada. Safaris can cost from $850 for four people, to over $1,200 for six or more people. For this price, you get all the fishing gear, services of an experienced guide, a comfortable boat with all the amenities you need for an overnight stay, fresh delicious food, and drinks. Full day trips cost $750 on average.
Getting There
When you book a fishing trip, chances are it will start in the Hurghada Marina. The marina is the new star in town, and has only recently been opened to the public. Featuring a beautiful boardwalk lined with cafes, restaurants, and designers shops, glamorous yachts, fishing charter boats, and free Wi-Fi, this place is every tourist’s dream.
Whether you’re staying in the lively Sakala district or the more traditional old town, Hurghada has something for every taste. There are countless activities to experience like incredibly popular scuba diving, snorkeling, and field trips to the remote islands with turquoise waters and the softest sand – you just have to take your pick and head out to a new adventure.