Review · DUBAI

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing

5.0 · 152 reviews Operated by Go Fishing Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Dubai fishing gets serious before the city gets hot. This private five-hour trip mixes slow trolling for larger fish with light-tackle fishing, so you are not stuck using one method all morning. You might work lures for barracuda or cobia, then hand everyone a rod for smaller reef fish.

I like the private boat for up to eight people, which makes this a good family or small-group outing, and I like the practical setup: a toilet, semi-shaded deck, fish finder, GPS, life jackets, drinks, and snacks. The main drawback is the early start and the strict cancellation policy. You also need to arrange your own transport to Dubai Marina.

Key points

  • Two fishing styles in one trip: Troll from the moving boat, then switch to light tackle.
  • 35-foot Triton: Includes a toilet, semi-shaded deck, sonar, GPS, and fish finder.
  • Possible catches: Barracuda, cobia, kingfish, queenfish, grouper, emperor, catfish, sea bream, and seasonal small sharks.
  • Private group pricing: The $558.66 rate covers up to eight people, making the per-person cost much better for a full group.
  • Early Dubai departure: The scheduled session runs from 6:30am to 11:30am.
  • Family-friendly age limit: Children from age three can join, but the trip is not recommended during pregnancy.

Why this Dubai fishing trip is more than a simple boat ride

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - Why this Dubai fishing trip is more than a simple boat ride

Many fishing outings ask you to choose between trolling and ordinary rod fishing. This one gives you both. That matters because the two methods feel quite different.

During trolling, lures trail behind the boat while it moves slowly. The aim is to attract medium and larger pelagic fish, including barracuda, kingfish, cobia, queenfish, and grouper. It is a patient game, but when a fish takes the lure, the action can be sudden and powerful.

The regular fishing portion slows things down further. Everyone gets a rod and uses lighter tackle for smaller to medium-size fish. You might catch emperor, catfish, sea bream, small barracuda, grouper, or, in summer, small sharks.

I like this combination for mixed groups. An experienced angler can enjoy the excitement of trolling, while a first-timer or child can take part in the more straightforward light-tackle session. You get variety without paying for two separate excursions.

More Deep Sea Fishing Trips in the UAE:

Leaving Dubai Marina at 6:30am

The published schedule places the trip from 6:30am to 11:30am, starting and ending at Go Fishing Dubai in Dubai Marina. The early hour is not a minor detail. Dubai mornings can be hot, and getting on the water early gives you a more comfortable part of the day.

You will need to reach the meeting point yourself because transportation is not included. The meeting location is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not promise hotel pickup. If you are staying outside Dubai Marina, allow time to make your own way there.

The boat is a 35-foot Triton. That is a useful size for a private group of up to eight, giving you enough room for fishing without the feel of a large shared excursion. The boat has a semi-shaded section, which provides some relief from the sun, although you should still bring sun protection.

The toilet is another small feature that matters on a five-hour trip. You do not have to treat the outing as a test of endurance, especially if you are bringing children.

The boat’s safety and fishing equipment

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - The boat’s safety and fishing equipment

The boat carries life jackets, a first aid kit, sonar, GPS, and a fish finder. The captain and crew are trained in first aid and rescue under UAE Coast Guard regulations.

That equipment does not guarantee a calm sea or a large catch, but it gives the trip a solid practical foundation. The fish finder and sonar help the crew locate promising water, while GPS supports navigation. You are not expected to bring rods, reels, or tackle because fishing equipment is included.

The crew names connected with the operation include Jameel, Oscar, and captains and crew members named Anjoh and Shereef. The exact crew may vary, but the experience is built around hands-on help. If you have never fished before, you can expect assistance with the gear and the basic method.

The boat has also been described as clean and well maintained in the supplied feedback. That is worth noting on a fishing trip, where wet gear, bait, and repeated handling can quickly make a boat feel untidy.

Trolling for barracuda, cobia, and kingfish

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - Trolling for barracuda, cobia, and kingfish

The first fishing method is trolling. Lures are placed behind the moving boat while it travels at a slow speed. This allows the lure to cover water and imitate prey moving through the sea.

The target list includes barracuda, king barracuda, grouper, kingfish, cobia, queenfish, and trevally. These are not guaranteed catches, and sea fishing always depends on weather, season, water conditions, and fish activity. Still, trolling gives the outing a chance at a larger, harder-fighting fish.

The appeal is the uncertainty. You can be watching the wake one moment and dealing with a live fish the next. For experienced anglers, this part may be the main reason to book. For beginners, the crew’s support matters because heavier fish and moving-boat techniques can take some getting used to.

Trolling also means you may spend time moving between areas rather than fishing in one fixed place. If you prefer constant casting or instant action, be prepared for quieter stretches. That is normal for this style of fishing, not a flaw unique to this operator.

More fishing trips around the UAE:

Switching to light tackle and regular fishing

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - Switching to light tackle and regular fishing

The second part uses light tackle, and everyone receives a rod. This is the more accessible section of the trip. You can focus on the feel of the rod, learning how to respond when a fish bites, and enjoying a faster rhythm of smaller catches.

The possible fish include emperor, trevally, catfish, small barracuda, grouper, and sea bream. Small sharks are listed as a summer possibility. The species list gives you a sense of the variety, but it should not be treated as a promise. A fishing trip can produce several fish, a few fish, or a slow day.

The supplied feedback includes reports of around 20 queenfish caught and released, more than 30 fish on one outing, 10 fish in less than an hour, and nine fish on another trip. Other catches included about five kilograms of fish and 12 large fish. These results show the trip can be very productive, but they are examples, not a guaranteed minimum.

One particularly good feature is that the light-tackle section lets children and beginners take part. A child who would find trolling too technical can still hold a rod and take part in the main activity. The minimum age is three, though parents should decide if a young child can manage the boat, heat, and five-hour duration.

What the crew adds to the experience

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - What the crew adds to the experience

The crew’s role is not just to drive the boat. You will need help selecting tackle, handling fish, resetting lines, and learning how the methods work. The feedback repeatedly points to friendly, helpful service and clear support for beginners.

Jameel is closely associated with the operation, while Oscar has been praised for both onboard service and preparing food. Captain Anjoh and Captain Shereef are also named among the crew. The tone of the supplied comments suggests a hands-on team that pays attention to families, first-time anglers, and experienced fishers alike.

That range is important. A serious angler may want to discuss lure fishing and try different methods. A family may care more about keeping the children involved and making the morning feel easy. The trip appears designed to handle both groups.

The fishing is not completely self-service. You should expect the crew to assist throughout the session. That is a plus if you are new to the sport, though independent anglers who want to manage every detail themselves may prefer a less guided outing.

Snacks, drinks, and the food question

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - Snacks, drinks, and the food question

The price includes bottled water, juices, soft drinks, and snacks such as cupcakes and croissants. These are simple provisions, but they make sense for an early five-hour trip. You can eat before fishing, then have something small during the morning without packing a full meal.

Some feedback also refers to beef burgers, barbecue, and a beach picnic. Those details are not listed as standard inclusions for this particular package, so you should not book this trip expecting a beach cookout. The confirmed inclusions are fishing equipment, bottled water, juices, soft drinks, cupcakes, and croissants.

The same caution applies to keeping the catch. Some outings produced fish for lunch, but the supplied details do not set out a formal fish-cleaning, cooking, or catch-retention policy. If bringing fish home matters to you, ask the operator before departure.

How good is the $558.66 group price?

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - How good is the $558.66 group price?

At $558.66 for up to eight people, the rate is much easier to justify with a full group. Eight passengers work out to about $69.83 per person for five hours on a private boat. Four people would pay about $139.67 each, and a couple would carry the full group price between them.

That structure favors families, groups of friends, and small corporate outings. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat rather than buying separate seats on a shared trip. You also receive equipment, safety gear, drinks, and snacks, so there are fewer add-on costs once you arrive.

The value depends on what you want. If your goal is a guaranteed sightseeing cruise, this is not the clearest choice. The central activity is fishing, and the catch can never be guaranteed. If you want private access to Dubai waters, a crewed boat, two fishing methods, and room for your own group, the price is more appealing.

The trip can also include views of Dubai landmarks from the water. One outing combined fishing with views of Atlantis and the Burj Al Arab, but sightseeing should be treated as an added possibility rather than the main itinerary.

Who will enjoy it most

Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing - Who will enjoy it most

This trip suits a mixed group particularly well. Experienced anglers can try trolling for larger fish, while beginners can use light tackle with crew support. Families can bring children from age three, although the length of the outing and early start may be too much for very young children.

It also works for a birthday, a private celebration, or a small business outing. The boat’s eight-person limit keeps the group together and avoids the social awkwardness of sharing a fishing boat with strangers.

You should choose it if:

  • You want both trolling and regular fishing in one morning.
  • You prefer a private boat to a shared charter.
  • You are happy to start early.
  • You want equipment supplied.
  • You have a group large enough to share the price.
  • You enjoy the possibility of catching several different species.

It may not suit you if you dislike open-water motion, want guaranteed fish, need hotel transportation, or prefer a relaxed late-morning activity. Pregnancy is specifically listed as a reason not to take this excursion.

What to bring for a better morning

The operator supplies the key fishing gear, life jackets, drinks, and snacks. You should still arrive prepared for sun and time outdoors.

Bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and shoes suitable for a boat. A hat and sunglasses are sensible, but keep them secure in the wind. Extra water is not essential because bottled water is supplied, though you may prefer to carry more in Dubai’s heat.

You should also bring a phone or camera in a protected case. The fishing action, catches, and views toward Dubai landmarks can make good photographs, but salt water is unforgiving.

Because the trip starts at 6:30am, have breakfast before leaving or use the included croissants and cupcakes as part of your morning food. If you need a substantial meal, plan it for after the 11:30am return.

Booking, weather, and cancellation cautions

The experience is mobile-ticketed, and confirmation is provided at booking. The published operating information shows a Monday session from 6:30am to 11:30am, with availability listed through June 16, 2026. Check the date carefully before paying because schedule information can change.

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. That is one of the biggest practical drawbacks. Do not book until your group, date, and transport plan are settled.

Weather is treated differently. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Sea conditions can affect comfort and fishing, so keeping your schedule flexible is wise even when the forecast looks good.

The trip ends back at the Dubai Marina meeting point. There is no included transportation to or from the marina, so you are responsible for getting there and returning to your accommodation.

Should you book this Dubai fishing trip?

I would book this for a group of four to eight people who want a private morning on the water and who like the idea of changing methods. The mix of trolling and light tackle gives the trip more variety than a single-style charter, and the toilet, semi-shaded deck, fish finder, safety equipment, drinks, and snacks make five hours easier.

The strongest value comes with a full group. At eight people, the per-person cost is reasonable for a private boat. At two people, it becomes a much more expensive fishing morning, so compare the price with other private charters before committing.

Go in with realistic expectations. The crew can take you to productive areas and supply good equipment, but no fishing operator can promise a particular species or catch count. If you accept that uncertainty, this is a practical, family-friendly way to fish Dubai waters with a crew that supports beginners and serious anglers alike.

FAQ

How long is the Dubai fishing trip?

The trip lasts approximately five hours, with the scheduled session running from 6:30am to 11:30am.

Where does the trip start and finish?

It starts and ends at Go Fishing Dubai in Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

How many people can join the private boat?

The maximum is eight passengers, including children.

What type of boat is used?

The trip uses a 35-foot Triton with a toilet and a semi-shaded area.

What fishing methods are included?

The package includes trolling and regular fishing with light tackle.

What fish might be caught while trolling?

Possible trolling catches include barracuda, king barracuda, grouper, kingfish, cobia, queenfish, and trevally.

What fish might be caught during regular fishing?

Possible catches include emperor, trevally, catfish, small barracuda, grouper, and sea bream. Small sharks are listed as a summer possibility.

Are fishing equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and life jackets are included. The boat also carries a first aid kit, sonar, GPS, and a fish finder.

Can children join the trip?

Yes. The minimum age is three years old. The excursion is not recommended during pregnancy.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water, juices, soft drinks, cupcakes, and croissants are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment.

More like this

Deep Sea Fishing, compared.

The full Deep Sea Fishing list →
Half-Day Deep-Sea Fishing at Riviera Beach
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 366 reviews· from $80

Half-Day Deep-Sea Fishing at Riviera Beach

Read our review →
Fort Lauderdale: 4-Hour Deep Sea Drift Fishing Trip
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 297 reviews· from $85

Fort Lauderdale: 4-Hour Deep Sea Drift Fishing Trip

Read our review →
Miami Half Day Deep Sea Fishing Trip from Bayside Marketplace
★★★★★★★★★★3.5· 223 reviews· from $80

Miami Half Day Deep Sea Fishing Trip from Bayside Marketplace

Read our review →
Miami Big Game Deep Sea Fishing Charter
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 198 reviews

Miami Big Game Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Read our review →
Shared BIG GAME Sportfishing Up To Six People
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 142 reviews· from $250

Shared BIG GAME Sportfishing Up To Six People

Read our review →
Key West Deep Sea Fishing: Big Fish
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 112 reviews

Key West Deep Sea Fishing: Big Fish

Read our review →
Cascais Deep-Sea Fishing Trip
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 94 reviews· from $104

Cascais Deep-Sea Fishing Trip

Read our review →
Private Deep Sea Fishing Trip with BBQ of Catch
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 94 reviews

Private Deep Sea Fishing Trip with BBQ of Catch

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Pick your water

Salt, fresh or frozen.