2014-07-17 14.53.17

Capt. Salim: One of the best in Muscat, Oman

He is one of the most prolific charter captains in Muscat, an excellent fisherman with excellent people skills. He’s such warm person, you can feel his enthusiasm oozing from the phone. There are captains who thrive in fishing but fails to connect with the anglers. This one can be terribly sweet to the people on board. He keeps you entertained, attends your needs, and teaches you how to work the rod and reel. He has the balance of guiding you and letting you do your own thing.

I’m yet to hear a bad review for this guy. His guests always leave his boat grinning and with a handful of fish. 31 out of 32 gave him excellent reviews in a famous travel website. 1 person gave him a very good. Maybe because he has a way of making the day memorable, regardless of fishing conditions.

Captain Salim owns and operates Sansool 1 and Sansool 2. He was born and raised in Muscat, Oman. And he lives there still, in a house near the sea.

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Capt. Salim, fishing charters Muscat, Oman

Tell us a bit about your background and why you became a fisherman? In early 1975 I went fishing with my father for the first time. My dad’s a fisherman. During those days fishing tools were very limited and considered low tech. I started loving fishing and used a wooden boat to go after Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Tuna, Kingfish and others. I loved fishing and it has always been my life, I thank my father for that.

I have plenty of experience in the science of the sea and methods used in fishing. I can also read the weather, wind, and waves. Most of this knowledge came from my father. He taught me since I was a kid, and now I’m still doing it 30 years later.

What is it about your home that you’re most proud of? I always have a great time here, and my boys are becoming the next generation fishermen in the family. They have the instinct for it.

As a child, what were your best memories about fishing? I used to go out with my father everyday from 4:00am to 2:00pm. We would go to great depths and fish for bluefin tuna, marlin, and swordfish. I remember when boats reach the coast, fishermen would unload tons and tons of fish in the market.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from your father about fishing? My dad always told me not be stubborn and don’t be impatient in catching the big fish because it will reflect on you. You need patience until you get to them, and it’s not easy. If you hurry, you’ll cut off hooks.

What is it about fishing that you love so much? I like catching different kinds of species, because you use a different method for each type of fish: there are surface fish, bottom fish and so on. Hunting for fish is always a great fun.

Dorado caught with Capt. Salim
“We caught some mahi-mahi [and went] dolphin watching…my mom got sick and Capt. Salim helped her through it…[he] has a lot of experience and skill. I highly recommend for an enjoyable fishing trip.” - Rayyan, July 2014
In your experience, what’s the best thing fishing has taught you? A lot. From sardines to big fish, each has a lesson.

What is the biggest fish you caught in your life? Blue marlin 250kg with my father, white shark more than 200kg with my older brother, yellowfin tuna 110kg, sailfish 60kg and kingfish 45kg.

sailfish fishing in Muscat
sailfish caught aboard Sansool 1

What do you think is the best fishing technique to use in Muscat? Bottom fishing and trolling.

Best customer you’ve had? All customers are happy. I talk to them, get their information, what they think about the sea and fishing, and give them a different experience each time. They’ll have a great time and we’ll return to the marina. And again, they’d like to return and go on a fishing trip.

grouper Sansool 2
happy angler with his grouper on Sansool 2

There are people who genuinely love the sea, would you consider yourself as one of them? Yes, I am of those people who love the sea not only for hunting. I really enjoy the water, everything is beautiful especially the different organisms. I love the fishing, swimming, diving, and relaxing on the beach.

Captain Salim offers 4-hour and 8-hour trips for 1 to 8 people from Marina Bandar Al Rowhda in Muscat.

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