Two different fishing days
The shared boat. This is what most hotel reps and agencies sell. A medium-size boat leaves Hurghada marina with a mixed group, anchors over two reefs and hands out rods or hand lines with bait. The crew helps you bait hooks and take fish off. Between stops there is usually a short snorkel break, then a buffet lunch. Expect small and medium reef fish. It's a relaxed day and good with kids, because the crew does the fiddly parts.
The private charter. You get a boat, a captain who fishes, and proper gear. One published listing mentions two trolling rods; private boats can troll lures behind the boat in deeper water instead of sitting on one reef. That's where bigger fish come from. Bring your own tackle if you're particular about it; ask in advance what line weight and lures they carry.
| Shared fishing boat | Private charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Who's on board | Mixed group | Only your party |
| Method | Bottom fishing at anchor, hand lines or rods | Bottom fishing plus trolling |
| Target | Coral trout, other groupers, small reef fish | Plus trevally, kingfish, sometimes mahi-mahi |
| Snorkel stop | Usually yes | If you want it |
| Lunch | Buffet, sometimes your catch | Usually your catch grilled, plus sides |
| Price | Per person | Per boat |
What bites, and when
Local operators list coral trout, trevally, kingfish, mahi-mahi and, on lucky days, sailfish among the catches. The reef species are there all year. Open-water fish like mahi-mahi move with the season and water temperature, so a captain who fishes regularly is worth more than a bigger boat. Ask what has been caught in the last week; a captain who goes out often will answer straight away.
The sea matters more than the season for your comfort. In a strong north wind the boat rolls at anchor, which is worse for seasickness than moving. If you're prone to it, take a tablet before you leave the marina and stay on deck, not in the cabin.
The rules at sea
Tourist fishing trips run under the boat operator's permits, so you don't buy a licence. What is not allowed: fishing for sharks or turtles, spearfishing, and fishing inside protected reef areas. The Giftun islands and many reefs near Hurghada are part of a protected area, so fishing boats anchor at other spots. Egypt has also closed the Red Sea to fishing for set periods in some years; if a trip suddenly isn't available, that may be why.
Release anything small, anything you won't eat, and anything the crew says is protected. A crew that keeps every fish, whatever the size, tells you something about the operator.
What to bring
A hat, a long-sleeved shirt and strong sunscreen: you spend hours in one place on an open deck. Gloves help if you'll handle line. Soft drinks and water are included on most trips, other drinks are extra. Cash for tips. If you'd rather have your fish cooked ashore, ask your hotel kitchen before the trip, not when you walk in with a bag of fillets.
Pickup, group size and weather
Shared fishing trips include pickup from hotels in Hurghada town. From Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh there is usually a small supplement, and from El Gouna or Safaga a larger one, because the boats leave from Hurghada marina. Some operators run the trip as an afternoon departure that ends after sunset; ask which slot you're booked on.
Shared trips need a minimum number of people. If not enough sign up, or if the weather is bad, the usual terms are a different date or a full refund. A private charter has no minimum, and because it is priced per boat, it gets better value the more anglers share it.
