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Big Fish, Harsh Sun: Fishing in Oman’s Wild
Extreme Heat & Monster 60kg GT's
John Cahill’s Epic Oman Story
There’s fishing, and then there’s fishing. For serious anglers like John Cahill (JC) , who’s spent over a decade chasing monster fish across the globe, the pursuit of a true trophy catch is as much about the location as it is about the fish. And when it comes to finding some of the biggest, toughest fish on the planet, Oman is at the top of his list. JC's latest trip to Oman brought him face-to-face with his biggest challenge yet: a 60kg GT (Giant Trevally) that tested both his skills and his gear to the max.
In this journal, JC shares his experience fishing in Oman’s extreme conditions, how the harsh sun shapes the way he fishes, and the gear that made all the difference in keeping him comfortable and focused during long days on the water.
JC on the water in Oman, wearing the Helios Hoodie Bluefin & Waterline Boardshorts.
About JC:
I'm from Melbourne, Victoria. I fish all year in both fresh and salt and get after it as much as I can locally or abroad, who doesn't love an adventure or 10! I work in the fishing industry so you could say it's my life.
Why did you choose Oman as your fishing destination, and what makes it unique for serious anglers looking for a challenge?
I've been going to Oman since 2014, I think I've been there 9 times now. I go there for the mega GT's and other species which just seem to grow bigger there than most other places. It's the place to go if you are serious about a 50kg GT dream!
JC and his Spango catch, wearing the Helios Hoodie Bluefin, Ocean Harbour Shorts & Kraken Snapback.
What were the most exciting or difficult fish species you encountered during your trip, and how did the environment affect your approach to catching them?
I've been chasing GT's for 13 years now across the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Vanuatu, Malaysia, Oman, Indonesia and Hawaii. On this latest trip I caught my biggest ever GT, a 60kg plus beast. I can't imagine the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have gone into finding a fish like that.
JC and his 60kg beast Giant Trevally, wearing the Kraken Snapback.
How did the hot, sunny conditions in Oman impact your fishing experience, and what strategies or gear (like UV-protective clothing/helios) helped you stay comfortable and focused?
You have to cover up, this kind of clothing has come a long way, we started out with sun tops that had no hood, so it would always be a hat and buff. I hate buffs, especially with a beard! This new Helios line has the in built hood and looser fitting ventilated buff which I found so comfortable with no gaps for the sun to burn me. It was actually pretty cool and comfortable.
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JC keep cool and protected from the harsh Oman sun, wearing the Helios Hoodie Bluefin, Fathom Jacket, Waterline Boardshorts & Kraken Snapback.
Can you describe your favourite catch from the trip—what made that moment unforgettable for you as an angler?
Undoubtedly the big GT, I actually didn't sleep that night I was so fired up still!. There was also a mega bluefish that I have been chasing for years and a 60 fish amberjack jigging session, it was pretty epic!
For other fishos planning remote fishing trips, what advice would you give them about preparation, gear, and choosing the right location for an epic adventure?
Start with what you want to ideally target, understand the regions they thrive in and look for good operators in those regions. Crucial is making sure you plan any trip around a peak season, there is no point going when the fish aren't there! The internet is your friend when doing that type of research.
JC with his Amberjack and Bluefish / Tailor / Shad catch, wearing the Helios Hoodie GT & Kraken Snapback.
John Cahill:
Instagram: @bluewater_johnny
