Jassam Karam: Al-Sabaiti's pharmacy on "Al-Qamarah" and "Al-Haml Al-Kabeer"

Love for the sea and the lure of the fishing line have been with him since childhood. He accompanied his father to Al-Hayyan, Al-Rushdan, Awaneeh, and Failaka, creating experiences whose details were etched into his memory and have never faded to this day. Al-Bahri magazine meets today Al-Hadaq Jassim Karam, who shared with us his childhood fishing memories, the key knowledge he has accumulated over the years through this hobby, the best fishing spots currently, the prevalent fish species, the reasons for fish reproduction at the Jaber Bridge, the fish most commonly caught in August, and the locations of Shima and Shamaahi. Karam also showed us the preferred bait for Sbeiti (grouper), the best bait for Hamour (grouper), where the “Raoi” Hamour is found, the fishing seasons for Shuam and Nuwaibi, when Hamour fishing peaks, why fishing in Awaneeh has specific times, baits, and locations, the times when Al-Naqroor is most active, and the greatest concerns of sea people. Here is the dialogue:

At the beginning, Al-Hadaq Jassim Karam says: “The sea is my passion. The fascination with the line and the sigh of the fish never stops; it continues until old age. My start with fishing was in childhood with my father, may God prolong his life. He used to take me with him on his sea trips to Doha, Al-Hayyan, Al-Rushdan, and some places in Awaneeh and Failaka. He taught me everything related to this beautiful hobby: tying the hook, splicing the line, using the sinker, attaching the swivel, calculating the baits, knowing fish seasons, line sizes, and the type of bait for each fish, among many other things. After growing up, I relied on myself and started going out with friends, exchanging experiences and information, and enjoying the trips and fishing.”

Jaber Bridge: A Nursery for Fish

Karam adds: “The best fishing spots currently are Doha and Al-Rushdan. Jaber Bridge is distinctive for fishing due to fish reproduction, and most species are found there, including Shima, Hamour, Shuam, Sbeiti, and Nuwaibi, because it has become a nursery due to the presence of Umma and No fish on the concrete pillars. With the arrival of August, Shima, Shamaahi, Shuam, and Nuwaibi appear, and fishing for them becomes rewarding. Shima and Shamaahi are found towards Al-Dardoor and Awaneeh, while Shuam and Nuwaibi are at Jaber Bridge.”

He continues: “People have the impression that Sbeiti is difficult and smart, but it is the opposite. If you know its nursery and where it is located, catching it becomes easy. For example, if you see Salsal fish in a spot, you know it wants this bait, because you cannot catch Sbeiti while targeting shrimp. Each place has its preferred bait; in some places, it prefers ‘Haml’ (a type of bait), and personally, I have caught large numbers of Sbeiti using ‘Al-Fasad’ bait. Most places preferred by Sbeiti use large Haml or full Qumra baits. The best baits for Sbeiti are Salsal, Zoori, chicken entrails, and Yuwaf. You must also know your casting spot: does the Sbeiti graze on the bait’s splash or on the bait’s return, as this makes a big difference. It is normal to see it with your eyes, but it may not strike.”

Raoi Hamour and Shima

Karam says: “Hamour is present year-round, mostly in rocky areas and reefs. There is a type of Hamour found in muddy areas called ‘Raoi,’ which has a light color. The best period for Hamour fishing is May. The best bait for Hamour is ‘Al-Jam’ and ‘Al-Yamiam,’ and the most important thing is that it is alive. As for Shima, it is present throughout the year. In summer, its preferred baits are Yamiam and live Yuwaf. In winter, it prefers ‘Jaq’ and strong baits like Dardoor and ‘Aariz Awaneeh.’ These days, you can find it at Jaber Bridge and Um Al-Fahm reef.”

Seasons of Shuam and Nuwaibi

He adds: “Summer Shuam is found in rocky areas and Jaber Bridge. Its bait is ‘Shreeb’ and ‘Haml’ bait, preferring ‘Thabr’ and early ‘Saji.’ In winter, it is found in sandy areas and shallow waters of three meters or less, with its bait being cultured shrimp. It is abundant in summer, specifically from April to June, and returns strongly in September and October. In winter, it is abundant from December to February. As for Nuwaibi, its habitat is muddy and sandy areas, and its fishing season is winter. It is caught using ‘Hadaq’ and ‘Jaq.’ For Hadaq, you use ‘Al-Alaq,’ with shrimp and ‘Salaakh Al-Meid’ as bait. Its season starts in October and is strong in January and February.”

Awaneeh: Mixed Fish Species

Karam continues: “Awaneeh has sweet and mixed fish species, but only for those who know its times, baits, and locations. There, you can find Hamour, Sbeiti, Shuam, Shamaahi, and Nuwaibi, with seasons depending on the species. With the arrival of August, Shamaahi appear. As for Al-Naqroor, it is found in muddy areas, prefers depth, and its baits are shrimp, ‘Khasaq,’ and Zoori. It is most active in April with ‘Sarayat,’ and also in October. It is caught using ‘Al-Alaq’ and ‘Al-Rakha.’”

Conclusion

Karam concludes: “The most annoying thing in the sea is some fishermen who see stationary boats and pass between them at high speed without any respect for those casting. There are people who, if they see your spot has fish, approach you closely, even dropping their line between your boat and the target. The sea is vast, and fishing is sustenance from the Lord of the Worlds. May God protect everyone.”