Since the times of Ancient Greece, fishermen have gathered along the Red Sea to harvest its bounty. The skill of fishing is largely unchanged from those early days, and at Jeddah it continues.
Historians say the city was first founded as a fishing village more than 2,500 years ago. Jeddah’s stature grew in 647 A.D. when the Caliph Othman ibn Affan made it a port to serve Muslim pilgrims for Umrah and Haj. Since those times, Jeddah has served as the gateway for the millions of pilgrims who have arrived in the Kingdom, traditionally by sea and recently by air.
One of the old districts in Jeddah was called Harat Al-Bahar (which means the Sea Village), and it still exists, but construction has obscured any view of the sea.
Old-timers reminisce about back when the houses had a sea view. They said their fathers fished as a hobby, but when there was a big catch, it was a cause for celebration among the 20 or 30 family members who used to live under one roof. Fresh seafood was served; friends and neighbors would enjoy the feast.
The fishing bug starts young, and kids have their share of fun fishing. For some, walking along the seashore and catching mussels and crabs by hand remains a memorable experience.
“We would start a small fire, and grill the seafood and then eat it,” said Abu Tariq, recalling his childhood. “Life was simple, and these little things meant a lot.”
But times have changed in Jeddah. At Harat Al-Bahar, you can longer see the sea. In many places, you can’t even get to it.
“Although the sea now is not as open to the public as it used to be, I still reminisce about those moments and cherish them,” he said. “It brightened my day just to drive along the Corniche and watch all the kids, waiting for their luck to come and for the fish to dance around their baits.”
Some preferred to catch sea life by net; others chose baited hooks. From the youthful adaptations of fishing came “fishing” for birds, in which boys stayed underwater and nabbed the landing birds. Lobster and crab fishing also were popular.
For countless millennia, the fishing bug has bit girls, too. The art of throwing the baited hook into the salty Red Sea has been carried from generation to generation and to both sexes. And why not?
“What we have here is one of the best seas in the world decorated by nature with these fascinating coral reefs,” said Reem Al-Sabban, a woman who has loved to fish for more than 25 years and encourages other women to follow suit. “As much as we sail into the sea, the beauty of the virgin corals are a joy to see.”
The farther out you go, the more interesting the fish get.
“Long trips from the shore are totally worth it,” said Al-Sabban.
Fishing by boat also goes way back; although, boats have changed considerably.
Earlier generations learned to fish while balancing in a narrow, 3 meters traditional craft called a houri. Fishing in a houri was an adventure — no engine, no flag — but that only added to the excitement. Many would fish in the tides for even more fun.
For others, the gentle roll of the waves and the solitude give them time to reflect.
“It offers men one of the important qualities they need, and that is patience,” said Zahir Fitaih, a man in his 40s who tries to fish every month. “It also moves one’s soul from the city’s noise and troubles to a place where it is peaceful and refreshing.”
Jeddah now has several popular beaches, including Durrat Al-Arus, Al-Remal, Shams, Bait Al-Bahar and Al-Nakhil. People who visit these places know that Red Sea fishing still exists. Desert Sea Divers of Jeddah organizes trips for tourists to try their hand at hook and line. Women also can go aboard to ply the Red Sea and fish — with ID and parental or guardians’ permission.
For information, visit http://www.desertseadivers.com
Whatever the reason, fishing remains a popular pastime with the Bride of the Red Sea and probably will remain so for generations to come. It makes one wonder who really gets hooked in fishing, the fish — or the fisherman?
“Believe me, we have 365 busy days and not just one busy season,” said Abu Bakur Enaichikal of Desert Sea Divers. “That’s the beauty of the Red Sea. People here can enjoy fishing year-round. If it’s four or five trips through the week, it extends to six or seven trips with the weekends.”
