We set off from Ruwais City just after sunrise, the sky still stretching out its first light, and the water – completely still. No wind, no waves, just this surreal calm that made it feel like the boat wasn’t even moving. You could hear every creak of the wood, every splash of bait hitting the sea. It was the kind of silence that feels sacred, like the ocean was letting us in on a secret.

The crew of experienced fishermen explained to us how we going to catch fish – just though in a line with a weight, fresh fish on the hook as bait. Let it drop to the sea floor and wait. We were supposed to be quiet and composed not to scare the fish, but pretty soon we saw dolphins and couldn’t stay quiet for shit.

We had two boats out on the water that day—technically a fishing competition, though let’s be honest, the real win was that our boat didn’t have any kids on board. Peace, quiet, and no one asking for snacks every five minutes? Already champions.

Then came the fish. The first was caught with a cheer. The second not long after. And then, finally, I landed a modest little one – nothing to brag about, but enough to count.

That felt like the signal. Rods down, spirits high, and time to shift focus from fishing to feasting. We decided it was the perfect moment to drop anchor, take a break, and start prepping lunch.

The sea, the sun, the dolphin cameo, and the friendly rivalry – it was already shaping up to be a perfect day.

Of course, the boat with the kids had to return to shore 45 minutes before us, so the competition finished before it started.

Afternoon Fishing

Fast forward the lunch, the slumber and the heat survival, we went out again. After some lazy attempts at casting, I felt a sudden pull on the line – heavy, wild. Everyone leaned in, half-expecting it to be a rogue boot, but no, it was a shark. An actual shark. Small enough to handle, but big enough to cause chaos.

Now here’s where it gets truly George: he decides this is the perfect moment to go for a swim. In the open sea. Right after we pulled up a shark. He swam around like he was in a luxury resort infinity pool, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, the rest of us were scanning the water for dorsal fins.

The sea stayed calm. George didn’t get eaten. And we ended the day sunburnt, salty, and slightly in awe of how ridiculous and beautiful it all was.

All the photos taken with Fujifilm XT-4, 23mm lens.