Djibouti October season 2024: FIRST WEEK
October marked the beginning of the autumn season in Djibouti, a time when the region's unique charm unfolds against the backdrop of its dramatic landscapes and warm waters. With our mother boat, Elegante, freshly restored in an Egyptian dry dock, we were eager to embark on a new marine adventure in the Gulf of Aden, a stretch of water.
The extended and unusually warm summer, even by Djiboutian standards, seemed to have influenced fish behavior, pushing them deeper into the ocean's cool embrace. As a result, our fishing strategy leaned heavily on jigging—a technique that proved effective in reaching the fish at these depths. Adjusting to the conditions took some time, but soon enough, our efforts began to pay off. One by one, the catches piled up, ranging from modest-sized fish to impressive trophies. Of course, not every battle ended in triumph; a few fish managed to reef us or escape just after a brief but intense fight.
Among the highlights of the week was a surprising encounter with an amberjack—a rare catch for these waters—that struck a jig intended for a Giant Trevally. It was an unexpected but welcome addition to our trip, underscoring the unpredictability and excitement that defines fishing in this part of the world.
As the days progressed, so did the fishing action. While we enjoyed a couple of productive days casting topwater lures, the fish quickly returned to deeper waters. We also tried fishing from the shore but the fish were just not coming up. This shift played to the strengths of our jigging techniques, which delivered world-class results. The variety of fish caught was impressive, ranging from smaller species to truly remarkable specimens that tested our skills and equipment. By the end of the trip, the results spoke for themselves: a memorable mix of quantity and quality, reflecting the richness of the Gulf of Aden's underwater ecosystem.
October had not only brought us the start of a new season but also the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of success on the water. The adventure was a reminder of why we fish—not just for the catches, but for the stories, surprises, and the deep connection to nature that comes with every cast and every strike.
