Introduction: The Beginning of a Lifelong Love
Fishing has been a part of my life since I was 15, growing up in Casablanca. I vividly remember the first time I cast a line into the Atlantic, standing on the rocky shores of Mohammedia. It was the start of a journey that would lead me to rediscovering my love for the ocean in a small, serene village called Oualidia. This journey has taken me from the bustling city life to the peaceful rhythm of waves crashing along the Moroccan coast.
Today, I want to share that journey with you—how fishing became more than just a hobby, but a way to reconnect with nature, find peace, and rediscover myself.
The Pause: Life Took Me Away, But the Ocean Waited
As many of us do, I drifted away from my hobbies during university and early adulthood. Moving to Dakar for studies and later facing the global pandemic put distance between me and the ocean. Despite being close to the beach, I wasn’t fishing much—life was busy, and I didn’t realize how much I missed it.
Then, something changed. My uncle Saad from Canada rekindled that spark. One afternoon, while visiting him, we talked about the thrill of fishing, the feel of a fish biting the hook, and the beauty of being on the water. That conversation was the push I needed to pick up my rod again, and since then, there’s been no looking back.
Oualidia: Where My Passion Was Reborn
Moving to Oualidia was like coming home to a place I didn’t know I needed. This small coastal village, known for its lagoon and quieter, untouched beaches, offered me the perfect environment to dive back into my passion for fishing. Surrounded by hidden fishing spots like La Marine and Hajra Wastania, I soon found myself back in the flow, fishing 3-4 times a week.
What makes Oualidia special is its diverse marine life and the feeling of discovering something unique with every cast. The waters here are rich with species like sea bass, gilthead bream, and conger eel, making it an angler’s paradise.
Rediscovering the Thrill: The Moroccan Sea Bass
One of the highlights of fishing in Oualidia has been catching the elusive Moroccan Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). This species, known for its strength and agility, is a dream catch for many fishermen, both locals and tourists alike.
Sea bass are known for their intelligence, often feeding in deeper waters near rocky shores and reefs. They are primarily active during the early morning and late evening, making these times the best to cast your line. Oualidia, with its variety of terrains—from sandy shores to rockier coastlines—offers the perfect habitat for these fish to thrive.
Here are some tips I’ve gathered during my journey:
- Bait and Lures: Sea bass are particularly fond of natural bait like sardines and shrimp, but I’ve also had great success using soft plastic lures that mimic small fish.
- Conditions: Overcast days, when the light is low, often bring the sea bass closer to shore, especially when the tide is rising.
- Tackle: I’ve found medium-heavy rods paired with a reliable reel to be ideal when targeting larger sea bass.
The thrill of hooking one of these powerful fish is indescribable, and I’ll never forget the first time I reeled in a sea bass in Oualidia—it felt like all the time I had spent away from fishing had melted away in an instant.
Lessons from the Water: Patience, Persistence, and Peace
Fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about the experience. There’s something deeply meditative about being out on the water, waiting, observing, and tuning into the rhythms of nature. For me, fishing has become a form of therapy, a way to escape the noise of everyday life.
Every trip to the beach teaches me something new. Whether it’s learning the best conditions for certain fish or simply enjoying the beauty of the Moroccan coastline, fishing has become a way to reconnect with the things that matter.
Exploring New Spots: From Oualidia to Beyond
Though Oualidia holds a special place in my heart, my journey doesn’t stop here. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit other coastal cities across Morocco, each with its unique fishing opportunities. Safi, Essaouira, and Agadir are just a few of the places where I’ve cast my line, catching a variety of species and learning new techniques.
What I love about Morocco is its diversity in fishing environments—from the rocky shores of Safi to the calm bays of Oualidia. There’s always something new to explore, and I can’t wait to share more of my experiences with you as my journey continues.
Conclusion: Why HookedInMorocco is More Than Just a Blog
I started HookedInMorocco.com as a way to document my personal journey, but it’s grown into something much bigger. It’s not just about fishing—it’s about the connection to the ocean, the thrill of discovery, and the peace that comes from being on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone who’s curious about the sport, I hope my stories inspire you to pick up a rod and start your own adventure.
Fishing has brought me back to myself in ways I never expected, and I’m excited to continue sharing that passion with you.