Kuwaiti waters are not short of fish. The Gulf here holds a wide range of species, and each one has its own season, depth and preferred method. If you know the main species, your trips get easier: you know where to go and what to use. This guide covers the most common fish in Kuwaiti waters in a practical, straightforward way.
Zubaidi is the most famous fish in Kuwait by a wide margin. It is prized for its soft, delicate flesh and its distinctive shape. Its season is clear and tied to cold weather, peaking in late autumn and winter. It is taken in water slightly deeper than the shoreline, and the best bite comes as sea temperature drops. Zubaidi commands a high price, which is why it is a target for almost every fisherman in the country.
Hamour is one of the strongest and most popular fish with local anglers. It favours rocks, reefs and areas close to the bottom. It is caught on rod and line with natural bait or with lures, and it fights hard when hooked, so you need a solid rod and a line that can take the pressure.
Safi is well known across the Gulf and its season follows the cooling of the water. Sobaiti is similar in taste and cooking, preferring muddy ground close to the coast. Both show up regularly in Kuwaiti fish markets during their seasons, and catching them depends on timing the water temperature and matching a natural bait to their environment.
These are the coastal species you find near the beach. They suit beginners because they do not need heavy gear, and their numbers rise at certain times of the year.
Kanad is one of the best fish in the Arabian Gulf for both eating and fighting. It appears mainly in southern waters near Khafji and Umm Al-Nakheel, and anglers love it because it is fast and strong. Its season is well known and centres on the early part of the year, when group trips become popular.
Shrimp is not a fish, but it is a major part of Kuwaiti fishing. It has an official season that opens after the closed period, and activity at the ports rises sharply then. Bottom species complete the picture of Kuwait's marine diversity.
Many anglers struggle to tell similar species apart, especially at the start. This is where the B7R app helps: its fish guide explains the species in clear detail and separates the look-alikes. Knowing the species also tells you which bait and hook size to use next time.
It pays to record each trip โ species, time and sea conditions. With the B7R app you can keep your catches in the fishing log and return to them later, so you learn what worked in each season and each spot. Before heading out, check sea state and tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba to pick the right window.
Download the B7R app free on Google Play: b7r on Google Play