Shrimp fishing in Kuwait is one of the most anticipated seasons on the local marine calendar. Kuwaiti shrimp is prized, and the grounds stretch from Kuwait Bay out to the open water off Shuwaikh, Shuaiba and Al-Zour. But a good trip is not just about heading out; there is a season, a closed period, and rules you have to respect to stay safe, legal and productive.
Shrimp fishing in Kuwait runs on an official season announced by the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources (PAAF), followed by a closed period when shrimping is banned to protect the stock. Dates shift from year to year, so never rely on word of mouth or an old post; check the official dates yourself each season before you prep your gear and plan your trips. Respecting the closure is not optional, it is what keeps shrimp around for future years.
Shrimping usually happens in water that is not too deep, where shrimp live close to sandy and muddy bottoms. Pick an area where the official rules allow fishing, and watch the depth and current before you start towing. Prep the boat before you leave: enough fuel, a checked engine, working lights, spare ropes, and a simple log to record notes after each trip.
The main tool is the trawl net dragged along the seabed behind the boat. Mesh size and net dimensions are regulated, and following those rules protects juvenile shrimp and keeps the fishery sustainable. Ropes and weights need careful tuning so the net does not just plough the bottom, and you should watch the balance of the net throughout the tow.
Most shrimp trips run at night, because shrimp rise off the bottom and become active in the dark. That means proper lighting, clear roles for the crew, and steady communication during the tow. Cool night air helps, but salt and humidity are hard on equipment, so inspect everything before you leave. If you want to check conditions beforehand, the B7R app gives you sea state and tide tables for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports, plus a seasons calendar and a species guide, all free on Google Play.
Shrimp spoil fast, and immediate icing is the first step to protecting their value. Bring plenty of ice, pack the catch in insulated boxes, and avoid thick layering so heat does not build up in the middle and ruin the catch. Safety comes first: check fire extinguishers, make sure everyone has a life jacket, carry a first-aid kit, and tell someone ashore your route and expected return time.
Before you head out, check the weather, tides and the official season dates, then plan a safe trip. Stay inside permitted areas, keep the B7R app handy with its SOS button ready for an emergency, and log your catch and notes after every trip to improve the next one. Get the app free on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r