Zubaidi Fishing in Kuwait: Tips and Secrets

Zubaidi — the silver pomfret — is the fish Kuwaiti anglers talk about all year. Its light, delicate flesh and rich flavor make it the star of the Kuwaiti table, and its price tag makes landing one feel like a real win. If you have ever eaten a fresh zubaidi, you already know why. Here is what you need to know to catch more of them.

Why Zubaidi Is Kuwait's Favorite Fish

Silver pomfret has a soft, sweet meat that needs almost nothing but salt and pepper to shine. It is also one of the more valuable fish in the local market, which makes every catch feel special. For many families in Kuwait, fried or grilled zubaidi is the dish that shows up at gatherings and celebrations — and catching your own makes it taste even better.

Best Season and Time to Fish for Zubaidi

In Kuwait, the zubaidi season runs from late autumn through winter, when the water cools and the fish move closer to shore. The best hours are early morning and just before sunset, when the sea is calm and the bite is strongest. Plan your trips around these windows and you will spend less time waiting and more time pulling fish.

Best Baits and Rigs for Zubaidi

Fresh shrimp is the go-to bait for zubaidi, and small prawns and marine worms work well too. Fish can be picky, so if the bite slows down, switch baits until you find what they want that day. Use light line, a modest sinker, and a small hook — zubaidi feel resistance fast and will drop the bait if your setup feels heavy.

• Fresh shrimp or small prawns: the most reliable bait.
• Light line and light sinker: you will feel even the softest bite.
• Small hook: keeps the bait natural and improves hookups.

Best Spots Around Kuwait

Sandy beaches with calm, clear water are a good starting point, and so are the shallow reef areas close to the coast. During the season you will see local anglers gathering at the same known spots — asking around at the shore will save you years of trial and error. Always check local fishing rules and make sure your license is valid.

How Tides Affect the Zubaidi Bite

This is the secret many anglers miss: zubaidi bite best when the water is moving. The first couple of hours of the incoming tide, and the start of the outgoing tide, are usually the most productive windows. Time your trip to the tide and your catch rate will climb noticeably. This is where the B7R app helps — it gives you tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports, so you know exactly when to head out.

A Quick Note on Cooking Zubaidi

Keep it simple. Fry it on gentle heat or grill it until golden, and serve it with white rice and salad — the classic Kuwaiti way. A zubaidi you catch the same day, cooked fresh, is a completely different dish from anything you will buy at the market.

Plan your trip before you leave the dock. Check the B7R app for the current sea state, and use the fishing log to track what worked on each trip. The app is free on Google Play and includes a fish guide, a seasons calendar, navigation tools, and an SOS emergency button — everything you need for a safe and productive day on the water.