Zubaidi is one of the most popular and priciest fish in Kuwait's markets, and demand climbs every winter. Catching it does not require a big boat or complicated gear, but it does require knowing the season, the depth, and the bait. Do not head out blind: zubaidi is a seasonal fish, and water temperature and cold snaps decide when it moves in and when it leaves the shallower grounds near shore.
The main season runs from November to February, and the best weeks usually come after the water cools and the weather settles. In some years the run starts earlier or later depending on water temperature and wind, so watching sea conditions matters more than a fixed date. Early in the season numbers are lower but the fish are often a good size; at the peak, usually January, catches get heavier and the average fish gets bigger. Treat every season as approximate, because water temperature drives everything.
Zubaidi prefers moderate depths. The practical range for most fishermen in Kuwait is 20 to 40 meters, and the fish move shallower or deeper as the water temperature shifts. Grounds that keep producing include northern Kuwait, the waters near Failaka Island, and Msailiya with its surrounding sand and mud rises.
Fresh shrimp is the top bait, followed by khithaq (small bait fish) and squid cut into thin strips. Zubaidi has a small mouth, so matching bait size to the hook makes a real difference. The common method is jigging or drifting: lower the bait with enough weight for the current, let it move naturally with the water, and stay alert for a light tap before you pull. Do not strike hard on the first touch, let the fish take the bait, then lift steadily. In a strong current, add a little weight and lower more slowly so the bait stays in the right layer.
Dawn and sunset are the strongest windows, especially around tide changes because moving water wakes the fish up. Steady cold northerly winds support the bite; if the wind is strong and shifting, it is better to postpone the trip and recalculate. Check the sea state before you leave, and do not crowd a productive spot at the expense of safety.
Before leaving home, check tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports, sea state, seasons, and the fish guide in the B7R app so you know exactly what you are targeting. The app also has a catch log, navigation tools, and an SOS button for emergencies, and it is free on Google Play.
Log every trip in the catch log: date, depth, bait, and how many fish you landed. After a few outings the pattern becomes obvious, and planning the next trip gets much faster and more accurate.
Ready to try your luck? Download the B7R app free from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r and make your next trip a matter of knowledge, not luck.