Silver Kob
Silver kob is a marine drum endemic to the southern African coast, running from Namibia down to the Eastern Cape.
Offshore boat anglers are the primary audience — this is a species caught in open water and over low-profile reefs, not in rivers or estuaries like its close relative the dusky kob.
It's one of the most targeted linefish species in the Western Cape and is a staple of the South African offshore recreational fishery.
Scientific Name: Argyrosomus inodorus
Also known as Silwer kob, kabeljou, silwer kabeljou, mild meagre
- Silvery-grey flanks with a pale, almost white belly — noticeably lighter overall than the darker, bronze-toned dusky kob.
- Row of small white spots along the lateral line, a family trait shared with other sciaenids (drums and croakers).
- Lacks the brassy smell that dusky kob give off when handled — the species name inodorus literally means "without scent."
- Grows to around 1.4 m and roughly 36 kg at maximum; most fish caught offshore run considerably smaller than that.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Endemic to southern African waters — ranges from northern Namibia south and east to the Eastern Cape, in depths under 150 m.
- Adults favour low-profile reefs and sandy bottom in 20–120 m of water; juveniles use shallow sandy or muddy embayments.
- Most common south of Struisbaai in the Western Cape, though both silver and dusky kob can overlap in the same area.
- Primarily a marine species — unlike dusky kob, silver kob are not strongly associated with estuaries or river mouths.
Key Locations
- Western Cape offshore grounds — the primary range for silver kob in South Africa, with False Bay noted as the type locality for the species.
- South of Struisbaai — this area marks the rough boundary where silver kob become the dominant kob species over dusky kob.
- Eastern Cape nearshore — the eastern edge of the species' South African range; fish are present but less abundant than further west.
Specific Spots
- Low-profile reef edges and reef-to-sand transitions hold adult fish — they use the structure as a reference point while feeding over adjacent sandy bottom.
- Sandy patches between reef sections are productive; silver kob forage over open sand, so don't ignore the gaps between structure.
- Depth changes and drop-offs in the 20–80 m range concentrate fish, especially where current pushes bait against the bottom.
Silver Kob FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Silver Kob?
Chokka (squid) is the single most consistent bait, fished whole, in strips, or as a cocktail with pilchard on a sliding trace to the bottom. Pilchard, whole or cut, works well and is widely available at coastal bait shops; the scent trail is a real advantage in deeper water.
When is the best time to fish for Silver Kob?
August through December, spawning movement brings fish inshore, making this the most productive window for nearshore and boat anglers. Year-round offshore, adult fish are present over deeper reef throughout the year, with effort and conditions dictating success outside the spawning period.
How do you catch Silver Kob?
Most silver kob are caught by boat anglers fishing at anchor or on a slow drift over reef and sandy bottom, presenting cut bait or squid on a sliding trace near the seafloor. Shore fishing is less productive for this species compared to dusky kob, as silver kob spend more of their time in deeper offshore water.
What do Silver Kob eat?
Cut bait and squid (chokka) are the go-to offerings, silver kob feed heavily on squid and small fish, and will take a well-presented chunk bait on the bottom far more readily than a live bait or lure.
Where do Silver Kob live?
Endemic to southern African waters, ranges from northern Namibia south and east to the Eastern Cape, in depths under 150 m. Adults favour low-profile reefs and sandy bottom in 20–120 m of water; juveniles use shallow sandy or muddy embayments.
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