Fish
Patagonian blenny (róbalo, Falklands mullet)
Róbalo patagónico (róbalo, lisa de Malvinas)
Eleginops maclovinus
At a glance
1–4 lb.
1–30 ft.
Moving tides, day.
3 areas
Know it
Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.
- Identification
Long, round, silvery-gray fish with a darker blue-gray back, a small pointed head with a small mouth, a long second dorsal fin and a slightly forked tail. Not related to the snook (also called róbalo).
- Typical size
1–4 lb.
- Maximum size
About 3 ft, though most are 12–20 in.
- Diet
Algae, small crustaceans, worms, mussels and small fish.
- Behavior
Moves in and out of estuaries and river mouths with the tide; tolerates fresh water well.
Find it
Where, when and how deep to look.
- Where to find it
Found from Patagonia, Falkland Islands and Northern & Central Chile. Estuaries, river mouths, harbors and sheltered coasts from central Chile (about Valparaíso) and Argentine Patagonia south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falklands.
- Habitat
Estuaries, river mouths, harbors and sheltered coasts from central Chile (about Valparaíso) and Argentine Patagonia south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falklands.
- Depth
1–30 ft.
- Fishing depth
3–15 ft in estuaries and harbors.
- Best season
Spring to autumn.
- Best time
Moving tides, day.
- Best tides
The rising tide brings them into estuaries and creeks.
- Best weather / conditions
Calm days; the Patagonian wind can make fishing hard.
Bait & gear
What to tie on and what to throw.
- Best bait
Worms, small shrimp, mussels and strips of fish.
- Best artificial lures
Small spoons, spinners and flies.
- Tackle setup
Light to medium spinning rod or 6 weight fly rod.
- Hook size
Size 4–1/0.
- Line
8–15 lb.
- Leader
10–15 lb fluorocarbon.
BigJoe's setup for Patagonian blenny (róbalo, Falklands mullet)
The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.
Also at Bass Pro Shops: RodReelLineSpoonsHooksSinkers
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Catch it
Step by step, from first cast to landing.
Step-by-step: how to catch it
- Go where it lives: Estuaries, river mouths, harbors and sheltered coasts from central Chile (about Valparaíso) and Argentine Patagonia south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falklands.
- Rig up: Light to medium spinning rod or 6 weight fly rod. 10–15 lb fluorocarbon.
- Pick your bait: Worms, small shrimp, mussels and strips of fish. Lures: Small spoons, spinners and flies.
- Fish it: Fish small baits on the bottom in estuaries and harbors on the rising tide, or cast small spoons at river mouths.
- Time it: Moving tides, day. The rising tide brings them into estuaries and creeks.
- Fishing techniques
Fish small baits on the bottom in estuaries and harbors on the rising tide, or cast small spoons at river mouths.
- BigJoe's tip
In the Falklands, 'mullet' often show up in the same river mouths as sea trout.
- Catch and release
Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.
Clean & cook
Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.
- Edibility
Good eating when fresh.
- Cleaning
Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
- Cooking suggestions
White, mild meat; fried or baked.
Stay safe & legal
Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.
- Safety warnings
Cold water and strong tides — wear a life jacket and warm clothes.
- Regulations
Chile, Argentina and the Falklands set their own limits; check local rules. Each country sets its own rules: Chile requires a recreational fishing license (from Sernapesca) for sea and fresh water, and Peru and Ecuador have their own size limits and closed seasons. Marine reserves and some bays are closed — check local rules before you keep fish.
- Conservation
Common.
Where it's found
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