Fish

Peruvian grunt (chita)

Chita

Anisotremus scapularis

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

1–3 lb.

Depth

3–60 ft.

Best time

Dawn and dusk.

Found in

3 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Deep, high-backed grunt, gray to dark gray with a dark blotch near the shoulder, thick lips and a steep forehead.
Typical size: 1–3 lb.
Maximum size: About 22 in.
Diet: Crabs, mussels, worms and other bottom animals.
Behavior: Lives around rocks, crevices and kelp near shore; wary and hard to fool.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Peru, Northern & Central Chile and Pacific Colombia & Ecuador. Rocky shores and reefs from Ecuador to northern Chile.
Habitat: Rocky shores and reefs from Ecuador to northern Chile.
Depth: 3–60 ft.
Fishing depth: 5–25 ft near rocks.
Best season: All year; summer is best.
Best time: Dawn and dusk.
Best tides: Moving tide.
Best weather / conditions: Some swell and white water near the rocks.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

Also at Bass Pro Shops: Rod Reel Line Leader Hooks Weight Tool

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Rocky shores and reefs from Ecuador to northern Chile.
Rig up: Medium rod for rock fishing. 15–20 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Crab, mussel, worms and shrimp. Lures: Rarely.
Fish it: Fish crab or mussel bait close to the rocks with little or no weight in the white water.
Time it: Dawn and dusk. Moving tide.

Fishing techniques: Fish crab or mussel bait close to the rocks with little or no weight in the white water.
BigJoe's tip: Fresh crab is the best bait.
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.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: One of Peru's most prized fish — superb fried whole, steamed or in ceviche.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Wave-washed rocks are dangerous — watch the swell.
Regulations: Peru and Chile set minimum sizes; spearfishing rules apply too. 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: Popular with anglers and spearfishers; follow size limits.

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Sources & photo credits