Fish

Peruvian rock seabass (cabrilla)

Cabrilla (cabrilla peruana)

Paralabrax humeralis

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

1–3 lb.

Depth

5–150 ft.

Best time

Morning and evening.

Found in

3 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Sea bass with a brown to reddish-brown body covered in small dark spots, darker bars on the sides and a dark blotch above the pectoral fin.
Typical size: 1–3 lb.
Maximum size: About 22 in and 5 lb.
Diet: Crabs, shrimp, octopus and small fish.
Behavior: Lives among rocks and kelp and ambushes prey from cover.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Peru, Northern & Central Chile and Pacific Colombia & Ecuador. Rocky reefs, kelp and boulder shores from Ecuador to southern Chile.
Habitat: Rocky reefs, kelp and boulder shores from Ecuador to southern Chile.
Depth: 5–150 ft.
Fishing depth: 10–60 ft.
Best season: All year.
Best time: Morning and evening.
Best tides: Moving tide.
Best weather / conditions: Calm seas.

What to tie on and what to throw.

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

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Rocky reefs, kelp and boulder shores from Ecuador to southern Chile.
Rig up: Medium spinning or bottom rod. 20–30 lb fluorocarbon.
Pick your bait: Crab, shrimp, squid and cut fish. Lures: Jigs and soft plastics.
Fish it: Fish baits or jigs near the bottom around rocks and kelp, from shore or a boat.
Time it: Morning and evening. Moving tide.

Fishing techniques: Fish baits or jigs near the bottom around rocks and kelp, from shore or a boat.
BigJoe's tip: Fish tight to the rocks — cabrilla rarely move far from cover.
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: Firm, white and tasty; great in ceviche, sudado or fried.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Spiny dorsal fin; slippery rocks.
Regulations: Peru and Chile set minimum sizes; 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: Popular food fish; follow size limits.

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Sources & photo credits