Red hind

Red hind (Epinephelus guttatus) — field identification starting point: a stout reef predator with a large mouth, heavy head and rounded to truncate tail depending on species. Confirm the exact species against the approved photo and scientific-name biology reference.

1–3 lb.

About 2 ft.

Feeds mainly on crabs and other crustaceans, fishes and octopus.

Usually solitary and territorial. The reviewed Caribbean plan documents spawning aggregation behavior and Puerto Rico reproductive observations.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start on reef edges, ledges, rocky bottom, patch reefs and nearby sand/grass transitions; work the side with moving water and bait. Habitat reference: Shallow reefs and rocky bottoms from 2 to 100 m; usually solitary and territorial.

Shallow reefs and rocky bottoms from 2 to 100 m; usually solitary and territorial.

Documented from 2 to 100 m. This is biological occurrence depth, not a guaranteed targeting depth.

Start tight to reef edges, ledges, drop-offs or marked structure and adjust to the depth where bait and fish are showing.

Water: marine. Habitat: reef, rocky bottom and coastal waters.

Use current local reports and legal seasons; productive reef fishing is possible year-round when conditions and rules allow.

Dawn, dusk and periods of active current are strong starting windows; deeper reef fish may feed throughout daylight.

Moving water is a common trigger; fish up-current edges, points and drop-offs where bait is pushed toward structure.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Squid, cut fish and live small fish.

Small jigs.

Start with a medium-heavy rod, 30 lb braid, 40–50 lb leader and a 3/0–5/0 hook or medium jig; scale to depth, current and fish size.

About 2/0–7/0 is a common starting range for bait fishing, scaled to species and bait; circle hooks are a practical release-friendly choice where appropriate.

20–50 lb braid or mono is a common reef starting range; heavier structure and larger fish call for more abrasion margin.

30–80 lb abrasion-resistant mono/fluorocarbon is a common starting range; increase around sharp reef or very large fish.

Bottom-fish reefs; in Puerto Rico and the USVI some spawning areas are closed in winter — check rules.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting catches in the region.

Top-quality table fare: firm, white, mild meat.

Safety first: FOOD TOXIN RISK — this fish belongs to a group associated with ciguatera in tropical/Caribbean waters. Risk varies by location, species and fish; the toxin cannot be detected by appearance, taste or smell and cooking does not destroy it. Ice it right away. Use a clean board and sharp knife; scale or skin only when appropriate, remove the viscera or fillet cleanly, trim damaged tissue/bloodline as desired, minimize warm-water exposure, and keep the edible portion cold. If the fish carries venomous spines, dangerous teeth or a toxin advisory, follow the safety warning before cleaning.

For routine cooked preparation, FDA seafood guidance uses 145°F (63°C) as the safe internal-temperature target for fish; flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Grilling, baking, broiling, steaming or pan-cooking can all work after the fish is positively identified, legally retained and cleared for applicable toxin/mercury advisories.

FOOD TOXIN RISK — this fish belongs to a group associated with ciguatera in tropical/Caribbean waters. Risk varies by location, species and fish; the toxin cannot be detected by appearance, taste or smell and cooking does not destroy it.

Rules: Red hind — western federal waters only: Do not target or possess; release incidental catches promptly with minimal harm. Applies west of 67°10′ W longitude. Confirm your position; this is not an island-wide closure. Closed December 1 through the last day of February. | Red hind — Puerto Rico territorial waters: Closed December 1 through February 28 in Puerto Rico waters. Verify current DRNA orders before fishing. Closed December 1 through the last day of February.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.