Fish

Red roman

Romano rojo sudafricano

Chrysoblephus laticeps

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

1–3 lb.

Depth

3–330 ft.

Best time

Daytime.

Found in

1 area

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: A vivid orange-red seabream with a blue stripe across the top of the head between the eyes, a white saddle-shaped patch on the back below the middle of the dorsal fin, and a steep forehead.
Typical size: 1–3 lb.
Maximum size: About 20 in (50 cm) and about 9 lb (4.2 kg).
Diet: Crabs, sea urchins, shellfish, worms and small fish.
Behavior: A territorial reef fish that stays on its patch of reef; it starts as a female and changes to a territorial male as it grows.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Southern Africa. Rocky reefs from northern Namibia around the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal; young fish live in shallow kelp and seaweed beds.
Habitat: Rocky reefs from northern Namibia around the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal; young fish live in shallow kelp and seaweed beds.
Depth: 3–330 ft.
Fishing depth: 30–200 ft on reefs from boats; deep rocky edges from shore.
Best season: Year-round.
Best time: Daytime.
Best tides: Moderate drift.
Best weather / conditions: Calm days at sea.

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 reefs from northern Namibia around the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal; young fish live in shallow kelp and seaweed beds.
Rig up: Medium bottom rod. 30–40 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Squid (chokka), sardine, mussel and octopus. Lures: Small jigs and soft plastics.
Fish it: Drift or anchor on reefs with squid on a two-hook rig, bouncing just off the bottom.
Time it: Daytime. Moderate drift.

Fishing techniques: Drift or anchor on reefs with squid on a two-hook rig, bouncing just off the bottom.
BigJoe's tip: Red roman stay on their home reef — when you find a good patch, anchor on it rather than drifting off.
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: Excellent white, sweet meat — fried, grilled or baked whole.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Sharp dorsal spines. Use a descending device when releasing fish from deep water.
Regulations: South Africa: 2 per person per day with a 30 cm (12 in) minimum; marine protected areas (such as Tsitsikamma) are no-take. South Africa requires a recreational fishing permit (sold at post offices and online), with daily bag limits, minimum sizes and closed seasons for many species; Namibia and Mozambique sell their own licenses. Recreational catches may not be sold, and marine protected areas have their own rules.
Conservation: Territorial and easy to overfish; keep within limits.

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Sources & photo credits