At a glance
8–12 in.
3–60 ft.
Daytime.
2 areas
Know it
Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.
- Identification
Small, oval, gray to silvery grunt with a darker back, thin dark lines along the scale rows and a small mouth.
- Typical size
8–12 in.
- Maximum size
Up to about 2 ft, but most are under 1 ft.
- Diet
Small crustaceans, worms and algae.
- Behavior
Schools near rocky shores, piers and kelp; a common catch from the rocks.
Find it
Where, when and how deep to look.
- Where to find it
Found from Peru and Northern & Central Chile. Rocky shores, piers and kelp beds from Ecuador and Peru to Chile.
- Habitat
Rocky shores, piers and kelp beds from Ecuador and Peru to Chile.
- Depth
3–60 ft.
- Fishing depth
5–20 ft around rocks.
- Best season
All year.
- Best time
Daytime.
- Best tides
Moving tide.
- Best weather / conditions
Calm seas.
Bait & gear
What to tie on and what to throw.
- Best bait
Worms, small shrimp, sand crabs and bits of mussel.
- Best artificial lures
Rarely.
- Tackle setup
Light rod for rock fishing.
- Hook size
Small size 6–2.
- Line
8–12 lb mono.
- Leader
6–10 lb mono.
BigJoe's setup for Cabinza grunt
The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.
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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: Rocky shores, piers and kelp beds from Ecuador and Peru to Chile.
- Rig up: Light rod for rock fishing. 6–10 lb mono.
- Pick your bait: Worms, small shrimp, sand crabs and bits of mussel. Lures: Rarely.
- Fish it: Fish small baits near the bottom beside rocks and pier pilings.
- Time it: Daytime. Moving tide.
- Fishing techniques
Fish small baits near the bottom beside rocks and pier pilings.
- BigJoe's tip
Chum with crushed mussels to bring the school close.
- 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
Tasty fried whole or in sudado (fish stew).
Stay safe & legal
Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.
- Safety warnings
Slippery, wave-washed rocks — wear good shoes and watch the swell.
- 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
Common.