Fish

Chilean corvina (Peruvian corvina)

Corvina (corvina chilena, corvina peruana)

Cilus gilberti

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

3–10 lb.

Depth

3–60 ft.

Best time

Dawn, dusk and night.

Found in

2 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Big, long drum with a silvery-gray to bronze body, a darker back, a large mouth, a long dorsal fin with a notch in the middle and a squared-off tail.
Typical size: 3–10 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft and over 20 lb.
Diet: Fish, shrimp, crabs and sand crabs (muy muy).
Behavior: Feeds in the surf zone, in the troughs and holes along sandy beaches and next to rocks, especially in rough, foamy water.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Peru and Northern & Central Chile. Sandy beaches, river mouths and rocky shores of the cold Humboldt Current coast from Peru to central Chile.
Habitat: Sandy beaches, river mouths and rocky shores of the cold Humboldt Current coast from Peru to central Chile.
Depth: 3–60 ft.
Fishing depth: In the surf troughs, 3–15 ft.
Best season: Spring and summer are best; fish are caught all year.
Best time: Dawn, dusk and night.
Best tides: The rising tide and high tide in the surf.
Best weather / conditions: Some surf and foam help; avoid dangerous big swells.

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 Sinkers Rig Rod holder

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Sandy beaches, river mouths and rocky shores of the cold Humboldt Current coast from Peru to central Chile.
Rig up: Long 12–14 ft surf rod. 30–40 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Sand crabs (muy muy), shrimp, squid and cut fish. Lures: Metal spoons and jigs cast into the surf.
Fish it: Cast a bait rig with a pyramid sinker into the troughs and holes along the beach and wait with the rod in a holder.
Time it: Dawn, dusk and night. The rising tide and high tide in the surf.

Fishing techniques: Cast a bait rig with a pyramid sinker into the troughs and holes along the beach and wait with the rod in a holder.
BigJoe's tip: Read the beach at low tide to find the holes and troughs, then fish them as the tide comes in.
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 the best fish for ceviche in Peru and Chile; also excellent fried or grilled.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: The Humboldt coast has big, cold swells and sneaker waves — never turn your back on the sea on rocks.
Regulations: Chile and Peru set minimum sizes and limits; 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: A popular commercial and sport fish; follow size limits.

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Sources & photo credits