Fish

Namorado sandperch (salmón de mar)

Salmón de mar (namorado)

Pseudopercis semifasciata

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

5–15 lb.

Depth

15–300 ft.

Best time

Daytime.

Found in

3 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Long, thick, brownish to reddish fish with pale spots and blotches, a big mouth with strong canine teeth, a long dorsal fin and a squared tail. Not a salmon.
Typical size: 5–15 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft and over 20 lb.
Diet: Fish, crabs, octopus and squid.
Behavior: Lives around rocky reefs and rough bottoms; a strong fighter on the bottom.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Southern Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina, Southeast Brazil and Patagonia. Rocky reefs from São Paulo, Brazil, to the Golfo San Jorge in Argentina; famous off Las Grutas, Puerto Madryn and the Patagonian coast.
Habitat: Rocky reefs from São Paulo, Brazil, to the Golfo San Jorge in Argentina; famous off Las Grutas, Puerto Madryn and the Patagonian coast.
Depth: 15–300 ft.
Fishing depth: 30–150 ft over rocks.
Best season: Spring and summer in Patagonia.
Best time: Daytime.
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.

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 São Paulo, Brazil, to the Golfo San Jorge in Argentina; famous off Las Grutas, Puerto Madryn and the Patagonian coast.
Rig up: Medium-heavy bottom rod. 50–60 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Squid, octopus, crab and cut fish. Lures: Jigs and soft plastics on the bottom.
Fish it: Anchor or drift over rocky reefs and fish bait or jigs right on the bottom.
Time it: Daytime. Moving tide.

Fishing techniques: Anchor or drift over rocky reefs and fish bait or jigs right on the bottom.
BigJoe's tip: Patagonian spearfishers and anglers prize it; spring is the classic time.
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 eating fish of the Argentine coast — firm white meat, great grilled or baked.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Strong canine teeth; use pliers.
Regulations: Argentine provinces and Brazil set sizes and limits; check local rules. Brazil requires the amateur fishing license (Licença de Pesca Amadora); Argentina's coastal provinces and Uruguay set their own sport fishing rules. Several species have minimum sizes, bag limits or closed seasons — check local rules before you keep fish.
Conservation: Slow-growing; follow limits.

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Sources & photo credits