Identify Cabrilla
| Fish | How to recognize it |
|---|---|
| Spotted cabrilla | Olive to brown body covered in reddish-brown spots. Stocky, with a big mouth. The fish most anglers mean by "cabrilla" |
| Other sea basses | Captains and locals may call several reef basses "cabrilla." Sizes and markings vary |
| Leopard grouper | A close relative often caught on the same reefs, with smaller, denser spots. See grouper |
If you are not sure what you caught, ask the crew. They see these fish every day.
Find Cabrilla Around Rocky Point
Cabrilla stay close to structure: rocky reefs, ledges, and boulder fields. That is why most Rocky Point charters are reef trips.
- Afternoon trips fish reefs about 4 to 10 miles out.
- Half-day trips reach reefs 10 to 15 miles out.
- Full-day trips run 15 to 30 miles to bigger reefs that hold larger fish.
Cabrilla bite year-round, with strong fishing in spring and fall. See the fishing calendar.
Catch Them
- Bottom fishing with bait: the most common method. Drop cut bait, squid, or live bait to the bottom on a dropper rig, then reel up a few turns so you are just above the rocks.
- Jigs: heavy metal jigs or bucktails bounced off the bottom.
- Tackle: medium-heavy conventional gear with 30 to 50 lb line. You need enough power to turn the fish before it reaches the rocks.
- The key move: when you feel the bite, reel hard and lift. Give a cabrilla a few feet and it will wrap you in the rocks.
On our partner charters, all rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided.
Cook Cabrilla
Garlic butter cabrilla (mojo de ajo): Melt a stick of butter with a splash of oil and 8 to 10 sliced garlic cloves over low heat until the garlic turns golden. Season fillets with salt and pepper and cook in a hot pan 3 to 4 minutes per side. Spoon the garlic butter over the top, finish with lime and chopped cilantro, and serve with rice and tortillas.
Cabrilla also fries beautifully for fish tacos and holds together on the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cabrilla fish?
Cabrilla is a Spanish common name used for several sea bass species in Mexico. In the Sea of Cortez, cabrilla are reef fish prized for their firm, white meat.
Where do you catch cabrilla in Rocky Point?
Cabrilla hold near reefs, rocks, and other structure. Panga and charter captains target them on inshore and offshore reefs.
Is cabrilla good to eat?
Yes. Cabrilla is one of the most popular eating fish in the Sea of Cortez, with firm, mild white meat.
Is cabrilla a grouper?
Spotted cabrilla belongs to the same family as groupers and is closely related to them, which is why the two are often caught on the same reefs.
Book a Reef Trip
A half day is the sweet spot for cabrilla. We line up the boat, and the lodge freezer holds your fillets.