See the Species at a Glance
| Species | Best season | Typical size | How you catch it | Table fare | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvina | Spring and fall | 2 to 10 lbs | Inshore, shore, panga | Very good | Corvina |
| Cabrilla (sea bass) | Year-round | 2 to 8 lbs | Reef bottom fishing | Excellent | Cabrilla |
| Grouper | Warm months | 5 to 30+ lbs | Deep reefs, heavy tackle | Excellent | Grouper |
| Yellowtail | Cooler months | 10 to 30 lbs | Offshore, full-day trips | Excellent | Yellowtail |
| Sierra mackerel | Spring and fall | 2 to 6 lbs | Trolling, casting | Very good (ceviche) | Sierra |
| Red snapper | Year-round | 2 to 10 lbs | Reef bottom fishing | Excellent | |
| Triggerfish | Year-round | 1 to 5 lbs | Reef bottom fishing | Very good | |
| Totoaba | Protected | Up to 200 lbs | Never target | Release only | Rules |
Sizes are typical ranges, not records. Seasons are a starting guide and are refined with our partner captains' logs in the fishing calendar.
Target the Most Popular Species
Corvina
The signature inshore fish of the Upper Gulf. Silver, slim, and found over sand and mud near tide changes. Catchable from shore or a panga. Mild white meat for tacos and ceviche. Full corvina guide →
Cabrilla
"Cabrilla" is the local name for several sea basses that live on rocky reefs. They hit hard and dive for the rocks, and they may be the best eating fish in Rocky Point. Full cabrilla guide →
Grouper
Bigger reef fish from the deeper spots, reached on half-day and full-day trips. Heavy tackle is a must. Some grouper species have conservation concerns, so follow your captain's lead. Full grouper guide →
Yellowtail
The hardest fighters in the northern Gulf, found around offshore reefs and islands when the water cools. A full-day trip target. Full yellowtail guide →
Sierra Mackerel
Fast, toothy, and fun on light tackle. Troll or cast near the surface inshore. The classic ceviche fish. Full sierra guide →
Catch These Too
- Red snapper: a reef favorite on half-day and full-day trips. Great whole-fried.
- Triggerfish: tough-skinned reef fish that steal bait, but worth catching. Firm, sweet white meat.
- Rock bass and other sea basses: steady action on the reefs.
- Halibut: occasional over sandy bottom.
- Sharks: seasonal on longer trips. Ask your captain about catch-and-release.
Release Protected Species
Some species may never be kept, no matter how you catch them:
- Totoaba: a giant croaker found only in the Gulf of California, fully protected in Mexico.
- Sea turtles and marine mammals: always protected.
- Species under closures or special limits: these change, so follow your captain.
Learn how to identify and release them in our totoaba and vaquita guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Rocky Point, Mexico?
Common species include corvina, cabrilla and other sea bass, grouper, yellowtail, sierra mackerel, and triggerfish. Some species, like totoaba, are protected and must be released.
What is the best eating fish in Rocky Point?
Many anglers rate cabrilla, grouper, and yellowtail among the best for the table. Corvina and sierra are also popular for tacos and ceviche.
Are there protected fish in Rocky Point?
Yes. Totoaba is protected and illegal to keep. Follow current regulations and release protected species immediately.
Can I catch dorado or marlin in Rocky Point?
Rarely. Rocky Point is reef-fishing water. Dorado show up offshore in some summers, but billfish are far more common in the southern Gulf.