Popeye Catalufa

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Baja California south to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Found around rocky reefs and under overhangs in 15–200 feet. A distinctive deep-bodied, large-eyed fish related to the squirrelfish family. More commonly encountered in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez than in US waters.

Preferred Water Temperature: 64°F–76°F. A warm-water Pacific reef fish found around rocky structure, crevices, and under ledges. Primarily nocturnal — the large eyes are adapted for low-light feeding. Common in the Sea of Cortez region.

Size & Weight: Typically 6–14 inches and under 1 lb. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. A deep red, large-eyed fish — the prominent eyes give it the "Popeye" name. Primarily a bycatch species caught on baited rigs near rocky bottom.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted with lures. Small jigs occasionally produce catches near rocky structure at night.

Best Baits: Small pieces of squid produce incidental catches. Fresh shrimp work near rocky structure. Small pieces of fish are effective. Primarily encountered as bycatch when fishing for other species near rocky Pacific reefs.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Baja California south to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Found around rocky reefs and under overhangs in 15–200 feet. A distinctive deep-bodied, large-eyed fish related to the squirrelfish family. More commonly encountered in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez than in US waters.

64°F–76°F. A warm-water Pacific reef fish found around rocky structure, crevices, and under ledges. Primarily nocturnal — the large eyes are adapted for low-light feeding. Common in the Sea of Cortez region.

Best Lures: Rarely targeted with lures. Small jigs occasionally produce catches near rocky structure at night. Best Baits: Small pieces of squid produce incidental catches. Fresh shrimp work near rocky structure. Small pieces of fish are effective. Primarily encountered as bycatch when fishing for other species near rocky Pacific reefs.

Typically 6–14 inches and under 1 lb. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. A deep red, large-eyed fish — the prominent eyes give it the "Popeye" name. Primarily a bycatch species caught on baited rigs near rocky bottom.