WikiCatchChilhuil sea catfish
Bagre panamensis
Overview
Chilhuil sea catfish, also called the chihuil, is a species of sea catfish in the family Ariidae. It was described by Theodore Gill in 1863, originally under the genus Aelurichthys. It inhabits subtropical marine and brackish waters in the eastern Pacific region, including California, USA; Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Mexico. It dwells at a depth range of 3 to 177 m, most often between 10 and 60 m. It reaches a maximum total length of 51 cm (20 in).
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Shrimp
Effective rigged whole or as cut bait.
- Squid
Strips or chunks work well on circle hooks.
- Cut Fish
Use oily fish like mackerel or sardines.
- Crabs
Blue crabs are a natural food source.
Artificial Lures
- Got-Cha Lure 1/2 ozJigBuy
Great for vertical jigging around structure.
- Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow F1146CrankbaitBuy
Trolled or cast and retrieved effectively.
- Berkley Gulp! Alive! Shrimp 3 inchSoft PlasticBuy
Scent attracts catfish over distance.
- Spoonmaster Casting SpoonSpoonBuy
Cast and retrieved with a slow, steady retrieve.
Techniques
Fish near the bottom in areas with strong currents or structure, as Chilhuil sea catfish are often found in these locations. Use a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish, which can indicate the presence of catfish.
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Where to Find Chilhuil sea catfish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Chilhuil sea catfish?+
Popular baits for Chilhuil sea catfish include Shrimp, Squid, Cut Fish, Crabs, Got-Cha Lure 1/2 oz. Tip: Fish near the bottom in areas with strong currents or structure, as Chilhuil sea catfish are often found in these locations. Use a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish, which can indicate the presence of catfish.
Where can I catch Chilhuil sea catfish?+
Chilhuil sea catfish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include San Vicente, El Salvador; Sonora, Mexico. WikiCatch lists 2 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Chilhuil sea catfish get?+
Chilhuil sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) can reach up to 50.999998999999995 cm in length and 4.3143 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.
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