Saltwater · Year-round; schools common in warm months
Bermuda Chub
Kyphosus sectatrix
A schooling sea chub of Atlantic reefs and rocky shores that grazes algae and fights strongly on light tackle; its Pacific records are occasional and complicated by the similar Cortez sea chub.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Oval, deep grey-brown to silvery body with faint horizontal lines
- Beak-like sloping head profile from eye to snout
- Small mouth with incisor-like teeth for grazing algae
- Deeply forked tail and single long dorsal fin
- Yellowish (xanthic) individuals occur occasionally
Habits
- Grazes benthic algae from rocks and reef, also takes small invertebrates
- Forms schools over reefs and around jetties by day
- Juveniles shelter under floating debris and sargassum
- Strong, fast fighter for its size on light tackle
Distribution
Where to find them
- Jetties and rocky reefs of the Florida Keys and Bahamas
- Reef crests off Yucatán and Puerto Rico
- Harbour walls and rock groynes in the Carolinas
Where they live
How to catch them
Jetty and rock fishing Rock fishing
Rig: Float rig with small strong hook, light leader
Bait/lure: Crab or shrimp piece
Key tip: Chum lightly and fish close to rocks; chubs are wary and strip soft baits quickly.
Reef-edge bottom fishing Boat
Rig: Light bottom rig, No. 1-2/0 hook
Bait/lure: Shrimp piece
Key tip: Fish reef crests where schools graze; expect a fast first run on light tackle.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light spinning rod 6-7 ft
- Line: 8-12 lb braid or mono
- Terminal: Small hook No. 4-1/0, split shot or 1/2 oz egg sinker, fluorocarbon leader
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
7'6" medium-heavy jigging rod
≈ US$110-170
Works 2-6 oz jigs over rock and reef and still has the backbone to lift a halibut off the bottom.
Line · Budget
50 lb braid with 40 lb leader (200 yd)
≈ US$25-40
Thin braid cuts the current so jigs stay vertical; the leader shrugs off rock and teeth.
Terminal · Budget
Leadhead jigs, swimbaits and two-hook bottom rigs
≈ US$25-40
A leadhead with a swimbait tail is the universal bottom-fish catcher, from rockfish to cod to flounder.
Picks are never paid placements. Prices are guides; price links are coming soon and none is an affiliate link yet.
Typical size
To about 76 cm and up to about 6 kg; most catches are 30-45 cm.
On the table
Variable — eaten locally in some areas but flesh can be strong-flavoured from its algae diet; many anglers release them. Check local advice.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
Plan a trip for Bermuda Chub
Build today's plan⚠ Heads-up: Bermuda Chub doesn't occur around Vancouver, BC (or is very rare there), so it's not a sensible local target. Your plan stays in Vancouver, BC and is built around the fish that actually live there.