Category Archives: Emperor (Bitilya)
Orange-Striped Emperor ( Lethrinus obsoletus )
Common Name: Emperor, Bream
Local Name: Bitilya (Tagalog); Katambak Budlis (Cebuano)
Max Size: 60 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated, Non-Migratory
Depth: 1 – 30 meters
Fishing Season: None
Minimum Size Limit: 10 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, crabs, other small crustaceans
IUCN Red List Status Status: Not Listed
Large-Eye Bream ( Gymnocranius elongatus )

Deep Sea Fishing Cebu
Common Name: Bream, Seabream, Swallowtail Bream, Emperor, Large-Eye Emperor
Local Name: (Tagalog); Katambak Sa Laud (Cebuano)
Max Size: 35cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Demersal (bottom dwelling)
Depth: 50 – 100+ meters
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, crabs, other small crustaceans
IUCN Red List Status Status: Not Listed
These are generally a deeper water species that can be found along sandy or rocky bottoms. They can be found in small schools or solitary. They feed on the bottom mainly on invertebrates. These fish have a delicious white flesh similar to other emperor species and snappers which makes them excellent table fare. The fish pictured above was caught in around 100m of water while deep sea fishing in Cebu.

Good Sized Large-Eye Emperor

750g Bigeye Emperor
Long Nosed Emperor Fish ( Lethrinus olivaceus )
Common Name: Emperor, Long Face Emperor,
Local Name: Bakutut, Batilya, Bukawin (Tagalog), Dugso, Katambak (Cebuano)
Max Size: 100cm (14 kgs)
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated
Depth: 1 – 185 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 10 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, small fish or cut bait/ small jigs, soft plastics
This is a species of Emperor Fish common throughout the country. Eric caught this fine 2.5kg specimen in Puerto Galera while bottom fishing at around 100m using live shrimp as bait. These fish are reef associated fish, often seen patrolling with other fish. They are reported up to depths of 185m and can be taken on a variety of lures and bait including but not limited to; jigs, soft plastic lures, live shrimp, crank baits and more. These fish reportedly grow up to 70cm and can weigh as much as 14kgs.
Black Spotted Emperor ( Lethrinus harak )

Blackspot Emperor
Common Name: Bream, Emperor
Local Name: Bitilya (Tagalog); Alumang Katambak, Agngan (Cebuano)
Max Size: 50 cm
Biodiversity: Marine; Brackish; Reef-associated; Non-migratory
Depth: 1 – 20+ meters
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, crabs, other small crustaceans
IUCN Red List Status Status: Not Listed

Category Archives: Flagtail
Rock Flagtail ( Kuhlia rupestris )

A small Jungle Perch Caught on a lure.
Common Name: Flagtail, Jungle Perch, Rockmountain Bass, Mountain Trout, Buffalo Bream
Local Name: Damagan (Tagalog); Damagan (Cebuano)
Max Size: 45 cm (2.7 kgs)
Biodiversity: Freshwater, Brackish
Depth: Surface – 5 meters
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, small fish, worms, other small crustaceans
IUCN Red List Status: (LC) Least Concern
The Rock Flagtail are a somewhat rare species here in the Philippines generally found in clear fast flowing streams that feed into the sea. Most Flagtail that can be found in these streams are generally small in size however this species can grow to an impressive size. The many different common names of this species tell of its uniqueness. This species is probably the most similar in terms of feeding pattern, location and size to western species like trout, smallmouth bass, and perch. Because of this, Jungle Perch make a good target species for fly fishermen and ultra light tackle fishermen.
______________________________________
Philippines Rod and Reel Record:
Angler: Luigi Beja
Location: Taguanao River, Mindanao
Date: December 17, 2016
Weight: 2.1 kgs
Bait: Lure
Category Archives: Goatfish
Doublebar Goatfish ( Parupeneus bifasciatus )
Common Name: Goatfish,
Local Name: Manitis (Tagalog); Timbungan (Cebuano)
Max Size: 35 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef-associated
Depth: 1 – 80 meters
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, crabs, worms, other small crustaceans
IUCN Red List Status Status: Not Listed
Here is another species of Goatfish found throughout the Philippine Islands. Goatfish are a sought after food fish due to their white flesh. Fish like this are said to be good for people who are sick. The fish above was speared at night in Catmon, Cebu.
Redspot Goatfish ( Parupeneus heptacanthus )

Goatfish caught deep sea fishing in Cebu
Common Name: Goatfish, Cinnabar Goatfish,
Local Name: ?? (Tagalog); Timbungan (Cebuano)
Max Size: 36 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Reef-associated
Depth: 12 – 350 meters
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, crabs, other small crustaceans
IUCN Red List Status Status: Not Listed
Goatfish are abundant here in Philippine waters and can be caught all over the country at both shallow and deep depths. These fish normally are found in pairs or small groups foraging over sandy, mucky, and rocky bottoms or sea grass. The one pictured above was taken on pealed shrimp bait fishing at around 100m. Goatfish are fairly good to eat though they do have a slightly fishy taste.
Category Archives: Gobies (Biya)
Tank Goby ( Glossogobius giuris )
Common Name: Goby,
Local Name: Biya(Tagalog); Bunog (Cebuano)
Max Size: 50 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Freshwater
Depth: 0 – 30 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Small Fish and Worms
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
The Tank Goby is one of the many species of small Goby found in the fresh, brackish and saltwaters of the Philippines. We have chosen to list it here for numerous reasons. First the Tank Goby is one of the largest goby species that can be found in the Philippines reaching a length of up to 50 cm making them worthy of mention. Also Biya, as they are known in the Tagolog regions, have a species place in the Tagalog cuisine and are considered a delicious food fish. Biya are cooked fresh in a number of dishes and they are also salted and dried.
Biya in general are caught in rivers, lakes and even estuaries where they sit along the bottom waiting for prey to pass by. They aggressively gobble up worms, shrimp, small fish and other baits that are lightly jigged off the bottom. On average Biya are quite small however in estuaries and lakes anglers can find the larger ones. Biya make for fun fish for kids to catch because of how aggressive they are and how numerous they are.
The Tank Goby bears resemblance to the Gudgeon fish which are also found through out the country. The main distinguishing feature of the goby is its elongated body as compared to the shorter and more plump body of the gudgeon.

Sonny’s Monster Biya from Laguna
Category Archives:Grouper(LapuLapu)
White Spotted Grouper(Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus)
Common Name: Grouper, Rockcod,
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Pugapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 76 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated,
Depth: 2 – 65 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 12 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, fish or cut bait; jigs
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Brown Marbled Grouper(Epinephelus fuscoguttatus )
Common Name: Grouper, Rockcod, Blotchy Grouper, Tiger Grouper, Flower Cod
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Pugapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 120 cm (11 kg)
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated,
Depth: 1– 60 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 12 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, fish or cut bait; jigs
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Grouper are some of the more elusive gamefish found around the country in the ocean. This species is no exception. The Brown Marbled Grouper is distinguished from its numerous cousins by it unique blotched and marbled brown pattern. This species, like most grouper species here, is a highly valued fish. They are prized for their white flakey flesh and are marketed both live and fresh around the country.
These grouper can be caught a variety of ways on both artificial and natural baits and lures. Groupers like this tend to be quite difficult to land because of their tendency to dive for cover once hooked. I sturdy leader line is necessary to land one of these fish. Grouper are also known as to be more active at night.
Grouper are one of the fish here in the Philippines that have been chosen for farm raising. This particular species has been successfully raised in saltwater ponds . There is some difficulty however in raising grouper in ponds because of their carnivorous nature and high meat diet. This particular species is listed as near threatened, however it is our opinion that in fact they are not and that the fish’s cautious nature and feeding habits make them seem rarer than they actually are.
Fire-Tail Devil ( Labracinus cyclophthalmus )

Dennis’ Dottyback
Common Name: Dottyback, Devil Fish
Local Name: ** (Tagalog), ** (Cebuano)
Max Size: 23.5 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef-Associated
Depth: 2 – 20 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: None
Recommended Bait: Shrimp, small fish and crustaceans;
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
This is a small reef fish that is found around the islands in shallow reefs. They look like a cross between a wrasse and a grouper, however are not related to either. ** We are not aware of this fish’s name here in the Philippines probably because it is usually miss-identified as either a wrasse or a grouper.
Coral Trout ( Plectropomus leopardus )

10kg Coral Trout Caught In Cebu
Common Name: Red Grouper, Coral Trout, Leopard Coral Grouper
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Suno, Pogapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 120 cm (23.6 kg)
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated, Oceanodromous
Depth: 3 – 100+ m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 12 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, fish or cut bait; jigs
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Honey Comb Grouper ( Epinephelus merra )

Honey Comb Grouper Caught at the Marcello Fernan Bridge
Common Name: Grouper
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Lapu Lapu, Pogapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 32 cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated,
Depth: 0 – 50 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 8 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, fish or cut bait; jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
This is a small species of grouper found throughout the islands. It Is easily distinguished by its small size and honeycomb like spots covering its body. These fish, though small are prized as food fish.

Omet’s Honey Comb Grouper
Coral Hind ( Cephalopholis miniata )

Coral Hind caught in Cebu
Common Name: Grouper, Hind
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Lapu-Lapu Lawihan, Pogapo, (Cebuano)
Max Size: 50cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated, Non-Migratory
Depth: 2 – 150 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 10 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, small fish or cut bait/ small jigs, soft plastics
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
This species is one of the many Grouper or Lapu-lapu species found around the islands. This species however is not one of the true grouper species. It is a member of the Hind family which closely resemble the grouper species. The Hinds tend to be a bit smaller in size than the groupers and are often plentiful in areas around reefs. This particular species (along with its red grouper relatives) is a highly sought after and highly valued species. They bring a high price in the market and are said to be better tasting than their darker relatives. The Hind species however are seen as a little inferior to grouper species as a food fish. Apparently these fish are most valuable when they are around 1kg.
The fish pictured above was caught here in Cebu off Olango Island during one of our fishing charters. It was caught at around 100m depth on peeled shrimp.
Bluespotted Hind ( Cephalopholis cyanostigma )

Good sized Lapu Lapu caught off Olango Is.
Common Name: Grouper, Hind
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Lapu Lapu, Pogapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 40cm
Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated
Depth: 1 – 50 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 10 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, small fish or cut bait/ small jigs, soft plastics
These are one of the many species of Lapu Lapu (or grouper like species) that can be caught here in Philippine waters. This species is easy to confuse with its close relative the Bluespotted Grouper because of its dark color and blue spots. This species has smaller spots and is usually smaller. These relatively small fish are found around shallow reef and are usually caught on bait like squid, shrimp or even on jigs. This is an excellent food fish if you are lucky enough to catch one large enough to eat. They have a creamy white meat that tastes great steamed. Some popular dishes are Sweat and Sour, and Black Bean Sauce.
If you happen to catch small fish of this species please release them and give them a chance to grow to a larger size. We recommend that you don’t keep them if they are smaller than 10inches.
The fish in the picture above was caught on shrimp while bottom fishing in around 40m of water off of Mactan Island, Cebu.
Malabar Grouper ( Epinephelus malabaricus )

7kg Malabar Grouper caught in Cebu
Common Name: Grouper
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Lapu Lapu, Pogapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 234 cm (150kgs)
Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Reef Associated, Amphidromous
Depth: 1 – 150 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 12 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, fish or cut bait; jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Here is a nice little Malabar Grouper, known locally as Lapu-Lapu, caught by Rubled in an estuary in Cavite. There is little if not any differentiation between many grouper species here, so the name Lapu-Lapu can refer to quite a broad variety of species. This species can be distinguished by its black and tan spots over its barred sides. This species is reported to grow up to 150kgs though fish of that size are rarely caught.
These fish can be found in estuaries, coral reefs, rocky shore lines and even in deep water. The smaller ones tend to congregate close to shore while the larger ones inhabit the deeper reefs. This one was taken on a medium running pink sardine pins minnow. They also can be taken on a variety of other lures and plastics as well. The favorite local bait for these fish is live shrimp. This is a popular species to target when lure casting around the coast.
Orange-Spotted Grouper ( Epinephelus coioides )
Common Name: Grouper
Local Name: Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Lapu Lapu, Pogapo (Cebuano)
Max Size: 120 cm (15kgs)
Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Reef Associated
Depth: 1 – 100 m
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 12 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, Squid, fish or cut bait; jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Here is a Orange Spotted Grouper caught by Tony here in Cebu at Porter Marina while fishing the pond. This is one of the common species of grouper or Lapu Lapu that can be caught here. This species is know by different names in English including; Orange Spotted Grouper, Green Grouper and Estuary Cod. Here is Cebu and around the rest of the Philippines this species and all of the Epinephalus Spp. are known only as Lapu Lapu. According to Fish Base the max published size of this species is 120cm and 15kgs. These fish are often caught along rocky shore line, from piers or around reefs.
Tony caught this fish on a Pins Minnow Medium Runner (Sardine Color) which he got from our online store.
These fish feed on shrimp, small fish and crabs. The favorite bait for this species is live shrimp. They also take lures (as seen above) jigs and more. If you happen to be fishing along the coastline near mangroves, rocks, piers or reefs there is a good chance you will catch some of these.
Chocolate Hind ( Cephalopholis boenak )
I caught this fish today on a small piece of squid while fishing from
the rocks along the Northern Section of the SRP near the Malacanang Sa
Sugbu building. I caught this and an eel which I will post later. This
species is often mistaken for Lapu Lapu or Grouper. Here in Cebu this
is known as Pugapo (pronounced; pu-GA-po). It is actually a
Hind. These can grow to 20 or 30cm though most that are caught are less
than 20cm. These fish are edible and taste similar to lapu lapu. These
are quite common and abundant along rocky shorelines as well as around
reefs. These fish can be caught in depths from around 1ft to 100ft.