Species guide
How to catch Oilfish
Ruvettus pretiosus
saltwatergame fishGempylidae
The Oilfish is a large, elongated predator found mostly in deep offshore waters. It moves solitary or in pairs near the ocean bottom and hunts for fish, squid, and crustaceans. This species can reach impressive sizes and is known for its oily flesh.
Where they live
Found in saltwater over continental shelves and sometimes in oceanic depths down to 800 meters. Common in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, usually near the bottom and offshore.
Typical size
Up to about 300 cm
What they eat
- fish
- squid
- crustaceans
Best baits
- cut bait
- squid strips
- small fish
Best lures
- deep-diving plugs
- jigs
- metal spoons
How to fish for them
- deep-water jigging
- bottom fishing
- trolling
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