Atlantic Spadefish

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. Found around coral reefs, rocky structure, wrecks, pilings, and buoys in 3–100 feet. Very common around Gulf of Mexico oil platforms — forms large schools that can number thousands of fish around offshore structure.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. A warm-water species that concentrates around offshore structure — oil platforms, wrecks, channel markers, and coral reef edges. Easily visible in clear water — schools of hundreds of fish circle structure. Striking black and white vertical bars make them unmistakable.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–8 lbs and 14–20 inches. Maximum approximately 20 lbs. World record: 14 lbs from Virginia. Spectacular black and white vertical bars — one of the most visually distinctive offshore fish. An excellent light tackle fighter — strong, acrobatic runs. Good eating — white, firm meat.

Best Lures: Jellyfish imitations (clear soft plastics) are the most effective approach — Spadefish eat jellyfish and respond to imitations. Small spoons and jigs occasionally produce. White soft plastics near structure work well.

Best Baits: Fresh jellyfish tentacles are the top bait when available. Fresh clam is very effective. Shrimp pieces produce consistent results. Fresh squid works well. The challenge is getting them to bite conventional baits — jellyfish and clam are most reliable. Can be very selective around Gulf platforms.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. Found around coral reefs, rocky structure, wrecks, pilings, and buoys in 3–100 feet. Very common around Gulf of Mexico oil platforms — forms large schools that can number thousands of fish around offshore structure.

68°F–82°F. A warm-water species that concentrates around offshore structure — oil platforms, wrecks, channel markers, and coral reef edges. Easily visible in clear water — schools of hundreds of fish circle structure. Striking black and white vertical bars make them unmistakable.

Best Lures: Jellyfish imitations (clear soft plastics) are the most effective approach — Spadefish eat jellyfish and respond to imitations. Small spoons and jigs occasionally produce. White soft plastics near structure work well. Best Baits: Fresh jellyfish tentacles are the top bait when available. Fresh clam is very effective. Shrimp pieces produce consistent results. Fresh squid works well. The challenge is getting them to bite conventional baits — jellyfish and clam are most reliable. Can be very selective around Gulf platforms.

Typically 2–8 lbs and 14–20 inches. Maximum approximately 20 lbs. World record: 14 lbs from Virginia. Spectacular black and white vertical bars — one of the most visually distinctive offshore fish. An excellent light tackle fighter — strong, acrobatic runs. Good eating — white, firm meat.