Blacktail Redhorse

Body Type & Identification: Blacktail Redhorse is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Typically 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Olive to bronze with red fins and distinctive black-edged tail

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Habitat: Found in clear streams of the Mobile Bay drainage in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. A clear, clean-water stream specialist of the southeastern US — found in rocky, fast-flowing streams of the Mobile Bay watershed. Distinguished by the distinctive black margins on the tail fin. Requires clean water with gravel and rocky substrate An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Top 5 Destinations: Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.

Blacktail Redhorse is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Typically 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Olive to bronze with red fins and distinctive black-edged tail

Found in clear streams of the Mobile Bay drainage in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. A clear, clean-water stream specialist of the southeastern US — found in rocky, fast-flowing streams of the Mobile Bay watershed. Distinguished by the distinctive black margins on the tail fin. Requires clean water with gravel and rocky substrate An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom. Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.