Milkfish

Indo-Pacific Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific — from the Red Sea and East Africa east to Hawaii and the Pacific Coast of the Americas. One of the most important aquaculture species in Asia — farmed in enormous quantities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. In Hawaii, wild Milkfish are an exciting and challenging fly fishing target — they are notoriously difficult to catch on artificial flies.

70°F–82°F. A warm-water coastal and open-ocean species. Wild Milkfish are found in tropical coastal waters and around offshore coral reefs and seamounts.

Best Lures: Fly fishing with small algae and plankton-imitating flies is the Hawaiian technique — extremely challenging as Milkfish are picky plankton feeders. Best Baits: Milkfish are primarily plankton and algae feeders — very difficult to catch on conventional bait. In Hawaii, chumming with ground reef algae and using tiny algae-imitating flies is the specialized technique pursued by dedicated Milkfish anglers.

Typically 3–5 lbs and 18–28 inches. Maximum over 5 feet. World record: 62 lbs from the Philippines. A streamlined, silver fish with deeply forked tail. Excellent eating — prized throughout Asia.