Porgy

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Nova Scotia south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Also called Scup — the dominant porgy species along the US East Coast. Found over rocky bottom, reefs, and hard structure in 10–200 feet. A very popular party boat target from New England to the Mid-Atlantic.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–72°F. Migrate northward along the coast in spring and offshore in fall. Concentrate around rocky structure, wrecks, and reefs in summer. Very abundant on the New England and Mid-Atlantic party boat grounds.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 8–14 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 9 oz. Silver with iridescent blue spots. Excellent eating — sweet, white, flavorful meat. One of the most popular party boat species in the Northeast US.

Best Lures: Small jigs tipped with cut squid are effective. Small Sabiki rigs produce multiple fish per drop near structure.

Best Baits: Fresh clam is the top Northeast party boat bait. Fresh squid works very well. Sea worms are excellent. Small pieces of shrimp produce catches. High-low bait rigs with size 1/0 hooks and fresh clam near rocky structure are the standard approach.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Nova Scotia south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Also called Scup — the dominant porgy species along the US East Coast. Found over rocky bottom, reefs, and hard structure in 10–200 feet. A very popular party boat target from New England to the Mid-Atlantic.

55°F–72°F. Migrate northward along the coast in spring and offshore in fall. Concentrate around rocky structure, wrecks, and reefs in summer. Very abundant on the New England and Mid-Atlantic party boat grounds.

Best Lures: Small jigs tipped with cut squid are effective. Small Sabiki rigs produce multiple fish per drop near structure. Best Baits: Fresh clam is the top Northeast party boat bait. Fresh squid works very well. Sea worms are excellent. Small pieces of shrimp produce catches. High-low bait rigs with size 1/0 hooks and fresh clam near rocky structure are the standard approach.

Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 8–14 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 4 lbs 9 oz. Silver with iridescent blue spots. Excellent eating — sweet, white, flavorful meat. One of the most popular party boat species in the Northeast US.