Red Porgy

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from New York south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. A deeper-water porgy found over rocky bottom, reefs, and hard structure in 60–400 feet. More abundant in the Southeast US and Gulf of Mexico than the more northerly Scup (common Porgy). Also found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–75°F. A deeper-water porgy species found over hard bottom and rocky structure at greater depths than Scup. Common around natural and artificial reefs in the Southeast US and Gulf in 80–250 feet.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–4 lbs. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. World record: 8 lbs 11 oz from North Carolina. A beautiful pink to red porgy with blue spots. Excellent eating — sweet, white meat. A valued food and sport fish in the Southeast US.

Best Lures: Small to medium jigs near hard bottom produce strikes. Bucktail jigs tipped with squid are effective.

Best Baits: Fresh squid is the top bait. Fresh clam works very well. Shrimp pieces produce consistent results. Cut fish produce strikes. Bottom rigs over hard structure at depth with fresh bait are standard.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from New York south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. A deeper-water porgy found over rocky bottom, reefs, and hard structure in 60–400 feet. More abundant in the Southeast US and Gulf of Mexico than the more northerly Scup (common Porgy). Also found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

60°F–75°F. A deeper-water porgy species found over hard bottom and rocky structure at greater depths than Scup. Common around natural and artificial reefs in the Southeast US and Gulf in 80–250 feet.

Best Lures: Small to medium jigs near hard bottom produce strikes. Bucktail jigs tipped with squid are effective. Best Baits: Fresh squid is the top bait. Fresh clam works very well. Shrimp pieces produce consistent results. Cut fish produce strikes. Bottom rigs over hard structure at depth with fresh bait are standard.

Typically 1–4 lbs. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. World record: 8 lbs 11 oz from North Carolina. A beautiful pink to red porgy with blue spots. Excellent eating — sweet, white meat. A valued food and sport fish in the Southeast US.