Redfin Needlefish

Extremely elongated body and long, slender jaws lined with sharp teeth — the classic needlefish body plan. Greenish-blue above with a silvery lateral stripe and a pale belly. The pelvic fins have a distinctive reddish-orange coloring — the "redfin." Adults reach 18–24 inches.\n\n

Best Lures: Small spoons, tiny jigs, streamer flies, small surface plugs.\n Best Baits: Small live fish, strips of fish, shrimp.\n\n

Light tackle or fly fishing near the surface in bays and shallow coastal areas. Needlefish are notoriously difficult to hook due to their bony jaws and habit of slashing at bait rather than engulfing it. Treble hooks improve hookup rates. A lively fighter that jumps frequently when hooked.