Atlantic Manhaden

Brevoortia tyrannus
Pogy

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Silvery, with brassy sides and a dark bluish green back, upper jaw has median notch. A black spot behind gill opening, followed along flank by approximately 6 lines of smaller spots. Has a sharp-edged belly. The rear margins of the scales are nearly vertical (not rounded), and are edged with long comb-like teeth instead of being smooth.

Size: Average around 8”

Age at Maturity: Most likely, sometime in their 3rd year.

Range: Nova Scotia to Florida

Habitat: Ranges widely in open water but stays closer inshore during the summer months, juveniles tend to stay in rivers and estuaries.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Cast netting or spinning tackle with multi-hook bait rigs

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drift

Food Value: Very oily so they are best used for bait