Pinfish

Lagodon rhomboids
Porgies

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Sharp spines of the dorsal and anal fins give this fish its name. Silvery background color with narrow longitudinal yellow lines and, sometimes, dim vertical bars. There is a dark patch on the lateral line just behind the gill cover.

Size: Mostly around 3-6 inches.

Range: Florida to Cape Cod, also Bermuda

Habitat: Commonly found on vegetated bottoms, occasionally over rocky bottoms and in mangrove areas. Enters brackish water and even freshwaters. Often form large swarms. Larger fish prefer deeper inshore areas.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Cane poles or spinning outfits with bits of cut shrimp, fish or bacon on tiny hooks

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Only large ones are good for eating, otherwise there are too many small bones