Red Porgy

Red Porgy
Pagrus pagrus
Pink Porgy, Pinky
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The red porgy has a silvery-red body. There may be many tiny blue spots. If a specimen is available, this species can be identified clearly by the presence of a round rear nostril; this nostril is slit-like in other porgies.
Size: Around 2-3 pounds
Age at Maturity: Protogynous hermaphrodites: All females greater than 302 mm TL and age 4 are mature, males around 345.5 mm TL and 5.3 years
Range: Florida to New York, but will venture farther north
Habitat: Offshore water to 500 feet deep or more. In South Florida they stick to the deepest habitat. From North Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states, however, they are common in about 50 to 150 feet of water.
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Cut baits on heavy bottom rigs
Fishing Method: Drifting
Food Value: Excellent
State Regulation
Daily Limit: 3
Minimum size: 14″ TL