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Barrelfish Fishing Charters

Hyperoglyphe perciformis

The Barrelfish is an underappreciated deepwater gem that has become increasingly popular on party boats offering deep drop fishing trips. Found at extreme depths of 600 to 1,500 feet along the continental shelf edge, these fish inhabit rocky outcroppings, deepwater wrecks, and submarine canyon walls.

Party boat
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State
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Barrelfish

About Barrelfish

Barrelfish get their common name from the juvenile fish that are often found sheltering under floating barrels, crates, and other debris at the surface. As adults, they migrate to extreme depths where they form loose aggregations around structure. Their oval, compressed body is typically dark gray to brownish-black, with large scales and a blunt head.

Targeting Barrelfish requires specialized deep drop tackle, including electric reels capable of reaching 1,000+ feet of depth. Party boats and headboats equipped for this style of fishing use heavy weighted rigs with cut squid, fish strips, or whole small fish as bait.

Quick Facts

Size range
10 to 30 lbs, up to 50 lbs
Habitat
Deep rocky structure, submarine canyons, and wrecks at 600 to 1,500 feet
Fight
Medium
Edibility
Excellent

Barrelfish by State