Porgies & Wrasses

California Sheephead

Semicossyphus pulcher

A large, colorful wrasse found along the Southern California and Channel Islands coast. California Sheephead have powerful teeth for crushing sea urchins and shellfish. Males are black with a red midsection and white chin, while females are pinkish-red.

1 boats

Hogfish

Lachnolaimus maximus

One of the most prized reef fish in Florida and the Caribbean. Hogfish are actually wrasses but are commonly associated with snapper and grouper. They are known for their distinctive pig-like snout and are widely regarded as one of the best-tasting fish in the sea.

Jolthead Porgy

Calamus bajonado

The largest porgy species in the western Atlantic, capable of reaching 25 pounds. Jolthead Porgies are found on coral reefs and hard bottom in Florida and the Caribbean. They have powerful jaws for crushing crustaceans.

Porgy

Stenotomus chrysops

One of the most popular pan fish in the Northeast. Porgies are found near structure, wrecks, and hard bottom from the Chesapeake Bay to New England. They are aggressive biters that provide fun light-tackle action and are excellent pan-fried or grilled.

8 boats

Red Porgy

Pagrus pagrus

A deepwater porgy found over hard bottom and reef structure in the South Atlantic and Gulf. Red Porgy are identified by their pinkish-red coloring and are commonly caught while targeting snapper and grouper. They are excellent eating.

1 boats

Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus

A distinctive fish identified by its bold black-and-white vertical stripes and human-like teeth. Sheepshead are found near pilings, jetties, bridges, and oyster bars along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They are challenging to hook due to their ability to steal bait but are excellent eating.

Tautog

Tautoga onitis

A tough, structure-oriented fish found from Nova Scotia to the Carolinas. Tautog are incredibly powerful for their size and are known for diving into rocks and wrecks when hooked. They are highly prized for their firm, white, sweet-flavored flesh and are a fall favorite in the Northeast.

8 boats