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Ladyfish

Ladyfish

Ladyfish, also known as skipjack, tenpounder, or "poor man's tarpon," are strictly carnivorous predators that swallow prey whole and school in large numbers which increases their competitive feeding behavior.

Scientific Name: Elops saurus

Also known as skipjack, tenpounder, poor man's tarpon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Long, slender silvery fish with elongated pointed fins and a deeply forked tail.
  • They grow up to 3 feet long and 15 pounds, though most weigh 2-3 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Florida's coastal waters from Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast around to Tarpon Springs on the Gulf coast, with year-round populations in South Florida.
  • They inhabit brackish water lagoons, bays, mangroves, estuaries, and tidal pools while occasionally venturing several miles offshore to depths of 160 feet.

Key Locations

  • Found throughout Florida's coastal waters from Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast around to Tarpon Springs on the Gulf coast, with year-round populations in South Florida.
  • Prime locations include Tampa Bay flats, passes like John's Pass and Clearwater Pass, the Indian River Lagoon, bridges and lighted docks at night, and Gulf beaches from the Panhandle to the Keys.

Specific Spots

  • Prime Florida habitats include Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, the Indian River Lagoon, grass flats, passes and inlets, around docks and bridges, and nearshore waters.

Ladyfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Ladyfish in Florida?

1/4-1/2 ounce silver spoons, jigs with 3-4 inch soft plastic bodies (white or root beer), topwater plugs like Rapala X-Rap Slashbait and MirrOlure MirrOdine, GOT-CHA lures, and D.O.A. CAL jerk baits. Live bait includes shrimp (free-lined or under a float), small bait fish like sardines, glass minnows, and mud minnows.

What flies work for Ladyfish in Florida?

Clouser Minnows, Deceivers with flashabou, glass minnow patterns, or small white/silver streamers.

When is the best time to fish for Ladyfish in Florida?

Ladyfish fishing peaks during late spring through summer in northern Florida, while South Florida offers year-round opportunities. Avoid targeting during fall months when spawning occurs offshore.

How do you catch Ladyfish in Florida?

Retrieve lures and flies fast and erratically - often you can't strip fast enough. Productive techniques include drifting grass flats while casting jigs, vertical jigging in deeper passes, trolling spoons and plugs, surf fishing along beaches, and sight-casting to surface-feeding schools often marked by diving birds.

What do Ladyfish eat?

Feed on small bony fish including menhaden, silversides, mullet, and even their own species, plus invertebrates like crustaceans and shrimp.

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