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Pinfish

Lagodon rhomboides

Appearance

Illustration of a pinfish showing important characteristics
  • Body silvery, with blue and yellow stripes and yellow fins
  • Large, dark spot behind the gill cover
  • Mouth is small with incisor-like teeth
  • Sharp spines on dorsal and anal fins

Similar Species: Spottail pinfish, D. holbrookii (has dark spot on caudal peduncle); pigfish, O. chrysoptera (no incisor-like teeth; mouth ends below front nostril) 

Size: Usually less than 8 inches

Habitat

Coastal waters near structure; may enter freshwater.

Behavior

Feed on small fishes and invertebrates; popular live bait.

Additional Information

State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record. 

Fishing Tips and Facts: Popular live bait. Notorious for stealing bait.

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles