🐟 WHAT IS A BUTTERFISH?

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🐟 WHAT IS A BUTTERFISH?

Butterfish (commonly Atlantic butterfish – Peprilus triacanthus or Pacific relatives) are small, round, silver baitfish known for their soft bodies and schooling behavior.

They’re known for:

• ✨ Thin, disc-shaped bodies

• 🌊 Traveling in tight bait schools

• ⚡ Quick darting movement

• 🎣 Easy light-tackle targets

They’re important forage for tuna, striped bass, bluefish, and other predators.

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🌊 WHERE DO BUTTERFISH LIVE?

• Nearshore coastal waters

• Around bait schools

• Sandy bottoms & open water

• Harbors & inlets

Found along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico, often mixed with other baitfish.

They stay mid-water and move with currents and temperature shifts.

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🎣 HOW ARE BUTTERFISH CAUGHT?

🧲 Small Jigs & Sabiki Rigs (Most Effective)

• Sabiki rigs ⭐

• Tiny shiny jigs

• Small hooks with bait

✔ Fish mid-water
✔ Light tackle
✔ Small, subtle presentation

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🐟 Bait Fishing

• Small pieces of shrimp

• Squid strips

• Tiny bait chunks

✔ Drop near schools
✔ Gentle retrieve

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⚙️ GEAR TIPS

• Light spinning rod

• 6–10 lb line

• Small hooks (size 6–10)

• Keep steady tension — soft mouths tear easily

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📅 BEST TIME TO CATCH

• Late spring through fall ⭐

• When bait schools are visible

• Around current rips

They often appear when larger predators are nearby.

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🍽 ARE BUTTERFISH GOOD TO EAT?

• Mild, delicate flavor

• Smaller size

• Often used fresh or as bait

More commonly targeted as forage rather than sport.

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🌎 WHY BUTTERFISH MATTER

• Critical bait species

• Support larger predator fisheries

• Indicator of healthy nearshore ecosystems

• Key link in the food chain

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QUICK FACTS

• Travel in dense schools

• Soft-bodied fish

• Popular live bait

• Important prey for tuna & striped bass