How to Catch Ladyfish in the Southeast Atlantic
The short answer
Ladyfish in the Southeast Atlantic hold on open sound water, tidal creeks, inlets and passes. They peak May–Sep. Start with paddletail: Small jig or paddletail with a quick, erratic retrieve. Best on moving tide over bait — they roam. Any; dawn and dusk best.
When Ladyfish bite in the Southeast Atlantic
Summer — the poor man's tarpon, everywhere in open water
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
off | off | off | around | peak | peak | peak | peak | peak | around | off | off |
What to throw for Ladyfish
Best first. The retrieve matters more than the lure, so each one says how to work it.
- Paddletail — Small jig or paddletail with a quick, erratic retrieve.
- Gold spoon — Small spoon burned near the surface.
- Live shrimp — Under a popping cork if they're around — instant action.
Where to find them
Look for open sound water, tidal creeks, inlets and passes.
Great fun and great practice — they jump like mini tarpon. Slimy to handle (wet your hands) and poor eating; quick release. Also superb cut bait for reds.
Tide and timing
Moving tide over bait — they roam
Any; dawn and dusk best
Tackle
7' medium-light spinning · 2500 reel · 10 lb braid · 20 lb fluoro leader
Check the regulations
Size and bag limits change by state and by season, and they change more often than any article gets updated. Check your state agency before you keep anything.
Sounder links the right state agency for wherever you drop a pin, and flags a fish that’s out of slot as you log it.