By Joe Sheaffer
Poor man’s tarpon, a fitting name for such an aggressive feisty fish. Ladyfish can be found throughout Florida’s surf and bays. There are many days finding a school of ladyfish can save a day for many anglers. Ladyfish can be a great way to get kids hooked on fishing. Ladyfish are very aggressive, they jump and fight hard. They are pesky, and can be downright messy. I have ruined quite a few shirts because they spew some nasty crud. Ladyfish can be the go too bait for many anglers. A great cut bait option for redfish, snook and sharks to name a few. They can be a very good live bait option as well. Tarpon, snook, and many pelagic species have no problem gobbling these fish up. Over the last few months, when fishing the beaches in my area, I look for any bait activity along the surf. Usually with bait activity the ladyfish will be working the surf. I prefer artificial lures and I am usually successful on most fishing trips with lures. When the surf is calm and clear, it can be tough using an artificial presentation. I have a rule that I follow, if I catch a pinfish or ladyfish, I don’t throw them back. I hook them on my jig behind the dorsal fin and let them swim in the surf. Lately I have seen some nice snook along the beach and that can be a great time to hook up and free line a ladyfish in the trough. I have been able to hook and land some very nice snook on this presentation. The bite can be very explosive and super exciting. I would encourage you to try using live ladyfish on your next beach adventure. Good luck and keep casting!