Spadefish

Atlantic spadefish extend down the Eastern seaboard of the USA, from Massachusetts round into the Gulf of Mexico. They are found throughout the Caribbean Sea and out to Bermuda and much of the coast of Brazil. African spadefish are distributed along the east coast of Africa from the Red Sea to the east coast of South Africa, then eastwards to Madagascar and the west coast of India. Both species prefer coastal waters and depths of about 3 -35 m. (98-115 ft.) and are often found shoaling around structures such as reefs, wrecks, piers and jetties. Juveniles spend much time in estuaries, mangrove areas and bays. Spadefish often form shoals in the lee of structure where there is a strong current. Fishing is best in the warmer months in the more temperate areas and all year round in more tropical temperatures. Spadefish can be caught throughout the day and probably feed throughout the night as well, but they are difficult to target after dark.

Spadefish are one of 17 members of the Ephippidae family that includes angelfish and batfish. The spadefish most important in recreational angling include the Atlantic species, Chaetodipterus faber and the African spadefish, Tripterodon orbis. Both species are “spade” shaped, being strongly laterally compressed with a blunt snout and small mouths with many “brush-like teeth. The Atlantic species has 4-6 obvious irregular vertical bars down its flank - the first going through its eye - with a spiny first dorsal fin and large, lobed second dorsal and anal fins. The African species looks similar, but without the dark bars. Atlantic spadefish can attain 91 cm. (36 in.) and 9.1 kg. (20 lbs.) while the African species reaches 75 cm. (30 in.). They all feed mostly on small benthic invertebrates and floating plankton. While not easy to catch, spadefish are becoming more popular with sport anglers due to their potential size and very strong fighting ability.

Due to their small mouths and their food preferences being mostly small invertebrates, it is not easy to catch spadefish, but they are increasingly targeted due to their potential size, abundance and fighting prowess. They spend much time in shallow water or near the seabed nibbling from the substrate or taking small items of food drifting in the water column. They are unlikely to take spinning lures and large artificial flies and the best way to catch them is to use medium to light tackle with small hooks and very small bits of natural bait. The spadefish can be targeted from the shore, jetties or from small boats and the aim is to carefully approach where the fish will be and cautiously cast out your bait to drift past or lie on the bottom where fish may be feeding. The best baits are small natural baits that are found where the fish are living. Jellyfish work well, but are difficult to keep on a hook, while strips of clam meat are easier to use. Chumming, using frozen minced clam, in a promising area can be productive and draw fish to your bait. You never know when a substantial spadefish may take your small hook and light tackle and then the fight is on! Casting a small fly and letting it drift through a “chum line” can result in a spectacular fight and great trophy!