Gafftopsail Catfish

Gafftopsail Catfish (Bagre marinus) is a marine catfish inhabiting the waters of the western central Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. These fish are usually found in the coastal areas, such as brackish deltas of the Everglades. Gafftopsail Catfish get their name for the spiny and venomous dorsal fin that rises from their back like a sail. Typically growing to about 43 cm in length, these fish usually weigh around 0.5 to 2 kg, but with some luck it is possible to land a trophy of up to 4.5 kg. Unlike most bottom feeding Catfish, the Gafftopsail Catfish feeds throughout the water column, eating crustaceans like crabs, shrimp, and prawns, as well as worms, other invertebrates, and other fish.

If you prefer to use natural baits, then the best way to catch Gafftopsail Catfish would be to use Shrimp on a size #4/0 hook.