Ladyfish: A Nuisance, or a Nice Catch?

Ladyfish, often called “poor man’s tarpon” thanks to their affinity for leaping clear of the water when on the line, may be poor table fare – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth pursuing. In fact, according to TPWD creel surveys from 2000 through 2016 their popularity climbed by an impressive 344-percent. In the upper Laguna Madre the numbers harvested went up by a shocking 867-percent. Wait a sec – if this species isn’t good to eat, why are all these anglers keeping them?

The answer lays in what other fish those same anglers often have in the cooler: red drum. While we humans may not look forward to munching on those ladyfish, the redfish have the opposite opinion of their value on the dinner plate. And most of the anglers who keep ladyfish do so specifically to use as redfish bait.

Before we go any further, let’s stipulate that ladyfish have some serious value as sporting fish despite their small size, and they should be treated with respect. Fish that are to be released should be handled with care, and if you don’t have a specific purpose for keeping them ladyfish should be sent right back over the side. If, however, you plan to fish cut bait for reds…

1. Ladyfish tend to eat small bait, so casting lures that imitate silvery baitfish like anchovies in the two- to three-inch range is often effective. Small spoons or plastics with some flash or glitter are good choices.
2. Small shrimp bits are another good offering, but when using cut bait for ladyfish be sure your leader is up to snuff. They have raspy jaws and can wear through mono less than 20-pound test in short order.
3. Like some other fish that chase small bait in big numbers (think: Spanish mackerel) ladyfish often go for a fast retrieve and may ignore offerings pulled slowly through the water.
4. Keep an eye out for birds. When ladyfish school up, they often push bait to the surface and in turn birds will move in to feed.
5. Grass flats often hold these fish, especially in five or six feet of water. Retrieving a lure quickly over the grasses is another good way to get them biting.

Remember, even though they aren’t a species you’ll want to eat, ladyfish do deserve your respect. Only keep an appropriate amount for cut bait, and let the others you catch swim off free to fight another day.