How To Catch Ladyfish

Do you want to learn how to catch ladyfish? Ladyfish is an aggressive and hard-fighting fish that attacks live bait and artificial lures. They are easy to catch are plentiful on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is an inshore fish that is found in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters. In this article, we will discuss all things ladyfish and share information on how to catch it.

How To Catch Ladyfish

You can use live bait like shrimp and small bait fish to catch ladyfish. Artificial lures such as silver spoons or topwater plugs can also be used. Fish for ladyfish around structures like docks and bridges. You can also fish for ladyfish during the night as they are active during dusk and the night.

Another technique anglers use to catch ladyfish is to cast a jig in front of the boat as it drifts over grass flats or the inlets. In addition to ladyfish, you might also catch other fish like pompanos, snappers, groupers, flounders, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and spotted seatrout. Additionally, if you are in deep waters, you can also use vertical jigging to catch ladyfish.

Ladyfish Tackle

You don’t need any special tackle for catching ladyfish. A 7-foot medium light rod with fast action and a 2500 series reel spool with a 10-pound monofilament line will work. A 24-inch fluorocarbon leader will work for this setup.

Best Bait For Ladyfish

1. Shrimp

Shrimp is a highly effective bait choice for targeting ladyfish, also known as “poor man’s tarpon,” in coastal waters. These small, silvery fish are voracious feeders and readily strike at shrimp presented on hooks or jig heads.

Whether live, fresh, or frozen, shrimp emit a natural scent and enticing movement that attracts ladyfish. Anglers often rig shrimp on a hook or jig head and cast them into areas where ladyfish are known to feed, such as nearshore flats, channels, or estuary mouths.

Ladyfish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked, making them a thrilling catch for anglers of all skill levels. Shrimp’s versatility, availability, and attractiveness to ladyfish make them a go-to bait option for anglers seeking action-packed encounters with these lively and spirited fish.

2. Small Bait Fish

Small baitfish, such as pilchards, mullet, and pinfish, are excellent choices for targeting ladyfish in coastal waters. Ladyfish are predatory fish that eagerly prey on small baitfish, making them a natural and effective bait option.

Anglers often use live or fresh baitfish rigged on hooks or jig heads to mimic the natural movement and appearance of prey. These baitfish emit enticing vibrations and scents that attract ladyfish, especially when presented in areas with strong current or tidal flow, such as channels, flats, or estuary mouths.

Ladyfish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps when hooked, providing anglers with exciting and dynamic fishing experiences. Utilizing small baitfish as bait for ladyfish fishing increases the chances of enticing strikes and landing these spirited fish.

3. Mullet

Mullets, with their silvery scales and lively swimming motion, serve as excellent bait for targeting ladyfish in coastal waters. These baitfish are a preferred choice among anglers due to their availability and attractiveness to predatory species like ladyfish.

When rigged on a hook or jig head, mullet emits enticing vibrations and scents that lure ladyfish in and trigger aggressive strikes. Anglers often use live or fresh mullet, either whole or cut into chunks, to mimic the natural movement and appearance of prey in the water.

Fishing with mullet as bait is particularly effective in areas with strong currents, such as channels, flats, or near structures like piers and docks, where ladyfish tend to congregate in search of food. With their energetic fights and acrobatic leaps when hooked, ladyfish provide anglers with thrilling fishing experiences, making mullets an essential bait choice for targeting these spirited fish.

4. Sardines

Sardines are prized as versatile bait for a variety of saltwater species, including ladyfish. Their oily flesh and strong scent make them irresistible to these aggressive predators. When rigged on a hook or jig, sardines emit a scent trail that attracts ladyfish from a distance, enticing them to strike.

Whether used whole or cut into chunks, sardines are effective bait choices for targeting ladyfish in coastal waters, estuaries, and channels. Anglers often find success with sardines near structures such as docks, piers, and mangroves, where ladyfish congregate to feed.

Additionally, the shimmering scales and lifelike movement of sardines in the water mimic natural prey, increasing their appeal to ladyfish and enhancing the chances of a successful catch. Overall, sardines are a reliable and popular bait option for anglers seeking to hook into these fast and energetic fish.

5. Menhaden

Menhaden, also known as bunker or pogies, are highly effective bait for targeting ladyfish. These oily and nutrient-rich fish are irresistible to ladyfish due to their strong scent and high protein content. When rigged on a hook or jig, menhaden releases an enticing scent trail that can attract ladyfish from a distance, triggering their predatory instincts.

Anglers often use menhaden whole or cut into chunks, allowing them to flutter naturally in the water and mimic the movement of injured prey. Whether fished near structures or in open water, menhaden can help anglers land ladyfish in various coastal environments. Their versatility and effectiveness make menhaden a popular choice among anglers targeting these acrobatic and fast-swimming fish.

6. Anchovies

Anchovies are a popular bait choice for targeting ladyfish, prized for their small size and abundant availability. These slender, silvery fish are often found schooling near coastal waters, making them easy to catch and use as bait.

When rigged on a hook or jig, anchovies emit a natural scent and shimmering appearance that can attract ladyfish from afar. Their swift and erratic movements mimic those of injured prey, enticing hungry ladyfish to strike.

Anglers often use anchovies either whole or cut into smaller pieces, allowing them to flutter enticingly in the water column. Whether fished near structure or in open water, anchovies are a versatile and effective bait option for anglers pursuing ladyfish in a variety of coastal environments.

7. Glass Minnows

Glass minnows, also known as bay anchovies, are a favored bait for targeting ladyfish due to their abundance and attractiveness to predatory fish. These small, translucent baitfish are commonly found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays, where they form dense schools near the surface.

Glass minnows have a natural shimmer and darting movement that mimics injured prey, making them irresistible to ladyfish and other predatory species. Anglers often use cast nets to catch glass minnows in large quantities, providing ample bait for an extended fishing session.

Whether rigged whole or cut into smaller pieces, glass minnows effectively attract ladyfish with their lifelike appearance and enticing scent, making them a go-to bait choice for anglers targeting these energetic gamefish.

Best Lures For Ladyfish

1. Jigs

Jigs are versatile lures that are highly effective for targeting ladyfish in a variety of fishing conditions. Typically consisting of a weighted head and a trailing skirt or soft plastic body, jigs can be worked through the water column to mimic the movement of prey fish, enticing ladyfish to strike.

Anglers can vary the retrieve speed and depth to match the behavior of the ladyfish and adapt to changing conditions. Jigs come in a range of sizes and colors, allowing anglers to match the local forage or experiment with different presentations to entice strikes.

Whether cast and retrieved steadily or jigged erratically, these lures can trigger aggressive strikes from ladyfish, making them a popular choice among anglers pursuing these fast and acrobatic gamefish.

2. Spoons

Spoons are classic lures known for their simplicity and effectiveness when targeting ladyfish. These lures feature a curved metal body with a shiny, reflective surface that mimics the flash and movement of baitfish.

When retrieved, spoons wobble and dart erratically through the water, creating vibrations and flashes that attract the attention of ladyfish. Anglers can vary the retrieve speed to control the depth and action of the spoon, allowing them to adjust to the behavior and preferences of the fish.

Additionally, spoons can be cast long distances, making them ideal for covering large areas of water and exploring different depths where ladyfish may be lurking. Whether cast from shore or trolled behind a boat, spoons are a reliable option for enticing strikes from these energetic and aggressive gamefish.

3. Plugs

Plugs are versatile lures that can be highly effective when targeting ladyfish. These lures typically feature a hard plastic or wooden body with a realistic design, including lifelike eyes and patterns that mimic baitfish.

With their treble hooks positioned underneath, plugs create a realistic swimming action when retrieved through the water, attracting the attention of ladyfish with their lifelike movement. Anglers can use a variety of retrieves with plugs, such as steady reeling, twitching, or pausing to imitate injured or fleeing baitfish, enticing strikes from hungry ladyfish.

Plugs come in various sizes and colors, allowing anglers to match the local forage and adapt to changing conditions. Whether cast from shore, trolled behind a boat, or worked around structure, plugs are a reliable option for enticing strikes from ladyfish in a wide range of environments and situations.

4. Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are effective lures for targeting ladyfish due to their realistic swimming action and erratic movement. These slender, minnow-shaped lures are typically made of hard plastic or wood and feature multiple treble hooks for increased hooking potential.

When retrieved with sharp jerks of the rod tip followed by pauses, jerkbaits dart and dive through the water, imitating the behavior of injured baitfish. This erratic action mimics the movements of natural prey, enticing strikes from aggressive ladyfish.

Anglers can vary the retrieve speed and cadence to find the most effective presentation for the day’s conditions. Whether cast from shore, trolled behind a boat, or worked around structure, jerkbaits can be a productive option for enticing strikes from ladyfish in both saltwater and brackish environments.

5. Bubble Rigs

Bubble rigs are versatile and effective lures for targeting ladyfish in various fishing environments. Consisting of a clear plastic bubble filled with water and attached to a leader line, bubble rigs allow anglers to fish with lightweight artificial lures that may otherwise sink too quickly.

To use a bubble rig, anglers fill the bubble partially with water to achieve the desired buoyancy and casting distance. The bubble acts as a weight and a float, allowing anglers to present lightweight lures such as soft plastics, flies, or small jigs effectively.

This setup mimics the movements of baitfish or other prey items, enticing strikes from ladyfish as they patrol shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, or nearshore waters. By adjusting the amount of water in the bubble and varying retrieval speeds, anglers can control the depth and action of the lure, increasing their chances of success when targeting ladyfish.

Ladyfish Fishing Tips

1. You will almost always catch ladyfish with live bait.

2. Most of the time, fast-moving lures will result in a strike.

3. A free-lined live shrimp drifted over flats or inlets will catch many fish.

4. You can chum for ladyfish by dropping small bait fish into the water at intervals. This will attract not only ladyfish but many other fishes.

5. A fast retrieve works best when casting.

6. Spoons and plugs can be cast or trolled when fishing for ladyfish.

7. When you are finding it difficult to locate ladyfish, trolling is a good way to find them.

8. Surf fishing along the Gulf Coast for ladyfish can be very productive.

9. Ladyfish are nocturnal feeders. Look for lighted bridges and docks to fish for ladyfish.

10. Ladyfish can be used as bait for snook, sharks, redfish, tarpon, bull reds, and others.

11. Ladyfish is a schooling fish.

12. The best artificial lure for ladyfish is a jig.

13. You can also fish for ladyfish using fly fishing as they strike hard and leap high into the air.

14. When fishing for ladyfish along the Gulf Coast, be on the lookout for birds circling overhead. Most of the time, that is a sign that fish are pursuing bait and ladyfish could be some of the gamefish.

15. Ladyfish can be caught at any time of the day and at any tide.

16. Ladyfish has good eyesight, therefore, you may want to use a mono or fluorocarbon leader.

17. Ladyfish is a bony fish and not the best for eating.

The Bottom Line

Ladyfish is a good sporting fish as it fights hard, leaps out of the water when hooked, is plentiful on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and is easy to catch. Additionally, it is also a good bait fish for other larger species of fish. These attributes make ladyfish a favorite for some anglers.

In this article, we discuss how to catch ladyfish as well as share information about ladyfish to help you be a better angler fishing for ladyfish. If you are also interested in fishing for snook, spotted seatrout, and whiting, then these articles on how to catch snook, how to catch spotted seatrout, and how to catch whiting will help you with tips and tricks.