Plainfin Midshipman
Porichthys notatus
Plainfin Midshipman (Porichthys notatus) is a west coast toadfish relative that lives on soft bottoms and is best known for its loud males, which hum to attract females. It’s usually encountered at night in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, but it is not a common sport fish.
Identification points
- Large, flattened head with a broad mouth and small eyes set high on the head
- Long dorsal fin that runs nearly the full back, with a similarly long anal fin
- Numerous small light-producing spots (photophores) arranged on the body and belly
Habitat
Soft sand or mud bottoms in shallow coastal bays, estuaries, eelgrass edges, tidepools, and nearshore waters; commonly sheltering under rocks, debris, and pilings, especially at night.
Bait notes
Small pieces of shrimp, squid, clam, or worm baits can work; tiny jigs or soft plastics bounced near bottom may also draw strikes. It is rarely targeted intentionally and is more often caught incidentally.
Behavior
Nocturnal ambush feeder that eats crabs, shrimp, worms, and small fishes. Males nest and hum to court females; they are often stationary near cover and become more active after dark.
Caution
Dorsal spines and opercular edges can be sharp; handle carefully. This species is not commonly eaten and is generally regarded as a poor table fish because of its soft flesh and low culinary value.
Fishing notes
Fish low light or nighttime over soft bottom and structure, with bait kept close to the bottom. Use light tackle, small hooks, and slow presentations; set aside time around slack tide in estuaries and protected bays.