Red Porgy
Pagrus pagrus
Red Porgy (Pagrus pagrus) is a sea bream of temperate Atlantic waters, common on the western North Atlantic shelf and also in parts of the eastern Atlantic/Mediterranean. It feeds near bottom over hard structure and sandy reef edges, and is valued as a table fish where regulations allow.
Identification points
- Deep, laterally compressed bream body with a steep forehead and small mouth
- Silvery pink to reddish body with darker back and often reddish fins
- Tail slightly forked; juveniles may show faint bars or blotches
Habitat
Bottom-associated on rocky reefs, shell beds, ledges, wrecks, and sandy or muddy areas near hard structure in coastal shelf waters; adults commonly hold in 30-200 m depths.
Bait notes
Use cut squid, shrimp, clam, crab, sandworm, or small strips of fish; small jigs tipped with bait can work well. Natural baits usually outfish artificials for steady bites.
Behavior
Feeds on crabs, shrimp, worms, mollusks, and small fish, often rooting close to the seabed. Schools may move along structure and bite best when bait is kept tight to bottom.
Caution
Check local size, bag, and season rules; regulations vary by region and stock. Like many seabreams, larger fish may accumulate contaminants in some areas, so follow local consumption advisories.
Fishing notes
Fish near bottom with light-to-medium bottom rigs, small hooks, and enough sinker to hold in current. Slow drifts, short lifts, and keeping bait close to structure improve hookups.