Atlantic Needlefish
Strongylura marina
Atlantic needlefish are slender, surface-oriented fish found in coastal waters, estuaries, and brackish habitats along the western Atlantic. They feed on small fish and crustaceans and are known for explosive strikes near the surface, especially at night and around lights.
Identification points
- Very long, narrow beak with both jaws extended into a needlelike snout
- Slender, elongated greenish to silvery body with a lateral silver stripe
- Dorsal and anal fins set far back near the tail, giving a torpedo-like profile
Habitat
Warm coastal waters of the western Atlantic, including estuaries, salt marshes, inlets, mangrove-lined shorelines, and nearshore surface waters. They often patrol calm edges, docks, and current seams, and commonly move into brackish areas.
Bait notes
Small live shrimp, pilchards, silversides, and other slender baitfish work well. Small topwater plugs, spoons, and lightly weighted soft plastics can draw strikes when fished near the surface or around lights.
Behavior
A fast, schooling surface predator that ambushes small baitfish and shrimp. Atlantic needlefish often feed at dawn, dusk, and at night, and may leap or skitter across the surface when hooked or startled.
Caution
Their beak-like jaws are sharp and can puncture skin; handle carefully and avoid gripping the mouth. They are generally not a major food target, and the thin flesh makes them a poor table fish.
Fishing notes
Use light tackle and long, thin hooks or small trebles to match their narrow mouths. Fish slowly along surface boils, dock lights, channel edges, and mangrove or marsh margins; retrieve steadily with occasional twitches.