Fish Id: A Guide To East Coast Fishes
Searobin Peristedion et.al.
Most common to NJ, probably the Northern Searobin (Peristedion carolinus). Many varieties range along the Atlantic coast. Generally, reddish brown, with winglike fins close to the large head. Tail fin is fan shaped, but slim. Two horizontal lines run down the length of the body. Front dorsal fin is spiny. Stick in a bucket and let the kids listen to it barking! Maxing at 16", larger searobins make good eating. You are likely to catch them while bassing, perching, fluking, weaking, and bluefishing--they eat just about any bait.
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