Fish Id: A Guide To East Coast Fishes

The Atlantic Cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus 

Also called a Cutlass. This fish is distinctive with its long eel like shape and barracuda type jaws. The color is silvery white. Size goes up to 38"/2 lbs. They are found in bays and shallow ocean areas, and they will go for shrimp, cut bait, and some artificial lures. You may encounter one of these unexpectedly, but they are edible (commonly so in Japan). Handle with care! Years ago Scott and I came across one of these while walking the beach out on LBI. It was early spring, and we had headed towards Holgate, but a drop in temperature as we approached that part of the island made us decide to go back. We walked back along the line of the surf, and saw something shiny and long lying up ahead. I wish we'd had a camera, as the sketch barely does justice to how silvery it was.

Back To Miscellaneous Fishes Section or

Return to FishGuide | FishingPage