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Porgy - Fish Species Guide | Saltwater Pros

Porgy

Nearshore

Porgy

Stenotomus chrysops

Avg. Weight

1.5 lbs

Avg. Length

10+ inches

World Record

4.9 lbs

Found In

21 Destinations

About Porgy

Porgy — also called Scup — are one of the most reliable and abundant bottom fish from New Jersey to Connecticut. These small, pan-shaped fish with iridescent silver-blue scales and a distinctive spiny dorsal fin are excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. Porgy gather in large schools around structure, making them easy to locate and fun to catch in quantity. While not glamorous, they are a bread-and-butter species that provides fast, consistent action for anglers of all skill levels — especially popular for family fishing trips.

Identification & Appearance

Deep, laterally compressed body with iridescent silver-blue scales. Prominent spiny dorsal fin. Small mouth with strong front teeth. Dusky vertical bars that are more prominent in juveniles. Blue-silver sheen overall, lighter belly.

Male vs. Female

Males develop a blue hump on the forehead during spawning. Females are generally rounder and less colorful. Both sexes school together.

Size, Weight & Records

Average catch is 8-12 inches (0.5-1.5 lbs). Quality porgy run 12-16 inches (1.5-3 lbs). Trophy fish exceed 3 lbs. The world record is 4 lbs 14 oz.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.

Recommended Tackle

Light spinning rod (6-7 ft), 2000-2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (size 4-1/0), light sinkers (1/2-2 oz).

Regulations & Bag Limits

Minimum size limit of 9-10 inches in most states. Bag limits of 30-50 fish per person during open seasons. Relatively liberal regulations.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.

Where to Catch Porgy (21 destinations)

Atlantic City

New Jersey · Jersey Shore

Barnegat Light

New Jersey · Jersey Shore

Block Island

Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast

Cape May

New Jersey · Jersey Shore

Chatham

Massachusetts · Cape & Islands

Fire Island

New York · Long Island

Freeport NY

New York · Long Island

Gloucester

Massachusetts · North Shore

Greenport

New York · Long Island

Long Beach Island

New Jersey · Jersey Shore

Martha's Vineyard

Massachusetts · Cape & Islands

Montauk

New York · Long Island

Mystic

Connecticut · Connecticut Coast

Nantucket

Massachusetts · Cape & Islands

Narragansett

Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast

Newport

Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast

Norwalk

Connecticut · Connecticut Coast

Ocean City

Maryland · Ocean Coast

Old Saybrook

Connecticut · Connecticut Coast

Plymouth

Massachusetts · North Shore

Point Pleasant Beach

New Jersey · Jersey Shore

Related Species

King Mackerel

King Mackerel

Nearshore

Tautog

Tautog

Nearshore

Cobia

Cobia

Nearshore

Amberjack

Amberjack

Nearshore

Fishing Guides & Tips

Porgy Blog Posts

Expert tips, seasonal reports, and fishing guides featuring Porgy.

View All Articles

Porgy Fishing: An Underrated Bottom Fish Worth Targeting

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Nantucket, Massachusetts

Fishing Techniques

How to Catch Porgy: Rigs, Bait & Seasonal Patterns

Landing Porgy consistently requires more than showing up at the right spot. Successful anglers and charter captains have

Greenport, New York

Striped Bass and Porgy Around Shelter Island: Greenport's Best Kept Secret

The waters surrounding Shelter Island near Greenport hold outstanding striped bass and porgy fishing that most visiting

Greenport, New York

Ready to Catch Porgy?

Connect with experienced captains who specialize in nearshore fishing.