From bluefin tuna and haddock to wahoo and mackerel, dozens of saltwater fish inhabit the Atlantic coast. Given the diverse variety, have you ever wondered which types of fish are most commonly caught? Our enthusiastic anglers at Staten Island Yachts decided to explore why some saltwater fish end up in the boat while others seem to have a knack for avoiding the hook.
The statistics below reflect the estimated number of fish caught along the Atlantic Coast from 2019 to 2023. Note that the first and second fish on this list are separated by more than 32 million caught.
One of the main reasons why black sea bass are the most commonly caught fish is there are large numbers of them living up and down the Atlantic Coast. In the summer season, anglers can find these bottom dwellers swimming in rocky areas, hunting for crustaceans in depths of less than 120 feet. Adult fish can grow to 12 inches and sometimes weigh up to nine pounds. Last but not least, black sea bass have a sweet, mild flavor, making them an especially popular entree for seafood lovers.
Bluefish claim the number two spot on the list of most caught saltwater fish because many seasoned anglers find them challenging and fun to catch. These feisty fish are known to jump out of the water and even snap a fishing line with their razor-like teeth. Furthermore, bluefish move through the ocean in large schools, sometimes herding their prey toward the shore in a phenomenon known as the bluefish blitz. An angler who catches a bluefish may earn bragging rights with a fish that measures up to two feet long and weighs around 20 pounds.
The final fish in the top three most caught has an unusual ability, making it a popular, unique catch. This aptly named saltwater fish releases a croaking or drumming sound via its vibrating swim bladder. Atlantic croakers make this sound to communicate with other fish during spawning. Sometimes, these sounds get so loud that they can be heard above the water's surface. Atlantic croakers inhabit bays and tidal creeks along the Atlantic coast, from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. Though adults are only four to five pounds, they have a reputation for pulling aggressively on the line once hooked, presenting an enticing challenge to dedicated anglers.
| Type of Fish | Estimated Total Catch (2019-2023) |
|---|---|
| 1. Black Sea Bass | 116,216,243 |
| 2. Bluefish | 83,384,396 |
| 3. Atlantic Croaker | 76,891,252 |
| 4. Summer Flounder | 56,783,920 |
| 5. Striped Bass | 44,551,530 |
| 6. Spanish Mackerel | 38,322,846 |
| 7. Atlantic Mackerel | 35,291,023 |
| 8. Pinfish | 34,954,880 |
| 9. Florida Pompano | 31,099,511 |
| 10. Tautog | 28,798,215 |
| 11. Spot | 28,145,738 |
| 12. Scup | 27,253,857 |
| 13. Southern Kingfish | 17,065,057 |
| 14. Red Snapper | 13,500,064 |
| 15. Crevalle Jack | 12,445,415 |
Now, let's take a closer look at some fish that aren't quite as popular with anglers on the Atlantic coast. The top three had the lowest estimated number of fish caught from 2019 to 2023.
While many of the other fish totals on this list are in the millions, the estimated catch of Gulf flounder is less than 100,000. Why? One reason for the low number caught relates to its ability to blend into its murky environment. These flat, brownish-gray fish spend their time on the sandy bottoms of tidal creeks, making them hard to detect. Plus, they can camouflage themselves by changing color to blend in with their surroundings. Additionally, they are relatively small, measuring approximately 12 inches in length and weighing between one and three pounds. All of these elements make the Gulf flounder a tough fish to find.
You may be surprised to see albacore tuna on the list of least caught species. After all, the flavorful white meat of this Atlantic coast fish species is a favorite dish throughout the country. However, some things make albacore tuna challenging for many anglers to reel in. This fish measures two feet and can weigh up to 45 pounds. They are powerful and have been known to struggle and tug against a line until completely exhausted. In some cases, this fish may dart into the ocean, causing an angler to lose their line. It takes a persistent individual who can endure a long struggle to catch an albacore tuna successfully.
Catching a winter flounder presents unique challenges for anglers, which may explain the low number of them caught between 2019 and 2023. One challenge is related to bait. These Atlantic fish are particularly fond of live bait, especially worms and clams. If an angler doesn't use live bait, there's a good chance these persnickety fish will ignore the line. Another challenge is the tricky behavior of this fish. Winter flounders tend to nibble at the bait for a while before biting. Therefore, a less experienced angler may attempt to reel in the fish before it has taken the bait, thereby allowing it an easy escape. Additionally, it's essential to properly set a fishing line so that it's weighted down and remains at the bottom, where winter flounder can spot it.
Whether you're envisioning the thrill of reeling in a prize-winning Crevalle Jack or dreaming of savoring succulent black sea bass for dinner, our exquisite selection of the best yacht brands is here to elevate your fishing adventures. Explore our extensive inventory of used yachts, each one designed for comfort and luxury, and start planning your unforgettable journey along the breathtaking Atlantic coast in pursuit of your next big catch.
| Type of Fish | Estimated Total Catch (2019-2023) |
|---|---|
| 1. Gulf Flounder | 83,932 |
| 2. Albacore Tuna | 108,941 |
| 3. Winter Flounder | 228,499 |
| 4. Gag Grouper | 305,856 |
| 5. Wahoo | 369,287 |
| 6. White Perch | 409,667 |
| 7. Red Porgy | 464,592 |
| 8. Red Grouper | 520,640 |
| 9. Greater Amberjack | 652,324 |
| 10. Chub Mackerel | 856,427 |
| 11. Atlantic Sharpnose | 895,443 |
| 12. Blackfin Tuna | 1,045,035 |
| 13. Cobia | 1,195,792 |
| 14. Southern Flounder | 1,377,677 |
| 15. Northern Kingfish | 1,562,393 |