Atlantic spadefish

Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) — field identification starting point: a fish whose exact fin counts, body proportions and coloration should be confirmed against the approved photo and scientific name. Confirm the exact species against the approved photo and scientific-name biology reference.

Atlantic spadefish are commonly around 1–2 ft.

Large adults can exceed 2 ft.

Diet can include small crustaceans, worms, mollusks, plankton, algae or small fish depending on the species.

Often uses reef edges, holes, rubble, seagrass or nearby sand for feeding and shelter.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in the documented habitat and substrate for this species, then narrow the search using depth, current, structure and food activity. Habitat reference: Habitat: reef, sand bottom, mangrove and coastal waters.

Habitat: reef, sand bottom, mangrove and coastal waters.

Commonly associated with reef, rubble, seagrass or nearby bottom habitat; exact depth varies by species and life stage.

Start near the bottom or reef edge where the species is observed; adjust until bites show the active level.

Water: marine and brackish. Habitat: reef, sand bottom, mangrove and coastal waters.

Fish legal open periods and favorable sea conditions; no single month works for every reef species.

Early/late light and moving water are good starting periods; some reef species feed well through the day or after dark.

Moderate moving water is often productive; excessive current may require more weight or a sheltered edge.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Fresh clam. Nothing compares with fresh when you're fishing from a boat. Crack two large clams together over the side so the juice spills into the water, then bait up with half a clam.

None. BigJoe doesn't use jigs for spadefish: a red treble with fresh clam is the way to catch them.

Light-action spinning rod with 12–14 lb monofilament tied straight to a swivel, no leader, and a red treble hook wrapped in clam.

A small red treble hook. The treble holds the clam better than a single hook. Wrap the clam so all three points go into it.

12–14 lb monofilament. BigJoe likes 12 lb: it's called fishing, not catching.

No leader. Tie the line straight to a swivel. Spadefish are skittish and if they see the line you won't catch as many.

Anchor up near the structure, crack fresh clams over the side to chum, and drop a clam-wrapped red treble into the slick. Spadefish nibble, they don't gulp, so wait to feel the bite, then set the hook.

Take two large clams and smack them together over the boat. One will crack open and all that clam juice spills onto the water, giving off that taste and smell. Cut the clam in half and wrap it around a red treble hook so all the hooks go into the clam, drop it in and get ready for the fight. I like 12 lb test because it's called fishing, not catching. That's like people who go for red snapper with an electric reel. Fishing is giving the fish a chance, and you'll have your hands full with a spade on 12 lb mono.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

One of the best fish steaks you will ever eat, and BigJoe's favorite. Cut it into steaks ½ to 1 inch thick: delicious white, flaky meat.

Good table fare when bled, iced and cooked fresh.

Ice it right away. Use a clean board and sharp knife; scale or skin only when appropriate, remove the viscera or fillet cleanly, trim damaged tissue/bloodline as desired, minimize warm-water exposure, and keep the edible portion cold. If the fish carries venomous spines, dangerous teeth or a toxin advisory, follow the safety warning before cleaning.

For routine cooked preparation, FDA seafood guidance uses 145°F (63°C) as the safe internal-temperature target for fish; flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Grilling, baking, broiling, steaming or pan-cooking can all work after the fish is positively identified, legally retained and cleared for applicable toxin/mercury advisories.

Use a dehooker/pliers and watch for dorsal/anal spines and sharp gill covers. Do not squeeze the fish around the abdomen.

No species-specific size, bag or season limits are listed here.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.