SCIENTIFIC NAME : Lagodon rhomboides

OTHER NAMES: Spanish Porgy, Shiner.
RANGE: All Florida coasts.

HABITAT: Small pinfish swarm over inshore grass flats in warm or temperate weather, retreating to deeper water with dropping temperatures. They also can be found around other cover, such as rocks and bars.

DESCRIPTION: Silvery with many narrow longitudinal yellow lines and, sometimes, dim vertical bars. Dark patch just behind gill cover. Spines of dorsal and anal fin are sharp, hence the name. Primarily used as bait.

SIZE: Most run 3-6 inches, but may range as high as a pound or more. World record 3 pounds, 5 ounces.

FOOD VALUE: Only the largest are really suitable for the table; small ones have excessive and tiny bones.

GAME QUALITIES: An aggressive striker and zippy fighter, much like a small Jack.

TACKLE AND BAITS: Bits of cut shrimp, fish, or bacon, fished on tiny hooks with cane poles or ultra-light spinning outfits, will catch the most.

FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.