Saltwater · Late spring to early fall; May to October in warm coastal water
Atlantic Needlefish
Strongylura marina
A long, beak-jawed surface hunter of Atlantic bays and estuaries that commonly pushes up coastal rivers into fresh water. Its flesh and bones can be strikingly green, which is harmless but surprises first-time anglers. Silvery and lightning-fast, it is mostly a fun light-tackle and sight-casting fish.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Very long, slender silvery body with a beak-like jaw full of sharp teeth
- Both jaws extended into a full beak, the lower jaw longest
- Green-tinted flesh and bones, clearly visible in fillets
- Dorsal and anal fins set far back, opposite each other near the tail
- Adults plain silvery-green with no dark bars or spots
Habits
- Schools at the surface in bays and estuaries and in the lower reaches of coastal rivers, sometimes well into fresh water
- Feeds by slashing sideways through small fish and shrimp near the surface
- Attracted to lights at night and may leap toward them — take care around lighted docks and boats, as a jumping needlefish can jab with its beak
- Most common in warm months; moves south or offshore as water cools
- Follows baitfish schools into river mouths on a rising tide
Distribution
Where to find them
- Lighted docks and bridges in Chesapeake Bay at night
- Back-bay grass flats and inlet channels in the Carolinas
- Florida Atlantic river mouths and Intracoastal docks
Where they live
How to catch them
Float fishing live shiners at dock lights Shore
Rig: Light spinning rod, small float and size 4-6 hook with a live shiner, fished near the surface around lighted docks at night
Bait/lure: Live shiners
Key tip: Keep the bait near the surface and stay alert — strikes are fast slashes, and hooked fish may leap toward the light.
Sight-casting to surface schools Shore
Rig: Light rod with a 1/8 oz small jig or tiny spoon, cast ahead of surface schools in back bays and river mouths
Bait/lure: Small jigs, tiny spoons
Key tip: Cast past the school and retrieve fast just under the surface; a slow retrieve is usually ignored.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 6-7 ft spinning rod
- Line: 6-10 lb mono or braid
- Terminal: Size 4-6 hooks, small floats, tiny spoons and jigs
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 12-18 in (30-46 cm); large fish to about 24 in (61 cm)
On the table
Fair — edible despite the green bones, but bony; many anglers release it.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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