Saltwater · Warm peak June-September in harbours and estuaries
Blacktip Ponyfish
Leiognathus nuchalis
The small, extremely slimy ponyfish of warm harbours — 주둥치. It is honestly a bycatch: it comes up on sabiki rigs among baitfish schools at west- and south-coast piers, and it is carried mainly for its identification value — the black dorsal tip and the slime make it unmistakable. Mostly returned; this page exists so anglers can name what they caught.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Deep, compressed silvery body — a ponyfish
- Black blotch on the rear dorsal-fin edge — the namesake 'black tip'
- Small, downward, protrusible mouth
- Extremely slimy skin
- Forked tail with yellowish tones
Habits
- A true bycatch — comes up on sabiki rigs among baitfish schools
- Extremely slimy body — the slime makes handling awkward
- Schools with other small coastal species
- Glitters silver in the net; release quickly if unwanted
- Ponyfishes produce light from a bacterial organ; this is the northernmost species
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Incheon piers, west coast
- Yeosu bays
- Gunsan harbour in summer
Where they live
How to catch them
Sabiki work on baitfish schools Shore
Rig: Ultra-tiny sabiki rig worked at harbour piers in summer among baitfish schools
Bait/lure: Tiny sabiki lures
Key tip: Ponyfish appear mixed with sardinella and sardines — count them as a bonus catch, not a target.
Light estuary bottom rig Shore
Rig: Light two-hook rig with tiny shrimp pieces cast into shallow estuary bays
Bait/lure: Tiny shrimp pieces
Key tip: The slime makes handling fiddly — wet hands and a quick release are best.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 6-7 ft spinning rod
- Line: 4-6 lb monofilament
- Terminal: Tiny hooks size 12-16 on sabiki rigs
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 3-5 in (8-13 cm); large fish about 6 in (15 cm)
On the table
Poor — very slimy and small; a bycatch identification fish, not a target.
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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