Atlantic Needlefish fishing in Florida

Atlantic needlefish are slim, green-backed surface hunters found along almost every Florida shoreline, from seawalls and docks to flats, bridges and the surf's edge. They cruise just under the surface in calm, clear water, often in small groups, and are most active on a rising tide during the warm months. Most anglers catch them by accident while throwing spoons, topwaters or live shrimp for snook and trout, and their habit of grabbing a bait and letting go makes them frustrating to hook. If you want one, use a small hook, 10 to 15 lb line and a live shrimp freelined or under a cork, or a sabiki near the surface. They are not much of a food fish and are mostly released, though some anglers use them as bait. The long beak is full of small, sharp teeth, so hold the body, not the jaws, and unhook with pliers. At night needlefish and their larger relatives are attracted to lights and can leap unpredictably, so keep your face clear of the beak.