Ladyfish fishing in Florida

Ladyfish, the poor man's tarpon, are slim, silver, acrobatic fish found in bays, lagoons, passes, flats and the surf along both Florida coasts, most reliably in central and South Florida through the warmer months. They travel in large schools, crash bait on the surface and are especially active at night around lighted docks and bridges, where they feed in the light line on moving tides. Almost any small, flashy lure catches them: a jighead with a paddle tail or shrimp tail, a small silver spoon, or a shrimp under a popping cork. Use 8 to 12 lb line and a 20 to 30 lb leader, since their small, rough jaws wear through light line over time. Expect wild jumps and lots of thrown hooks. Ladyfish are bony and rarely eaten, but they are one of the best cut baits for sharks, redfish and goliath grouper, and small ones make good live baits. They are slimy and can spray waste when handled, so hold them gently, keep them over the water and release quickly. Check current FWC rules before keeping any.