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Caught a Jolthead Porgy Offshore in Riviera Beach
Jolthead Porgy Fishing in Riviera Beach
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The Jolthead Porgy (Calamus bajonado) is a member of the Sparidae family and Perciformes order, known for its distinctive appearance and fighting spirit despite its modest size. These reef-dwellers typically measure 14-20 inches in length and weigh between 13-18 pounds when fully grown, making them a substantial catch for offshore anglers. - Found primarily around offshore reefs and structures in the western Atlantic Ocean. - Named for their habit of "jolting" mollusks from rocks during feeding. - Popular among recreational anglers for both sport and their excellent table quality.
Fishing Charter by Captain Rich Adler in December
Meet your Captain Rich Adler
- Palm Beach Sportfishing - Tuna, Wahoo and more!
Summary
Friday November brought perfect conditions for our offshore fishing charter in Riviera Beach, FL. Captain Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters took us into the deep blue where the Jolthead Porgy were active. We mixed trolling, live bait fishing, and drift fishing techniques to target multiple species throughout the productive waters. The partly cloudy skies kept temperatures comfortable while we worked different depths, focusing on structure where these fish congregate. The fall season has consistently delivered quality offshore action, making this Full Day of Offshore Fishing from West Palm Beach an excellent opportunity for anglers looking to bend rods and fill the cooler with a variety of species.
Fishing Charter with Rich Adler – Rates & Booking
Captain Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters offers this Friday November Full Day of offshore Fishing from West Palm Beach for up to 5 guests. This deep sea adventure targets various species including Grey Triggerfish, Yellowfin, Jolthead Porgy, Pacific Barracuda, and King Mackerel. The charter includes your fishing licenses and professional guidance from an experienced captain who knows these waters intimately. Live bait is available for an additional fee payable on the day of your trip, maximizing your chances for success. You're welcome to bring food and drinks aboard for your comfort during this action-packed day.
Highlights of Deep Sea Fishing Charters
This full-day offshore experience puts you right in prime fishing grounds where Captain Rich employs multiple fishing techniques including trolling, live bait fishing, and drift fishing to keep lines in the water where the fish are most active. The fall season in Riviera Beach creates ideal conditions for targeting multiple species, with partly cloudy skies providing comfortable temperatures while you're working the productive zones.
With a maximum of 6 people per charter, you'll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of room to fish. The variety of species available makes this trip exciting for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you're after the challenging fight of a King Mackerel or the table fare of a Jolthead Porgy, these waters deliver consistent action throughout the day.
Local Species Insights: Jolthead Porgy
The Jolthead Porgy thrives in Riviera Beach's offshore and nearshore reef environments. These structure-oriented fish respond well to both natural baits and artificial offerings. When targeting them, focus on areas with rocky bottoms and reef structures where they feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Captain Rich knows exactly which spots consistently hold these tasty gamefish year-round, with fall being particularly productive. Though they may not be the largest fish in the sea (typically 14-20 inches), they make up for their size with strong fights and excellent table fare, making them a welcome catch for anglers fishing the Palm Beach area.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your offshore adventure begins early morning at the Riviera Beach City Marina. The well-equipped fishing vessel provides all necessary tackle, safety equipment, and fish-finding technology to put you on the bite. Dress in layers for changing weather conditions and bring sun protection, as even partly cloudy days can produce significant sun exposure on the water. A camera is highly recommended to document your catches, and a small cooler for personal beverages and snacks will enhance your comfort during this full-day excursion. The mate should be tipped in cash upon completion of your successful day on the water.
Fishing in West Palm Beach: Jolthead Porgy
The Jolthead Porgy (Calamus bajonado), a member of the Sparidae family and Perciformes order, is a prized catch for anglers fishing Riviera Beach waters in November. These robust fish are recognized by their deep, compressed bodies, large eyes, and distinctive teeth designed for crushing prey. Their coloration typically includes silver-gray sides with blue highlights and yellowish underbellies, making them stand out among other reef species.
Jolthead Porgy Overview
This substantial member of the porgy family is highly regarded by anglers for its strong fight and excellent table fare. While not as famous as some other gamefish, those familiar with Jolthead Porgy respect their tenacity and value them as a quality catch during offshore trips.
Jolthead Porgy Habitat and Distribution
Jolthead Porgies primarily inhabit reef environments, rocky bottoms, and structures in waters ranging from 20 to 200 feet deep. They're commonly found throughout the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, with particularly strong populations around Florida's coast, especially in Riviera Beach and surrounding waters where they maintain year-round presence.
Jolthead Porgy Size and Weight
These substantial porgies typically measure between 14 to 20 inches in length and weigh between 13 to 18 pounds when mature. While not the largest reef species, they provide a worthy challenge on appropriate tackle and make a significant contribution to the day's catch.
Jolthead Porgy Diet and Behavior
True to their name, these porgies use their powerful jaws and teeth to "jolt" mollusks, crustaceans, and small invertebrates from their hiding spots among reef structures. They're opportunistic feeders that will also consume small fish when available. They tend to feed most actively during early morning and late afternoon, though they can be caught throughout the day.
Jolthead Porgy Spawning Season
In South Florida waters, Jolthead Porgies typically spawn during spring and summer months when water temperatures are optimal. During this period, they may congregate in slightly larger groups over reef structures, making them somewhat easier to target in higher numbers.
Jolthead Porgy Fishing Techniques
For successful Jolthead Porgy fishing, medium-weight spinning tackle with 20-30 lb test line works well. Effective baits include fresh shrimp, cut squid, and small crabs—all presented on a fish-finder rig or dropper loop near structure. In November around Riviera Beach, anglers find them consistently around deeper reefs and ledges in 60-120 feet of water, where drift fishing with multiple baits produces the best results.
Jolthead Porgy Is It Good to Eat?
Jolthead Porgy is considered excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. They're perfect for grilling, baking, or frying, with a flavor profile similar to but often preferred over many other reef species. Their meat is rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making them not just delicious but nutritious as well.
Jolthead Porgy Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Jolthead Porgy?
A: Fresh cut squid, shrimp, and small crabs are all excellent choices for targeting Jolthead Porgy. They respond particularly well to fresh baits presented near structure on fish-finder rigs.
Q: Where can I find Jolthead Porgy near Riviera Beach?
A: Jolthead Porgy are commonly found around reefs, ledges, and rocky structures in 60-120 feet of water off Riviera Beach. Local captains like Rich Adler know precisely which offshore spots consistently hold these fish.
Q: Is Jolthead Porgy good to eat?
A: Yes, Jolthead Porgy is considered excellent eating with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. Many anglers consider them among the best-tasting reef fish available.
Q: When is the best time to catch Jolthead Porgy?
A: While they can be caught year-round in Florida waters, fall and winter months (including November) often produce the most consistent action as water temperatures become optimal for these fish to feed actively around reef structures.
Q: What size tackle should I use for Jolthead Porgy?
A: Medium spinning tackle with 20-30 pound test line works well. Hook sizes between 2/0 and 4/0 circle hooks are ideal for presenting baits while ensuring good hookups.
Q: Are Jolthead Porgy hard to catch?
A: They can be somewhat challenging due to their structure-oriented habits and powerful jaws that can crush hooks. However, with proper technique and the guidance of an experienced captain like Rich Adler in Riviera Beach, anglers of all skill levels can successfully target them.
