Rocky Point Talk archive

Can you identify this?

Started by Ed B · May 31, 2012 · 10 replies
Ed B
We were trolling out in front of Encanto on Monday. Caught a few nice size Sierra. As we were getting ready to leave we hooked up this long nosed creature. Thought it might be a Trumpetfish but not sure it matches the pictures I've seen of Trumpetfish. It had beautiful colors like a Dorado too. Anyone have a clue?
FISH1.jpgfish2.jpg
Kelney
It looks to be in the family of needlefish.
Flat Needlefish pictures and species identification
jerry
We caught one at Santo Tomas and i was getting ready to throw it back and the guard freaked out.( No jerry those very good).I got to thinking and the only fish they were not eating was Yellowtail for some reason
Kelney
Well, after you are done eating it you can pick your teeth with the bill!
audsley
I once caught one of those on a Crocodile at La Pinta estuary. I was glad when it released itself just as it came out of the water.

I'd say it's a Giant Mexican Needlefish. According to Mexfish, that's the only needlefish that ranges into the upper Sea of Cortez. They run in schools and chase mullet.

Giant Mexican Needlefish pictures and species identification
Ed B
I wasn't too fond of having it in the boat either. Teeth were pretty menacing.
ckyevanjay
So how did it taste?
Ed B
Put it back. Sure it's really boney.
Stuart
Have caught these several times. The Mexicans swear they make great ceviche. Personally, I couldn't get past the fact they have green meat.
jmcdtucson
I've caught small ones like that off the shore before.
moore_rb
Yup, we've stuck a few of those needlefish while throwing kastmasters at boiling Sierra:

image