Can you identify this?

[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?

 

[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: