The lady fish Elops saurus, also known as “tenpounder,” is a swift, silvery game fish found in warm coastal waters. Not as celebrated as a tarpon or snook, this speedy predator is a thrill to catch for its acrobatic battles and feisty nature. From estuaries and lagoons to bays and the open ocean, ladyfish are often mistaken for baby tarpon with their similar body type and robust fight.
What Is a Lady Fish?
Ladyfish are members of the genus Elops in the family Elopidae. The only species recognised within this genus is Elops saurus, which inhabits the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, with related species in other tropical and subtropical regions.
They are long and slim and silver in hue, with a deeply forked tail and big eyes. Adult frogs usually measure between 1.5 and 3 feet in length and 2 – 5 lbs in weight (a few specimens weigh up to 10 lbs, hence the nickname ‘tenpounder’).
Fast swimmers with a streamlined (and edible) body shape, these fish are very light and extremely difficult to catch once hooked. They’re also renowned for jumping and head shakes when hooked, which makes a lot of anglers liken them to smaller tarpon.
Lady Fish Habitat and Distribution
Lady fish can be found in the coastal areas and brackish water. It is a marine species. They are typically located in the Atlantic United States and in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. These are warm water fish and can be located at:
- Estuaries and bays
- Mangrove lagoons
- Beaches and nearshore reefs
- Coastal rivers and tidal creeks
Young frequently occur in low salinity, shallow, estuarine areas, while adults tend to migrate to deeper water. They’re seasonally migratory; following the temperature and food, they are most active in the spring and summer.
Their euryhaline nature and preference for muddy, food-rich water forms mean that they can also be caught in a broad number of salt and freshwater sites.
Behaviour and Diet
Ladyfish are schooling predators and are usually found in schools, hunting as a group. Diet: They are mostly carnivorous, feeding on:
- Small fish (menhaden, anchovies, sardines)
- Shrimp
- Crabs
- Marine worms
They use their speed, agility to pursue prey in shallow or open water. Their hunting activity frequently produces a distinct commotion on the water surface that calls birds and other foragers.
As predators as well, ladyfish play a significant role in the food chain. But they are also food for big fish like tarpon and shark, and (yes) dolphins.
Fishing for Lady Fish
Ladyfish are largely ignored in commercial fishing due to their bony, mushy flesh, but are highly prized by recreational anglers. They are frequently hooked while anglers are targeting other species such as redfish, trout or tarpon.
What makes them fun is their struggle. When hooked, ladyfish perform with spectacular aerial leaps, long runs and head shakes, giving even small ones exciting action. They are commonly caught using:
- Light spinning gear
- Fly rods
- Live bait (shrimp, small baitfish)
They’ve been catching fish on _artificials _ (spoons, jigs, soft plastics)
They are quick and are known to be caught in abundance, especially during the summer period. They’re commonly called “poor man’s tarpon” because they hit fast and fight hard.
Anglers normally release ladyfish after they’re done, but some save them to use as cut bait for bigger game fish, such as tarpon, snapper or shark.
Are Lady Fish Edible?
Although ladyfish are edible, they aren’t rated because of their soft, oily, and bony meat. Texture is described by some as flabby, and it has many fine bones, so it is hard to fillet and enjoy.
That being said, in some communities, especially on coasts (i.e., Florida, Caribbean), ladyfish are made into fish cakes, patties or stews containing bones that can be softened or removed during preparation. The meat is frequently ground or pounded and spiced well.
However, for most anglers lady ladyfish are best caught as sport or bait fish rather than as table fish.
Lady Fish vs. Tarpon: What is the Difference?
Ladyfish are sometimes mistaken for young tarpon because of their silvery colour and fighting ability. There are, however, some clear contrasts:
Size: Tarpon are larger fish, often gaining more than 100 pounds. Lady fish are seldom over 10 pounds.
Scales: Tarpon scales have thick, armour-like scales; ladyfish have thinner, smaller scales.
Jaws: Tarpon have a significantly lower jaw that is attached to a visible bony plate; ladyfish don’t.
Culinary use: Neither species of fish is really good for eating, although the tarpon is frequently released or sent back due to it being considered a prize fish.
Though they both fight differently, both provide some great fights for anglers and are caught in similar places.
FAQs About Lady Fish
Are ladyfish good to eat?
They are edible, although they are not usually eaten because of how bony and oily they are, plus their mushy texture. They make much better cut bait or catch-and-release.
What is the average size of a ladyfish?
Lady fish are known to grow to between 1.5–3 feet long and 2–5 pounds in weight, but some can get as big as 10 pounds.
Are ladyfish aggressive?
Yes, ladyfish are aggressive feeders. They frequently hit bait or lures with a hard, aggressive strike, which is why they are one of the most popular targets for anglers who are looking for heart-pounding action.
Where can I catch ladyfish?
The ladyfish are typically seen in estuaries, bays, beach pools, and coastal rivers and are widespread in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic coast and throughout the Caribbean.
Are ladyfish good for those just starting to fish?
Absolutely. Ladyfish are easy to catch, make a great fight, and come in big numbers, which makes them a good choice for beginners and kids.
Conclusion
The lady fish may not be a delicacy or a trophy mount, but it atones for this with speed, thrashing energy and a dogged fight. Overshadowed by flashier species, this silver swimmer can be a destination fish for inshore enthusiasts who enjoy a quick-pull bite. Available nearly all year round in warm coastal waters, the ladyfish is just as accessible as it is exciting, and it’s as plentiful as they come.
Whether you are just enjoying a day at the lake and looking for some bait or are purposefully trying to catch this fish for fun, the ladyfish should have a spot in your lineup. Agile, flashy and fun to catch, it’s the sort of fish that shows you don’t need a monster to make a great fishing story.
