Flat NeedlefishorRedfin Needlefish
Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.
How to tell them apart
Flat Needlefish
Large needlefish with a laterally compressed body and faint dark vertical bars; offshore.
Flat needlefish, next to redfin needlefish: larger, laterally flattened, blue-barred.
Redfin Needlefish
Small needlefish with reddish fins and a short beak for its size; inshore grass flats.
Redfin needlefish, next to flat needlefish: small, red fins.
Side by side
| Flat Needlefish | Redfin Needlefish | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ablennes hians | Strongylura notata |
| Also called | Needlefish | Needlefish |
| Waters | Offshore | Inshore |
| Heaviest state record | — | — |
| On the table | Bait. | Bait. |
| Rules of its own in | 0 states | 0 states |
Rules for
Every state, both fish
| State | Flat Needlefish: size · bag · season | Redfin Needlefish: size · bag · season |
|---|
In the app
Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, flat needlefish or redfin needlefish, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask
How do you tell flat needlefish from redfin needlefish?
Flat Needlefish: Large needlefish with a laterally compressed body and faint dark vertical bars; offshore. Redfin Needlefish: Small needlefish with reddish fins and a short beak for its size; inshore grass flats. Redfin needlefish, next to flat needlefish: small, red fins. Flat needlefish, next to redfin needlefish: larger, laterally flattened, blue-barred.
Which is better to eat, flat needlefish or redfin needlefish?
Flat Needlefish: Bait. Redfin Needlefish: Bait.