Weakfish
The weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), also known as the weakie, seatrout, and gray trout, ranges from Nova Scotia, Canada to northern Florida, and at times, into the Gulf of Mexico. It is found along beaches, in the mouths of inlets, and in larger estuaries during spawning. They are found offshore and toward the south during the fall and winter. The weakfish is so named because of how easily the hook tears away from the mouth.
This weakfish was caught in Flanders Bay on Long Island.
Note the slim body, the bright yellow fins and dark spots
characteristic of this species.
Weakfish can grow to 3 feet (91 cm) or about 17.5 pounds (8 kg). The marine fishing records of New York reveal that the record weakfish caught is a 19 pound 2 ounce whopper, taken in 1984. Typically anglers catch fish 6 pounds or less, though fish to 10 pounds are common.
Weakfish are predatory and feed mostly on invertebrates and other fish. They will take herring, sand lance, silversides, croaker, spot, scup, killifishes, assorted shrimp, squid, crabs, worms, and clams.
Weakfish may be taken all year, but there is a 6 fish per day limit and a 16 inch size limit (10 inch filleted, 12 inch dressed). Be sure to check the recreational size and catch limits before you go fishing.
The commercially and recreationally sought weakfish is quite tasty and is a welcome prize for the table.
