Scup

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops), also known as porgy, range from Nova Scotia to Florida. However, they are rarely found south of North Carolina. When the water is warm, scup can be found in the coastal waters surrounding Long Island. During the winter months scup stay offshore; when the water warms up in the spring, they then return to inshore waters.

Photo by J. Kunkel

Scup are relatively small fish. They can grow up to 18 inches (46cm), and can weigh up to 6 pounds (2.7kg). Most of the fish caught average a weight between 1-3 pounds. The largest fish taken in New York was 6 pounds 4 ounces and was caught back in 1978.

Scup feed on smaller marine life, such as worms, mollusks and small baitfish.

Recreational anglers can fish for scup from June 1^st- October 31^st. Each fish must be at least 10.5 inches and only 25 fish of legal size may be kept for the day. Be sure to check the recreational size and catch limits before you head out on your next fishing trip.

Fishing for scup can provide non-stop action for recreational anglers and is a great way to get children involved with fishing. The flesh of scup has a fine, delicate flavor, making it a prized food fish.