Golden tilefish are a very colorful fish that can be found along the east coast of the U.S. They are most abundant from Massachusetts to New Jersey. The most effective method for catching them is bottom fishing with heavily weighted rigs, though drift fishing and cast and retrieve can also work.
Habitat: Ocean
How to identify Golden Tilefish
Golden tilefish are very colorful. Their color ranges from blue-green to vibrant golds and yellows. Just under their eyes is an iridescent turquoise blue color. Their crested heads are a blue-gray-red color. The pectoral and anal fins are dark and dusky colored with black edging. They are legally harvestable at about 24 inches and can grow as long as 43 inches.
Where to catch Golden Tilefish
These fish can be found along the continental slopes of the eastern seaboard of the U.S. They are also present in the Gulf of Mexico. The most abundant populations range from New Jersey up to Massachusetts.
The following are habitats where you can catch Golden Tilefish:
How to catch Golden Tilefish
Anglers find that bottom fishing with heavily weighted rigs in waters that are roughly 500-900 feet deep is very effective. However, the most popular method includes a double-weighted rig. For this type of rig, one weight is placed near the main line, and the other is placed on the end. This makes it easier for the bait to drag along the bottom. In deep water, attaching a drop light to the line may also help attract these fish. Other methods that can be effective are drift fishing and cast and retrieve. Peak fishing season for golden tilefish is during the winter months.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Golden Tilefish:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Golden Tilefish
The best bait for catching golden tilefish is chicken rigs and squid bait.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Golden Tilefish:
