Lookdown

In North America, lookdowns can be found from the Gulf of Mexico up to Canada. These fish can be difficult to catch, but some good methods to try include casting and retrieving, jigging, still fishing, and bait casting. Soft plastic worms work especially well for catching these fish.

Lookdown

Region: Northeast, South
Habitat: Ocean, Coastal Waters

How to identify Lookdown

Lookdowns have a silver metallic appearance that is mirror-like because of pigmentation called guanine. Although they look as if they have no scales, they do. Compared to other jacks, the scales in lookdowns are smaller and embedded deeper into their skin. The shape and shiny appearance of the lookdown serve to protect them from predators. Their overall profile seems to disappear when they are sideways. Lookdowns can weigh up to 4 pounds and be as long as 2 feet.

Where to catch Lookdown

These fish can be found from Uruguay to the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as Canada and Bermuda. They have been seen on rare occasions in the Greater Antilles. Young lookdowns tend to stay close to beaches or estuaries, while adults prefer shoreline shallows with sandy/hard bottoms. They inhabit both saltwater and brackish water at depths of up to 173 feet. Lookdowns tend to school in pairs or small groups.

Range: Northeast, South
Lookdown Fishing Map

The following are habitats where you can catch Lookdown:

How to catch Lookdown

Lookdowns can be difficult to catch because of their scattered schooling behavior. They’re often found near places with underwater dock lights. To catch them, anglers need to be stealthy. Fluorocarbon leaders are a good option. These fish have small mouths, so anglers should use lures and baits that aren’t larger than 3 inches. The best methods for catching lookdowns include bait casting, cast and retrieve, drift fishing, jigging, and still fishing.

The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Lookdown:

Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Lookdown

To catch lookdowns, anglers often opt for soft, plastic worms. Natural baits, such as marine worms, small fish, shrimp, and crabs can also be effective. For lures, try small crappie jigs or tiny streamer flies.

The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Lookdown: