Along with summers rising temperatures is the return of the nearshore spadefish (Chaetodpterus faber). These fish can be easily identified by alternating silver and black bars, and lateral flattened bodies. As the water temperature climbs above 70, the spade fish move from offshore to nearshore reefs and structure. These fish can be found from Massachusetts to Brazil.
They occur in schools around structure. They can grow to 20lbs , but average 2-6 lbs. When targeting spadefish I typically use jelly balls for bait ( cannon ball jelly), but when hungry I have seen them hit : squid, shrimp, and some flies. Usually the hardest part about spadefishing is finding jelly balls. I have the best luck finding jelly balls in the tide rips or off the beaches.
Tackle that I prefer is a light to medium spin outfit or 8wt flyrod, for hooks I like small treble and bury it in a piece of jellyball, most of the time I use small split shot for weight about 3ft above the hook. Spades can tend to shy away from big weights, heavy leader, and sometimes swivels. If you have trouble locating the spades or getting them to the surface, just string up 1 or 2 whole jelly ball on a leader and send it to the bottom near the structure, and when you see the leader bouncing slowly pull it up and spades should follow. Pitch back your rigs and hold on. They are a tough fight and most of the time you are battling them as much as you are fighting to get them in away from those hungry cudas.
Spadefish are great for eating, but remember to only keep what you can eat so we can catch some more in the future.
Tight lines,
Capt John Ward
Affinity Charters