Chaetodipterus zonatus
How to identify a Pacific Spadefish
Pacific Spadefish are found in coastal bays, estuaries, beaches, jetties, reefs, and continental-shelf waters. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentSaltwater
SeasonVaries by migration, temperature, region, and regulation
Habitat and range
Coastal bays, estuaries, beaches, jetties, reefs, and continental-shelf waters
Where to catch Pacific Spadefish
- Florida reefs (US) — all species we list for this fishery
- Caribbean — all species we list for this fishery
- Hawaii — all species we list for this fishery
- IWP reefs — all species we list for this fishery
Pacific Spadefish by state
State season calendars that list Pacific Spadefish — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
Baits and lures
Species-dependent · baitfish · squid · shrimp · crabs · worms · jigs · spoons · plugs · or flies
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Pacific Spadefish:
- Atlantic Spadefish — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Pacific Staghorn Sculpin — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Painted Comber — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Palometa — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Pelagic Stingray — identification & profile (Saltwater)
Monthly bite brief
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Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
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