Stenotomus chrysops
How to identify a Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy) are found in beaches, jetties, marshes, inlets, kelp lines; tide/current edges. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentSaltwater
SeasonYear-round in many areas; spring–fall peaks; dawn/dusk
Habitat and range
Beaches, jetties, marshes, inlets, kelp lines; tide/current edges
Where to catch Scup (Porgy)
- Narragansett (RI)
- Montauk (NY)
- Chesapeake (MD) — all species we list for this fishery
Scup (Porgy) by state
State season calendars that list Scup (Porgy) — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- Maryland — seasons, best months and licence info
- New York — seasons, best months and licence info
- Rhode Island — seasons, best months and licence info
- Virginia — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Shrimp · crabs · small baitfish · spoons · jigs · soft plastics
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Scup (Porgy):
- Salema Porgy — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Sea Raven — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Shagreen Ray — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Sharksucker — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Sharptail Mola — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Sheepshead — 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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