Garfish · fishing, baits & best season

Overview

Pelagic fish with elongated body and pointed beak. Swims very fast on surface, spectacular fighter.

Identification

Body

Long and slender body with a pointed beak resembling that of a bird.

Colouration

The coloration is usually silvery with bluish reflections, especially on the back, while the belly is lighter.

Sexual dimorphism

Absent/not very evident

Growth

Medium; rapidly reaches typical adult sizes.

Taxonomy

Family

Belonidae

Order

Beloniformes

Class

Actinopterygii

Related species

Habitat & distribution

Environment

Coast, Open sea

Preferred bottom

Sand, Rock

Geographic distribution

Found in all temperate European seas, including the Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean.

Micro-habitat

Often hides among algae and also frequents surface waters near the coast.

Prefers the surface waters of the coasts and can be seen zipping near the surface.

Presence by sea area

Diet

Primary prey

small fish, horned pout, small cephalopods

Secondary prey

shrimps, plankton, aquatic insects

Occasional prey

fish larvae, planktonic crustaceans

Feeding behaviour

Hunts effectively at the surface, often leaping out of the water to catch its prey.

Natural predators

tuna, swordfish, seabirds, sharks

The needlefish favors small-sized prey and hunts using speed and agility.

Behaviour

Activity

diurnal

Social behaviour

small_groups

Aggressiveness

medium

Migration

The species may undertake seasonal migrations, moving to warmer waters in winter.

Seasonal behaviour

In summer, it comes closer to the coasts, while in winter it tends to live further offshore.

Juveniles

Juveniles tend to live closer to shore and often form small schools.

Adults

Adults prefer to live in small groups, moving near the surface.

Reproduction

Spawning season

April, May, June

Spawning depth

between 1 and 5 meters

Eggs

The eggs are pelagic and reach 3 mm in diameter, floating on the water's surface.

Larval stage

The larvae are typically pelagic and initially resemble little to the adults.

Sexual maturity

2-3 years

When to catch Garfish

This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Ideal conditions

Where to catch it

Best spots

Fishing techniques

Recommended

Other applicable

Recommended baits

Baits by pressure

How to really catch it

The garfish is a blade of water: long, slim, silvery, with a beak lined with sharp teeth slicing the surface near piers, rocks, and patches of weed. When it starts feeding, it gives itself away with quick chases and flashing leaps: a fish that makes itself visible, yet does not always come easily.

🐟 Good to know

One real and rather unusual trait of garfish is that it lays pelagic eggs that float at the surface during the spawning season. The larvae are pelagic as well and, in their early stages, look quite unlike the long-bodied, beak-shaped adults.

🌊 Where & when

It lives in temperate European seas, including the Mediterranean, between the coast and open sea, mostly within the top 20 meters over sandy or rocky bottoms. It often uses surface layers and weed beds close to shore; in summer it comes nearer the coast, while in winter it tends to stay farther offshore. Between April and June it spawns from 1 to 5 meters, and from March to November it remains especially approachable to anglers.

🎣 How to really catch it

To catch it for real, the most concrete approach is light spinning at the surface or just under the skin of the water, where it hunts small fish and small cephalopods. A light spinning rod, 8-12 lb monofilament, a 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader, and small sharp hooks let you cast spinning lures or plumes naturally along piers, harbors, and natural barriers. Live bait and light trolling also make sense, but the key is to stay in its lane: high, bright, and moving.

💡 The detail that makes the difference

The most defensible tip is simple: first find the right level, not the right bottom. Garfish is a daytime surface predator that moves in small groups; if the water looks calm but shows chases, blue flashes, or jumps, run your lure through the top layer with a clean, steady retrieve, because that is where it is reading the outline of its prey.

Catch & handling tips

Fight

Offers lively resistance and makes spectacular leaps out of the water.

Handling

Handling should be gentle to avoid breaking the beak.

Release

Ensure to release the animal carefully, preferably in clean and stable waters.

Curiosities & culture

Record catches

Maximum documented size: up to about 93 cm in length (source: FishBase). IGFA All-Tackle record: 1.16 kg (David Mesure, La Teste, France, 2002).

In the kitchen

In cooking, it is often grilled or fried. It is appreciated for its delicate flavor and tender meat.

Cultural notes

The needlefish has been mentioned in several marine literature texts for its peculiar appearance.

Historical notes

Historically fished by the ancient Romans and present in local markets due to its ease of catch.

Fishing guides for this species