Cutlassfish

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Central
Location: Chesapeake Bay - Hacketts Bar

I caught this fish today, Aug. 1, while trolling a gold Clark spoon for Spanish mackerel near Hacketts Bar and the Bay Bridge I believe it is a cutlassfish. I hear they are good to eat but I released it because I didn�t know the regulations on harvest.

DNR RESPONSE: This fish is actually a Atlantic cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus, also known as ribbonfish or hairtail. They have become more common in the last couple of years during the heat of mid-summer and into early fall. We have confirmed this species in both Chesapeake Bay and the Ocean City area. They often strike shiny spoons meant for Spanish mackerel, and other artificial lures.

For more info about cutlassfish in the mid-Atlantic region, please see this website.
www.vims.edu/research/departments/fisheries/programs/multispecies_fisheries_research/speciesofinterest/atlantic-cutlassfish.php