Hairtail/Ribbonfish in OC

Type: Ocean
Region: Eastern
Location: Assawoman Bay

I caught two largehead hairtail or ribbonfish (Cutlassfish), in the Assawoman Bay, on 94th street in OC, Maryland on 7/10/22.

To the best of my knowledge, these fish are not typically found this far north.

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 the lower Chesapeake Bay (near Solomons) and the Ocean City area. They often strike shiny spoons meant for Spanish mackerel, and other artificial lures.