GULF MENHADEN – Brevoortia patronus

Article by: Mark Mayo

Family Clupeidae, HERRINGS

Other local names: shad, pogies

Description: to 18″ oval, deep and compressed; blue or green, sometimes bluish-brown above; sides and belly silvery, fins yellowish; distinct humeral spot often followed by several rows of smaller spots; head very large, exposed margin of scales almost vertical, fringed.

Where found: large, near surface schools primarily in estuaries and near shore water  of the northern Gulf from early spring through fall.

Size: three-year-olds are 8 inches long and weigh more than 6 ounces

Remarks: sexual maturity begins at late age (1) with major spawning areas offshore across the northern Gulf.

Mark Mayo

I research and report on fishing, fishing gear/equipment, survival topics, and marketing for outdoors related businesses. I assist here on CB Fishing as the editor. Articles may contain AI researched content. All content is published for education and entertainment purposes only, NOT LIFE, HEALTH, SURVIVAL, FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, LEGAL OR ANY OTHER ADVICE. Learn more about Mark Mayo