Garfish are slender, toothy predators found in both saltwater and brackish environments, often recognized by their long beaks and striking, darting movements near the surface. Known for their speed, agility, and schooling behavior, garfish offer exciting angling opportunities for those willing to target them specifically. Though not the largest of game fish, their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights make them a favorite among coastal and pier anglers. Catching garfish successfully requires knowledge of their habits, the right equipment, and a few specialized techniques that cater to their unique feeding behavior and sharp vision.
Understanding Garfish Behavior
Before attempting to catch garfish, it helps to understand how they behave and where they are most commonly found. Garfish are surface feeders, often seen darting near the top of the water column in clear, sunny conditions. They tend to move in schools and are most active during daylight hours, particularly around dawn and dusk when small baitfish are also active.
Preferred Habitat
- Coastal estuaries and inlets
- Reefs, rocky shorelines, and piers
- Brackish waters and tidal rivers
- Areas with floating weed lines or surface debris
Garfish are attracted to areas rich in plankton and baitfish, often found near structures that break up current flow. They prefer calm, shallow waters and can be spotted when they breach the surface or create ripples during feeding frenzies.
Best Time to Catch Garfish
Garfish can be caught year-round in many regions, but they are particularly active in warmer months. Early morning and late afternoon provide the most productive windows, especially on clear, calm days when garfish are more likely to feed at the surface. Incoming tides also play a role, as rising water brings in fresh baitfish, drawing garfish closer to shore.
Essential Gear for Catching Garfish
Fishing for garfish doesn’t require heavy or complicated equipment. Their modest size and surface-feeding habits allow for a light, finesse-style approach that emphasizes stealth and sensitivity.
Recommended Tackle
- Rod: Lightweight spinning rod, around 6-7 feet in length
- Reel: Small spinning reel (1000 to 2500 size)
- Line: 4-8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line
- Float: Pencil or quill float for sensitive bite detection
- Hooks: Size 10 to 14 long-shank hooks to reduce deep hooking
Because garfish have long, slender mouths filled with small, sharp teeth, long-shank hooks are preferred to minimize damage and make unhooking easier. Small hooks also accommodate the tiny baits garfish typically go for.
Best Baits and Lures for Garfish
Garfish feed primarily on plankton, small crustaceans, and tiny baitfish. For anglers, this means using small, natural baits that mimic their normal diet or provoke quick reactions during feeding.
Top Natural Baits
- Small strips of squid or fish flesh
- Peeled prawn or shrimp
- Small worms or maggots
- Bread dough mixed with fish oil or aniseed
Cut baits should be very small just large enough to cover the hook. Garfish are notorious for pecking rather than inhaling baits, so keeping it small improves hook-up chances. If allowed in your area, berley (chum) such as bread crumbs or crushed pilchards can be used to bring schools closer to your fishing spot.
Artificial Lures
Although natural bait is more commonly used, tiny flies, micro jigs, or small soft plastics can occasionally work, especially when garfish are aggressive. Floating fly patterns retrieved quickly can mimic injured baitfish and trigger strikes. However, for consistent success, bait is usually more reliable.
Rigging Techniques for Garfish
A sensitive, well-balanced rig is key to detecting subtle bites and making accurate casts. The most popular setup for catching garfish is the float rig, which allows the bait to remain near the surface and provides instant visual feedback when a fish takes the bait.
Basic Float Rig
- Attach a pencil float to your mainline
- Add a small split shot sinker around 12-18 inches above the hook
- Use a long-shank size 12 hook tied to the end of the line
The float keeps the bait at a set depth and helps detect the delicate bites that garfish often deliver. Adjust the depth by sliding the float up or down based on where fish are seen feeding. Some anglers use multiple small split shot to fine-tune the bait presentation and improve casting distance without sinking the bait too deep.
Effective Techniques for Catching Garfish
Use Light Tackle for Better Sensitivity
Light gear allows you to feel soft strikes and increases the sport of catching garfish. Keep a gentle grip on the rod and stay alert garfish often nibble several times before fully taking the bait. When the float dips or moves sideways, wait a brief moment before striking to allow the fish to commit.
Employ Slow and Steady Retrieval
While still fishing with a float is common, some anglers prefer a slow retrieval technique that mimics a moving prey item. Let the bait drift naturally, then give it a slight twitch every few seconds to attract attention. This method is especially effective when fish are loosely schooled and more active.
Use Berley to Attract Schools
Dispersing small amounts of berley in your fishing area can help attract garfish and keep them interested. Use bread, bran, or fish bits mixed with seawater to create a light, steady trail. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can cause garfish to fill up and ignore your baited hook.
Tips for Hooking and Handling Garfish
Hooking garfish can be tricky due to their bony, narrow mouths. A patient, well-timed hookset is more effective than aggressive jerking. Set the hook gently but firmly once you see consistent float movement or feel steady resistance.
Landing and Releasing
- Use a soft-mesh landing net to avoid injuring the fish
- Handle garfish carefully, avoiding contact with their sharp teeth
- If releasing, remove the hook gently using forceps or pliers
- Revive the fish in the water before letting it go
Garfish are delicate and don’t tolerate rough handling well. If keeping them for food, bleed and ice them quickly to preserve freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced anglers can make errors when targeting garfish. Avoid these common pitfalls to improve your chances of success:
- Using hooks that are too large: Small hooks fit better in a garfish’s narrow mouth
- Skipping berley: Failing to attract fish to your area reduces action
- Overloading your rig: Too much weight can drag the bait too low
- Pulling the bait away too soon: Patience is key for solid hook-ups
Catching garfish is both fun and rewarding, offering fast-paced action for anglers who use the right approach. These agile fish are best pursued with light tackle, small baits, and float rigs that keep your presentation near the surface. Understanding garfish behavior, timing your trips during high activity periods, and employing berley effectively can dramatically improve your success. With a bit of finesse and observation, you can enjoy productive sessions and add garfish to your list of favorite target species. Whether fishing from shore, a jetty, or a small boat, the techniques for catching garfish are simple to learn but incredibly satisfying when mastered.