Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Northeast
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Striped Bass (Striper)
Verified
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
2
Bluefish
Verified
World Record
31 lb 12 oz
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
They practice brutal "surplus killing": slashing dozens of baitfish even with bellies bulging to the gills.
3
Black Sea Bass
Verified
World Record
10 lb 4 oz
Dennis B. DeMaria / 2010
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Dennis B. DeMaria / 2010
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Signature Fact
Most start as females, then the biggest 'boss' switches sex and grows that knothead hump anglers brag about.
4
Tautog
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
25 lb 0 oz
Robert A. Michelson / 1998
Ocean City, Maryland
Robert A. Michelson / 1998
Ocean City, Maryland
Signature Fact
In winter, they slip into months-long torpor, wedged under structure and barely moving-or eating-at all.
5
Bluefin Tuna
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
6
North Atlantic Cusk
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
37 lb 11 oz
David A. Robinson / 1992
Jeffreys Ledge, Gulf of Maine
David A. Robinson / 1992
Jeffreys Ledge, Gulf of Maine
Signature Fact
The only North Atlantic codfish sporting a single, unbroken dorsal fin running almost nose-to-tail.
7
Wolfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
52 lb 5 oz
Sigurður H. Magnússon / 1978
Iceland
Sigurður H. Magnússon / 1978
Iceland
Signature Fact
Its blood carries natural antifreeze, letting it swim in water cold enough to slush your guides.
8
Golden Tilefish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
63 lb 4 oz
R. D. Cummings / 1966
Ocean City, Maryland
R. D. Cummings / 1966
Ocean City, Maryland
Signature Fact
Underwater masons, they build shell-lined, rock-fortified burrows so dense they form "tilefish towns" visible on sonar.
9
Ribbon Fish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
11 lb 0 oz
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2005
Portugal
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2005
Portugal
Signature Fact
At up to 2.5 meters yet belt‑thin, it sometimes hovers vertically, powered by a scarlet‑crested dorsal ribbon.
10
Bluntnose Stingray
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
374 lb 0 oz
Ivan L. Pate / 1992
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Ivan L. Pate / 1992
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Signature Fact
In Hypanus say, males seasonally grow spiky, gripping teeth for mating, then switch back to flat shell-crushers afterward.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Northeast?
In the Northeast, you can target striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, tautog, bluefin tuna, and more. The saltwater lineup is stacked.
What is the best time of year to fish in Northeast?
Spring through fall is prime for most Northeast saltwater species, especially striped bass and bluefish.
Where are the best places to fish in Northeast?
The Northeast saltwater scene is strong along the entire coastline. Focus on inshore waters, jetties, and deeper offshore haunts depending on your target.
What gear do you need for fishing in Northeast?
Bring spinning or conventional setups matched to your target—lighter tackle for sea bass and tautog, heavy gear for bluefin tuna or big stripers.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Northeast?
Black sea bass, bluefish, and sometimes striped bass are the more accessible saltwater targets in the Northeast.
