Horned Sculpin: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Horned Sculpin fish?
The Horned Sculpin looks like a fish that lost a bar fight and still swam away proud. Covered in spines, bulging eyes, and enough attitude to scare off prettier species, it’s one of the wildest-looking catches in northern waters.
The first FishyAF ambassador to land one? @marktheshark13, who pulled this spiky beast from icy Atlantic waters with a grin that said, “yep, that’s going on the list.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Horned Sculpin — where they live, how to catch them, and why they deserve more love from anglers. Click here to see what Sculpin slayers are wearing.
🐟 Horned Sculpin Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Myoxocephalus scorpius |
| Average Size | 8–16 inches, up to 2 lbs |
| World Record | ~3 lbs (North Atlantic) |
| Habitat | Cold rocky bottoms from the Arctic to Cape Cod, typically 20–300 ft |
| Edible? | Yes — surprisingly tasty, firm white meat similar to cod |
❓ FAQs About Horned Sculpin
Where can you catch Horned Sculpin?
These spiny little bruisers live in the cold North Atlantic — think Maine, Newfoundland, Iceland, and down toward Cape Cod. They hang around rocky bottoms, harbors, and reefs, ambushing prey that gets too close.
How big do Horned Sculpin get?
Most are under a foot long, but they look like mini monsters — all head and horns. Big ones can hit 16 inches and weigh over 2 lbs.
What is the world record Horned Sculpin?
The largest recorded specimens are around 3 lbs from deep North Atlantic waters. Not massive, but plenty intimidating for their size.
What is the size limit for Horned Sculpin?
⚠️ Usually unregulated due to their abundance. Still, check your local DNR for rules if you plan to keep any.
Are Horned Sculpin good to eat?
Yes — firm, white, and mild. Don’t judge this book by its armor; the fillets are top-notch when fried or baked.
How do you cook a Horned Sculpin?
Same as cod or haddock — pan-sear, bake, or toss in chowder. Just watch the spines when cleaning.
What is the best recipe for Horned Sculpin?
Sculpin Fish Tacos: Lightly battered fillets, crispy fry, topped with slaw and spicy mayo. Ugly fish, beautiful meal.
What is the best bait to catch a Horned Sculpin?
Pieces of shrimp, clam, or squid on the bottom. They’re not picky — if it moves or smells edible, they’ll hit it.
😂 FishyAF Horned Sculpin Joke
Horned Sculpin — proof that even ugly fish can have killer personalities.
🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP…
Our goal is to photograph 1,000 species with the FishyAF Brand. Join our FishyAF Ambassador Awards Program and win cool prizes.
🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Cold-water anglers swear by our Switchback Hats and Offshore Hoodies. Don’t just catch fish — look FishyAF doing it.