When it comes to saltwater fishing, few experiences rival the joy of catching scup, also known as porgy. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours chasing these small but feisty fish along the Atlantic coast, and I’ve picked up a thing or two about scup fishing. It’s one of those fishing experiences that’s accessible to beginners but still challenging enough for seasoned anglers to enjoy.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about scup fishing based on my personal experience and expertise, from the best gear to use to find the right spots, and even some tips for preparing them once you’ve brought them home.
My Early Days of Scup Fishing
I still remember the first time I went scup fishing. I didn’t have fancy equipment or years of fishing knowledge—just a basic rod and reel, a handful of hooks, and some squid for bait. My friends and I were on a pier in Cape Cod, casting our lines into the water without much expectation. Within minutes, I felt a tug—my first scup! The excitement of reeling in that silvery fish is something I’ll never forget. That experience hooked me, both literally and figuratively, on scup fishing.
Since that first trip, I’ve refined my techniques, experimented with different rigs, and fished in various locations along the East Coast. Scup fishing has become a regular part of my fishing calendar, especially during the summer and early fall months when these fish are most abundant.
Why Scup Fishing?
What makes scup fishing so special to me is how versatile and rewarding it is. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or shore, using simple or advanced techniques, scup fishing offers something for everyone.
For one, scup is highly abundant, especially along the New England coast. It’s not uncommon to catch multiple scup in a short period, making it a great way to introduce beginners to saltwater fishing. They’re also strong fighters for their size, making each catch feel like a little battle.
Another reason I love fishing for scup is their excellent table quality. Scup has a mild, sweet flavor and firm, white flesh that’s perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. After a successful day of fishing, preparing, and cooking the scup I’ve caught adds an extra layer of satisfaction.
Best Time for Scup Fishing
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that timing matters when fishing for scup. These fish are migratory, meaning they follow seasonal patterns. In the Northeast, scup typically moves inshore as the water warms up in late spring, usually around May, and they stay through early fall before heading back to deeper waters.
In my experience, the best time to fish for scup is from late June through September. This is when the water is warm, and scup is feeding heavily. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times of the day, especially when the tide is moving.
During the fall, scup is still around but may move to deeper waters, so fishing from a boat becomes more advantageous. However, if you’re fishing from shore or piers, the summer months are prime time.
Where to Find Scup
Scup are structure-oriented fish, which means they love hanging around rocks, reefs, wrecks, and piers. Over the years, I’ve had my best success fishing near jetties, rocky shorelines, and artificial reefs. These areas provide scup with plenty of food and shelter, and they’re usually teeming with life.
Shore Fishing for Scup
Some of my most enjoyable scup fishing experiences have been from shore. Places like piers, jetties, and breakwaters are perfect for targeting scup because they offer easy access to deeper water. Cast your line near rocky areas or structures, and you’re likely to find scup lurking nearby.
Boat Fishing for Scup
If you have access to a boat, it opens up even more opportunities for catching scup. Some of my best days on the water have been spent drifting over reefs and wrecks. When fishing from a boat, I typically use sonar to locate underwater structures where scup congregates. Once I’ve found a promising spot, I’ll anchor or drift over it, dropping my bait to the bottom where scup tends to feed.
My Go-To Gear for Scup Fishing
One of the great things about scup fishing is that it doesn’t require high-end gear. When I first started, I used a basic rod and reel setup, and to this day, I still prefer a relatively simple rig. I suggest the following based on my personal experience:
Rod and Reel
For scup fishing, a light to medium spinning rod is perfect. I use a 6-7 foot rod, which gives me the sensitivity I need to feel the subtle bites while still having enough backbone to pull a scup out of rocky areas. A spinning reel in the 2000-3000 size range paired with 10-15 lb braided line works beautifully.
Rigs and Hooks
I’ve experimented with various rigs over the years, but the one I keep coming back to is the hi-lo rig. This setup allows me to present multiple baits at different depths, increasing my chances of a bite. When fishing for scup, I typically use small hooks, size 2-4, because of their relatively small mouths. I find that smaller hooks lead to better hookup rates.
Sinkers
Since scup are bottom-dwelling fish, keeping your bait on or near the bottom is crucial. Depending on the current, I’ll use sinkers ranging from 1-3 ounces. In areas with strong currents, I’ll go heavier, but I try to use the lightest sinker possible to maintain a natural presentation.
Bait and Lures: What Works Best for Scup
When it comes to bait, I’ve found that scup isn’t too picky, but some options work better than others. My go-to bait for scup is squid. I’ll cut squid into small strips and thread them onto the hook. Squid stays on the hook well and has an irresistible scent that Scup can’t seem to resist.
Clams are another excellent option, especially if you’re fishing in an area where they’re abundant. Fresh clams work best, but salted clams can also get the job done.
For those who prefer artificial lures, small jigs or gulp baits can work well, especially in deeper water. I’ve had success using small jigs tipped with a piece of squid or clam, jigging near the bottom to entice a bite.
Techniques for Successful Scup Fishing
One of the keys to successful scup fishing is understanding how these fish feed. Scup are bottom feeders, meaning they spend most of their time near the ocean floor, looking for small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling creatures. Because of this, keeping your bait near the bottom is crucial.
When I fish for scup, I prefer to drop my bait to the bottom and then slowly lift it off the ocean floor. This mimics the movement of small prey and often triggers a bite. Once you feel that telltale tug, don’t wait too long to set the hook—scup can be quick to spit out the bait if they sense something’s not right.
Regulations and Sustainability
Over the years, I’ve learned that responsible fishing is key to preserving our fisheries for future generations. Scup populations are generally healthy, but there are regulations in place to ensure they remain sustainable. Depending on where you’re fishing, there may be size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local regulations before heading out.
For instance, in many areas, the minimum size for keeping scup is 10 inches, and there are limits on how many you can keep per day. Following these rules not only helps preserve the fishery but also ensures you’re doing your part to support sustainable fishing practices.
Scup Fishing in Saltwater
Scup, also known as porgy, are some of the most popular and abundant saltwater fish species along the Atlantic coast of the United States. Known for their feisty nature and delicious flavor, scup fishing is an exciting pastime for both novice and seasoned anglers. This guide will take you through the ins and outs of saltwater scup fishing, providing you with essential tips, techniques, and knowledge to make the most out of your fishing experience.
Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) are small, silvery fish found in the North Atlantic, ranging from Maine to North Carolina. They’re especially abundant in the waters off New England, where they congregate during the warmer months. Scup are typically found around rocky bottoms, piers, jetties, and reefs, making them a go-to species for those fishing from both boats and shorelines. These fish average 10-12 inches in length, although larger specimens—commonly referred to as “hubcap scup”—can grow up to 18 inches.
Why Fish for Scup?
- Easy to Catch: Scups are a fantastic target for beginners. They bite frequently, and you don’t need complex or expensive gear to catch them.
- Taste: Scup are considered excellent table fare. Their meat is white, flaky, and mild, perfect for grilling, frying, or baking.
- Family-Friendly: Given their abundance and ease of catching, scup fishing is a great activity for families and kids.
Best Times to Fish for Scup
Scup migrates seasonally, so timing is critical to ensure a successful fishing trip. These fish move inshore during the spring and remain until the fall. The prime months for scup fishing are from May to October, with the peak occurring in the summer months.
- Spring (May-June): As water temperatures rise, scup moves closer to the shoreline to spawn. This is a great time to fish in shallow waters.
- Summer (July-August): Scup is in full force during the summer, found in both shallow and deeper waters.
- Fall (September-October): As temperatures drop, scup move back to deeper waters, but the bite remains strong before they migrate offshore for the winter.
Ideal Locations for Scup Fishing
Scup are structure-oriented fish, meaning they love to congregate around rocks, reefs, wrecks, and jetties. These underwater structures provide protection and food for scup, making them the best areas to target.
- Inshore: Piers, jetties, rocky shorelines, and harbor entrances are excellent places to fish for scup. Inshore fishing is perfect for shore anglers who don’t have access to a boat.
- Offshore: If you have access to a boat, you can fish deeper reefs and wrecks, where larger scup are often found. Using sonar to locate these structures can greatly improve your chances of finding large schools of scup.
- Artificial Reefs: Many coastal states have created artificial reefs by sinking old ships and other structures. These reefs attract scup and other bottom-feeding fish.
Essential Gear for Scup Fishing
One of the best aspects of scup fishing is that it doesn’t require specialized or expensive gear. However, understanding the right tackle and bait is key to maximizing your success.
Rod and Reel
- Rod: A light to medium spinning or conventional rod, 6-7 feet long, works well for scup fishing. You want something sensitive enough to feel the bite but strong enough to pull the fish out of rocky structures.
- Reel: A small to medium-sized spinning reel with a smooth drag system is ideal. Look for reels in the 2000 to 4000 size range.
- Line: A braided line in the 10-15 lb test range is a great choice for scup fishing. The braided line offers better sensitivity, which is important for detecting the subtle bites of scup.
Hooks and Sinkers
- Hooks: Use small, sharp hooks in sizes 2-6. Scups have small mouths, so smaller hooks will increase your hookup ratio.
- Sinkers: Scups are typically found near the bottom, so you’ll need enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Use sinkers ranging from 1-4 ounces depending on the current and depth.
- Rigs
- Hi-Lo Rig: A hi-lo rig is one of the most popular setups for scup fishing. This rig has two hooks placed at different heights on the leader, allowing you to fish with multiple baits at once.
- Dropper Rig: Another effective rig is the dropper rig, which is simple and keeps your bait near the bottom where scup feeds.
Best Bait for Scup
Scup are not particularly picky eaters, and they will bite on a variety of baits. The most effective baits tend to be those that mimic their natural diet, which consists of small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling creatures.
- Squid: Squid strips are the go-to bait for scup. Cut the squid into small, narrow strips and hook it through once or twice to keep it secure.
- Clams: Fresh or salted clams are another excellent bait for scup. Their strong scent attracts fish from a distance.
- Sandworms: These are highly effective for scup fishing, particularly when fishing inshore.
- Crabs and Shrimp: Small pieces of crabs or shrimp can also work well, especially in areas where these creatures are abundant.
Techniques for Scup Fishing
Scup fishing is straightforward, but there are some techniques you can use to increase your catch rate.
- Drift Fishing
Drift fishing is highly effective when targeting scup from a boat. As your boat drifts over a reef or rocky bottom, you simply drop your bait to the bottom and wait for the bite. This allows you to cover more ground and find where the fish are congregating. - Anchoring
If you’ve located a productive spot, such as a reef or wreck, anchoring can keep you in place over the structure. Once anchored, drop your bait to the bottom and slowly lift it off the ocean floor to entice a bite. - Shore Fishing
For those fishing from shore, casting your bait near jetties, piers, or rocky shorelines is effective. Let your bait sit on the bottom, occasionally lifting it to mimic the movement of small prey.
Regulations for Scup Fishing
Before you head out on your scup fishing trip, it’s essential to check the local regulations. Scup are a regulated species in many states, and these rules can vary by location and time of year. The regulations typically cover:
- Size Limits: There is often a minimum size requirement for keeping scup. This is to ensure that fish have the chance to grow and reproduce.
- Bag Limits: There may be a limit on how many scup you can keep per day. This helps prevent overfishing and ensures the sustainability of the fishery.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Certain areas may have closed seasons where scup fishing is not allowed to protect the fish during spawning periods.
It’s essential to have a valid saltwater fishing license, which can be obtained online or at local tackle shops. Make sure to follow all local laws and practices for a sustainable fishing experience.
Cooking and Preparing Scup
One of the best rewards of scup fishing is the opportunity to enjoy your catch. Scup is incredibly versatile and can be cooked in several ways. Here are a few popular methods:
- Grilled: Clean and scale the scup, then season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill the fish whole for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the meat is flaky.
- Fried: Fillet the scup and coat the fillets in flour or cornmeal before frying them in hot oil. This produces a tasty, crispy dish.
- Baked: Place the cup in a baking dish with lemon, garlic, and herbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Scup fishing has been a rewarding experience for me over the years, combining the thrill of the catch with the joy of a delicious meal. It’s a type of fishing that’s accessible to everyone, whether you’re casting from a pier or heading out to deeper waters by boat. I hope that by sharing my personal experience and expertise, you’ll feel inspired to give scup fishing a try or improve your technique if you’re already a fan.
Remember, scup may not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they put up a great fight, and they’re worth every minute you spend chasing them. Happy fishing!
