The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Weakfish Cynoscion regalis
Weakfish Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 12–20 in, 1–4 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 3 ft and about 19 lb |
| Lifespan | Commonly 9–12 years, with a maximum near 17 |
| Range | The Atlantic coast from southern New England south to Florida, with the best fishing from New York through the Mid-Atlantic to North Carolina. |
| Habitat | Sandy bottom, channel edges and eelgrass in bays, sounds and estuaries, and along the surf and inlets on the migration. |
| Diet | Bay anchovies, menhaden and other small schooling fish, plus shrimp and crabs — soft plastics, small jigs and live bait. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Weakfish
- iridescent purple-green back with small dark spots in oblique wavy rows
- yellowish fins, especially the pelvic and anal fins
- two prominent canine fangs at the tip of the upper jaw
- no chin barbels
- no black spot at the tail base or along the lateral line
Tell it apart: The pair of large canine fangs at the front of the upper jaw, the wavy rows of small spots (never the clean horizontal stripes of a striped bass), and the soft, easily-torn mouth (hence 'weakfish') are diagnostic.
Easily confused with: Striped Bass
Side by side: Weakfish vs Striped Bass
How to Catch Weakfish
Gear links open Amazon searches. As an Amazon Associate, The Fishing Report earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Using these links helps keep the site ad-free.
- Best May-August in back bays and rips - drift bloodworm-baited rigs or work soft-plastic shads slowly near the bottom at dawn and dusk.GearSoft-plastic shadLead jigheadsBloodworm rigs
- A short window, best May-July in back bays and channels - work soft-plastic shads slowly or drift bloodworm rigs at dawn and dusk.GearSoft-plastic shadLead jigheadsBloodworm rigs
When & Where Weakfish Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Atlantic Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Northeast Inshore |
Weakfish Regulations
VirginiaVirginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC)MarylandMaryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating ServicesDelawareDelaware DNREC, Division of Fish & WildlifeNew JerseyNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDEP Fish & Wildlife)New YorkNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Division of Marine ResourcesMid-Atlantic Fishery Management CouncilMAFMCAtlantic States Marine Fisheries CommissionASMFCConnecticutConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine FisheriesRhode IslandRhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Marine FisheriesMassachusettsMassachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF), Department of Fish and Game / Mass.govNew HampshireNew Hampshire Fish and Game Department (Marine Fisheries Division)MaineMaine Department of Marine Resources (DMR)NOAA Fisheries (Greater Atlantic Region / New England-Mid-Atlantic)NEFMC
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.