Garfish (Needlefish)
Belone belone
FR Orphie · ES Aguja · PT Agulha · IT Aguglia · DE Hornhecht
Also known as: GarfishNeedlefishAgulhãoAgujaOrphieHornhechtAgugliaAgulha
PelagicShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight & dusk in spring runs; also at night under lights.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–JulGood Apr–Aug
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Surface socialite by day and dusk; under lights at night too. Not into small talk — only small float baits or tiny lures...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaPier harborRocky shore
Recommended baits
Surface luresSurface luresSpinnersSoft plasticsFly
Diet
Small fishSpratCrabAmphipodsCopepods
Effective techniques
SpinningSaltwater Fly
Gear
Best times
DuskNightDay
My bones are green from biliverdin — naturally goth.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic
Where they hang out
Surface layers 0–5 m; close to piers/headlands. (shore accessible range)
Prime time
Daylight & dusk in spring runs; also at night under lights.
Tide game
Low–moderate; moving surface water helpful.
What they're into
Small surface lures/float baits
Temperature vibe
Arrives with warming water in spring–summer.
Fave weather
Calm/clear or slight chop best; big swell poor for floats.
Fun fact about me
My bones are green from biliverdin — naturally goth.
Dinner material?
4/10Better released
Play by the rules
Few restrictions; sharp beak—handle with care.National fisheries agency/harbour by‑laws.
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Garfish (Needlefish)