Atlantic Menhaden
Brevoortia tyrannus
FR Menhaden atlantique · ES Menhaden atlántico · PT Menhaden-atlântico
Also known as: BunkerPogyMossbunkerAlose TyranMenhaden atlánticoMenhaden atlantiqueMenhaden-atlântico
PelagicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
Warmer months when bunker schools run inshore
Depth
0–30m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–SepGood Apr–Oct
Depth range
0–30mMedium
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Daylight schooling filter feeder. Castnet territory — more bait than catch...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryOpen seaPier harborShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsArtificial baitsWorms
Diet
PhytoplanktonZooplanktonCopepodsDetritus
Effective techniques
Sabiki / Bait CatchingBottom FishingSpinning
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
Industrial-strength filter feeder; I’ve been fertilizer, lamp oil, and the coastal food web’s beating heart.
Field notes
Where to find them
Bays, harbours, bridges along Atlantic coast baitfish grounds
Where they hang out
Surface, close to shore and structure
Prime time
Warmer months when bunker schools run inshore
Tide game
Moderate; schools move with tide near structure
What they're into
Sabiki rigs, bait strings; filter-feeds plankton
Temperature vibe
Prefers 14–22°C, schools disperse in cold snaps
Fave weather
Calm conditions make schools easier to locate and hold
Fun fact about me
Industrial-strength filter feeder; I’ve been fertilizer, lamp oil, and the coastal food web’s beating heart.
Dinner material?
2/10Best left in the water
Play by the rules
Some states cap bait/reduction harvest — check locallyState/regional fisheries agency (e.g. ASMFC states)
Looking after them
Least Concern