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Pilot Fish

Naucrates ductor
JackSaltwaterEdibility: GoodSport FishLong Range

San Diego Catch by Month

Pilot Fish caught per month

2026
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
3
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
3 Pilot Fish counted 2 trips over 1 month best month Sep (3) Season totals by boat →

Range

Distinctive alternating dark blue and silver vertical bars on the body. Streamlined shape with a small first dorsal fin of detached spines. Adults reach 12–28 inches.\n\n

How to Catch Pilot Fish

Technique

Not a targeted species. May be taken incidentally when targeting the sharks or large pelagics they accompany. An interesting curiosity catch.

Taxonomy

kingdomAnimalia
phylumChordata
classActinopterygii
orderPerciformes
familyCarangidae
genusNaucrates
speciesNaucrates ductor
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