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Blackspot porgy

Archosargus pourtalesii

Blackspot porgy© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Blackspot porgy (Archosargus pourtalesii) is a small coastal marine fish prized for its firm, mild‑flavored flesh and is a popular catch in Caribbean flats. Anglers target it for its abundance and as a good table fish rather than for sport.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Sparidae

Max Size

35.6 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

3-30m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

May to September (summer months)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Blackspot porgy

  • Use light tackle (4‑8 lb test line) and a 5‑6 ft spinning rod for delicate presentations.
  • Bait with live shrimp, small crabs, or cut bait near seagrass or structure.
  • Cast small soft‑plastic jigs or bucktail spinners and retrieve slowly along the bottom.
  • Fish around mangrove edges, reefs, and sand‑grass transitions where porgies feed.

Top Fishing Locations for Blackspot porgy

Sombrero Reef

USA
beginner75% Very Common

A popular reef off Key Largo in the Florida Keys where Blackspot porgy form schools around the structure, making them easy to target from a boat or kayak.

Best: May-September

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Bahamas
beginner80% Very Common

Protected waters of the Exuma Cays host abundant Blackspot porgy on sandy flats and near coral heads, especially during the warm season.

Best: April-October

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Belize
intermediate65% Common

A well‑known dive and fishing area where Blackspot porgy aggregate near the reef’s edge and on the adjacent sandbars.

Best: March-July

Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island

Puerto Rico
beginner70% Very Common

The clear waters and reef structures around Flamenco Beach are a hotspot for Blackspot porgy, especially on the leeward side.

Best: May-August

Fernando de Noronha

Brazil
intermediate55% Common

Remote archipelago with strong currents that bring Blackspot porgy to the outer reef edges, offering excellent catches for those willing to travel.

Best: November-February

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands
beginner68% Common

A shallow lagoon area where Blackspot porgy feed among the sand flats and occasional stingray activity, attracting many anglers.

Best: June-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Blackspot porgy

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, medium action
Line4‑8 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic shrimp, 1‑2 in jigs, or bucktail spinners
TechniqueBottom jigging and gentle casting near structure

Best bait: Live shrimp, small crabs, or fresh cut bait