Loading map...
♥ Donate

Pacific beardfish

Polymixia berndti

Pacific beardfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Pacific beardfish (Polymixia berndti) is a deep‑sea, slender fish found on the continental slopes of the Pacific Ocean. It reaches up to 47.5 cm (18.7 in) and is valued for its mild‑flavored white flesh, though it is not a primary sport target.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Polymixiidae

Max Size

47.5 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

18-585m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year, with a slight peak in spring and early summer

Best Time

Dusk to early night when the fish are more active near the bottom

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Pacific beardfish

  • Use a heavy sinker (5–10 lb) to reach the target depth quickly
  • Fish at night or during low-light periods when beardfish are more likely to bite
  • Employ a slow, jerking jig motion to mimic injured prey
  • Keep line tension moderate; the fish tend to make short, soft runs rather than strong fights

Top Fishing Locations for Pacific beardfish

Kona Coast, Big Island

United States
intermediate70% Very Common

Deep offshore reefs and volcanic drop-offs attract large schools of Pacific beardfish, especially during the warm summer months.

Best: May-October

Okinawa Islands

Japan
intermediate60% Common

Steep continental slopes and abundant pelagic baitfish create ideal hunting grounds for Pacific beardfish.

Best: June-September

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate75% Very Common

The reef's outer shelf and nearby seamounts host dense populations of beardfish, often caught on deep trolling rigs.

Best: November-February

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Chile
expert35% Occasional

Remote oceanic waters around the island are a bucket‑list destination; beardfish gather around the steep underwater cliffs.

Best: March-May

Point Loma, San Diego

United States
beginner15% Uncommon

Coastal upwellings and the deep channel off Point Loma provide seasonal beardfish runs, accessible from shore or small boats.

Best: September-November

Coron Bay, Palawan

Philippines
intermediate50% Common

Clear waters over the volcanic rim and abundant night‑time plankton draw beardfish to the area, making night trolling productive.

Best: April-June

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Pacific beardfish

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium‑heavy spinning or conventional rod, 7–8 ft, fast action
Line30–50 lb test monofilament or braided line
Lure TypeDeep‑diving metal jigs, weighted soft plastics, or large shrimp rigs
TechniqueVertical jigging or bottom dropping with a heavy sinker to 200–500 m depth

Best bait: Fresh squid, small cut bait, or live sardines