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American angler

Lophius americanus

American angler© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The American angler (Lophius americanus), commonly called monkfish, is a bottom‑dwelling predator prized for its firm, sweet‑flavored flesh. Its large, flattened head and wide mouth make it an effective ambush hunter, and anglers target it for both sport and table.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Lophiidae

Max Size

120 cm

Max Weight

22.6 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-800m

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Winter to early spring (December‑April)

Best Time

Nighttime (dusk to pre‑dawn)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for American angler

  • Use heavy‑weight jigheads with soft‑plastic or bucktail baits dropped to the bottom and pause to let the lure sit.
  • Fish over sandy or muddy substrates where monkfish hide, using a slow, steady retrieve.
  • Employ a strong, sensitive rod to detect the subtle “bite” as the fish snaps the bait into its massive mouth.
  • Retrieve the line promptly once the fish is hooked; monkfish often hide in the mud and can lose line if allowed to sit too long.

Top Fishing Locations for American angler

Cape Cod Bay

United States
intermediate55% Common

Coastal waters with soft sandy bottoms where American angler (monkfish) congregate, popular for bottom‑fishing rigs.

Best: May-October

New Jersey Bight

United States
intermediate48% Occasional

Shallow offshore banks and wreck sites attract Lophius americanus, especially during summer evenings.

Best: June-September

Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine

United States
expert62% Common

Rich fishing grounds with mixed sand and mud, known for high catch rates of American angler on deep‑water jigging.

Best: May-September

Chesapeake Bay

United States
beginner44% Occasional

Estuarine waters with abundant benthic prey; anglers target monkfish from small craft using drop‑shots.

Best: April-October

Bermuda Deep‑Sea Grounds

Bermuda
expert35% Occasional

Steep drop‑offs beyond the reef where night‑time jigging yields solid catches of American angler.

Best: August-October

Western Gulf of Mexico (Off Texas)

United States
intermediate38% Occasional

Warm southern waters with muddy flats; seasonal migrations bring large numbers of monkfish in late winter.

Best: January-March

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for American angler

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium‑heavy, fast‑action rod (~7‑8 ft) suitable for 20‑30 lb line
Line20‑30 lb test monofilament or braid with a 30‑50 lb leader
Lure TypeHeavy jigheads with soft plastic swimbaits, bucktail jigs, or large cut‑bait rigs
TechniqueBottom jigging and slow‑roll bait fishing on the sea floor

Best bait: Live or cut herring, squid, or small eels