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How to catch Jolthead porgy

Calamus bajonado (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

About Jolthead porgy fishing

The jolthead porgy belongs to the porgy and seabream family Sparidae and is recognised by its brassy silver body, a distinct blue line under each eye and an orange rim around the mouth. Growing up to 76 cm in maximum length, this reef-associated saltwater fish inhabits clear coastal waters across the western Atlantic from shallow seagrass beds down to 200 metres. Large adults are typically solitary and feed primarily on benthic invertebrates including sea urchins, mollusks and crabs. It is regarded as an excellent food fish and targeted by recreational anglers as a game fish.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    54 cm TL

  • Market value

    Medium

  • Habitat

    Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn

  • Also known as

    Blue bone porgy, Pogri grunt

Jolthead porgy

Blue line under eye

Distinct blue lines running under the eye distinguish this species.

Orange mouth cast

Orange cast at the corner of the mouth.

Evenly convex head

Dorsal profile of head is evenly convex and not very steep.

Jolthead porgy fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    54 cm TL (max 76 cm FL )

  • Typical weight

    3.2 kg (max 10.6 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    18.6–27.5 °C

  • Depth

    3–200 m

  • Body shape

    Short And / Or Deep

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    58.6

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Low

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Peak

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Low

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Jolthead porgy

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Jolthead porgy

Tips for catching Jolthead porgy

Target this strong bottom-dwelling species around rocky reef structures and vegetated sand bottoms in coastal waters using robust tackle equipped with a running ledger rig. Present hard-shelled natural baits such as whole or cut crabs, large shrimp, and squid strips directly on the seabed where these fish forage for hard-bodied invertebrates and sea urchins. Maintain direct contact with the line to detect subtle pickups before setting the hook firmly against their powerful jaws. Focus your efforts during daylight hours in clear shallow zones or deeper drop-offs where solitary large adults patrol for food.

Other names for Jolthead porgy

Local and alternate names anglers use for Jolthead porgy.

  • Pogri grunt
  • Jolthead porgy
  • Blue bone porgy

Best equipment to catch Jolthead porgy

Compare fishing methods for Jolthead porgy — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 3.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Jolthead porgy

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

Diet and behavior of Jolthead porgy

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Morning · Midday

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Jolthead porgy

Prey is what Jolthead porgy eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Baitfish

  • Diadema antillarum juv./adults
  • Echinometra viridis juv./adults

Where Jolthead porgy lives

Tied to reefs and rocky structure in shallow coastal water.

Habitats
Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral, Bathyal
3–200 m
Water column
Benthic
Structure and substrate

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Jolthead porgy

Mapped fishing spots where Jolthead porgy is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Baixio do Perigo

ParanaguáParanáBrazil