How to catch Pilotfish
Naucrates ductor (Linnaeus, 1758)
About Pilotfish fishing
The pilotfish is an oceanic member of the jack family Carangidae known for its distinct association with large pelagic hosts such as sharks rays and sea turtles. This fusiform species reaches a maximum length of 70 cm and features a striking colour pattern of dark vertical transverse bands against a bluish silver background. It inhabits warm open marine waters down to 300 metres where it maintains a semi-obligate commensal relationship feeding on ectoparasites and leftover scraps from its hosts while juveniles often shelter among drifting seaweeds and jellyfish. Spawning occurs offshore during the warmer months from August to December. Although rarely targeted commercially due to its erratic behavior around capture it represents an unusual encounter for offshore anglers.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
40 cm TL
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Market value
Medium
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Habitat
Saltwater
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Season
Summer, Autumn
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Also known as
Pilot, Pilot fish, Pilot-fish, Sucker
Vertical bars
Distinct vertical bars span the body flanks to distinguish the species.
Caudal shape
Deeply forked caudal fin shape assists in swift pelagic swimming.
Mouth position
Terminal mouth position helps identify the feeding habits of this predator.
Pilotfish fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
40 cm TL (max 70 cm TL ) -
Typical weight
0.5 kg (max 3.6 kg ) -
Preferred temperature
7.9–28.1 °C -
Depth
0–300 m -
Longevity
0.6 years -
Body shape
Fusiform / Normal -
Commercial?
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Vulnerability score
39.4
Best hours
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Active
Dawn
First light
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Peak
Morning
After sunrise
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Low
Midday
High sun
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Peak
Afternoon
Late day
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Active
Dusk
Last light
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Low
Night
After dark
When to fish for Pilotfish
How to catch Pilotfish
Tips for catching Pilotfish
Anglers rarely target this pelagic species directly because of its steadfast attachment to large sharks and sea turtles in deep blue water. When spotted trailing large marine hosts or drifting debris offshore anglers can attempt light presentation using small live baits or fine lures dropped near the surface. Because these fish feed primarily on small invertebrates and scraps cleaning from hosts standard heavy tactics are rarely effective. Success relies entirely on locating the primary host species in warm offshore currents during the summer and early autumn months. Patience and very subtle presentations are required to tempt them away from their natural swimming companions.
Other names for Pilotfish
Local and alternate names anglers use for Pilotfish.
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Pilotfish
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Pilot fish
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Pilot-fish
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Sucker
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Pilot
How Pilotfish migrates — Oceanodromous
Migrates within the sea between spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, and never enters fresh water. Follow its seasonal shifts along the coast and offshore.
1 Eggs
Spawning grounds
Laid on the spawning grounds.
2 Larvae
→ Nursery grounds
Drift with the currents to the nursery grounds.
3 Juveniles
Nursery grounds
Grow up in sheltered nursery waters.
4 Adults
Feeding grounds
Range widely over the feeding grounds.
5 Spawners
→ Spawning grounds
Return to the spawning grounds each season.
It stays in the sea and never runs up into fresh water.
Hover or tap a number to read each stage.
Diet and behavior of Pilotfish
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Diet
Carnivore -
Hunts
Morning · Afternoon -
Main prey
Baitfish · Plankton
Prey and predators of Pilotfish
Prey is what Pilotfish eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.
That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.
Prey
What it eats
Predators
What hunts it
Fish
Where Pilotfish lives
Tied to reefs and rocky structure in shallow coastal water.
0–300 m
Where this species lives
Pilotfish photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.
Where to fish for Pilotfish
Mapped fishing spots where Pilotfish is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.
