The gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus) is a species of marine catfish found in the waters of the western central Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It has long, venomous spines which can cause painful wounds.

Gafftopsail catfish are named for the dorsal fin that rises from their back like a sail. A close look reveals the sharp spines that support the dorsal, or back, fin and the pectoral fins on the fish's sides. These spines are not only sharp, they also have a coating of toxic slime.

Dec 14, 2022 · Gafftopsail catfish, aka Snot Cats, Snot Sharks or Slime Cats, are easy to catch and have no bag limits. They are slimy, hence the nicknames, with sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that can cause a painful injury.

Size: Up to 27 inches (10 pounds) Coastal waters; may enter brackish waters. A good food-fish that is usually less common than the hardhead catfish. State Record: 8 lb, 14 oz. Recreational Regulations. Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles.

Common in coastal and brackish waters of the South Atlantic and Gulf of America to Panama. Often found along the bottom near structure like jetties, piers, and pilings. Versatile in their feeding habits, taking live prey as well as scavenging by smell. They spawn in the spring.

The Gafftopsail Catfish, Bagre marinus, is a member of the Sea Catfish or Ariidae Family, that is also known as the Gafftopsail Sea Catfish and and in Mexico as bagre bandera. Its common name stems from the fact that its extended first dorsal fin appears like a sail.

Gafftopsail Catfish are named for the top fin that rises from their back like a sail. They have sharp spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines are not only sharp; they are venomous which can cause painful wounds.

Gafftopsail Catfish have a unique dorsal fin that looks like sail. These fish are found in bays and coastal waters throughout the Gulf coast. Effective methods for catching Gafftopsail Catfish are bottom fishing, drift fishing and spoon fishing using crabs, shrimp, artificial jigs and spoons.

Gafftopsail Catfish. Bagre marinus Sailcat. Life History. Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The head is bigger and the mouth is larger but the coloration is similar to that of the Hardhead Catfish. Long, soft streamers extend from the dorsal and pectoral fins.

Aug 1, 2019 · The Gafftopsail, in particular, is the optimal selection when compared to its cousin, the hardhead catfish. It feeds on the water column and although slimy, have some hearty fillets inside. Bonus is, they’re easy to catch, even on a slack tide.