Banded rudderfish are found inshore, offshore and at times, they can be found along the surf. Some of the better spots to fish are hard bottom, around structure, in deep water channels and around buoys.
Size Compared to Amberjack
Banded rudderfish are not nearly as big as amberjack, so you aren’t going to be using baits as big as you would when you are targeting some of those bigger amberjack. Banded rudderfish average 1 to 3 pounds, but fish up to 5 pounds are not uncommon.
Best Baits for Rudderfish
They can be caught with shrimp, crabs, small baitfish and cut squid.
Eating Banded Rudderfish
These fish are considered decent to good table fare.
