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Needlefish Fishing

The best out of 167 Needlefish Fishing deals - enter destination and dates to check availability

Nearest Needlefish fishing charters

Over 100 charters in map area
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12 ft
Up to 6 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $850
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26 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $999
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24 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $450
Angler's Choice
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20 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
3 bookings in the past week.
Trips from
US $450
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20 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $450
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23 ft
Up to 2 persons
Angler's Choice
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23 ft
Up to 6 persons
Up to 9 miles
Instant Confirmation
Last booking: 5 days ago
Trips from
US $450
Angler's Choice
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28 ft
Up to 6 persons
Last booking: 6 days ago
Trips from
US $550
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Meet the Captain
24 ft
Up to 5 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $199
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19 ft
Up to 6 persons

Nearest Needlefish fishing charters

Fresh Needlefish fishing catches

What anglers say about Needlefish fishing

  • 5.0
    /5
    (3 Hour Trip — Bottom Fishing Shared)

    so many different kinds of fish to catch

    there is so many different species to catch the captain and crew were very help and knowledgeable about all the different kindas of fish that we were catching i had such a good time i booked for the following day and it was even better than the first if i get the chance to come back here definitely going again 😁
    Christopher L.
    Christopher L.
    Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM))

    We'll be back!

    Thanks Miha! My wish for the trip was one fish for my 13 years old son, we have catched eleven of them( 3 different species)! Additionally we've learned a lot of fishing in the mediterian sea, so we can try it alone for the next time! Highly recommended!
    Marcus L.
    Marcus L.
    Reviewed on Jul 29, 2026
  • 4.0
    /5
    (4 Hour Trip – Sportfishing)

    belle après-midi de pêche en famille

    nous avons eux la chance de pêcher 3 beau poisson que nous avons remis a l’eau .
    Martin R.
    Martin R.
    Reviewed on Jul 26, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (3 Hour Trip)

    So many great fish!

    Everything was great. Nice captain, fine boat and we caught our limit of fish. We want to go again!
    H C.
    H C.
    Reviewed on Jul 18, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (Bowfishing in the Bay)

    Great experience!

    Had and awesome time on the water with Captain Greg and Mark. They worked hard to put us on rays and were determined to the find the big ones. Would definitely do this trip!
    David W.
    David W.
    Reviewed on Jul 9, 2026

About Needlefish fishing

Size
1.2 - 37.4 in
Food Value
Low
Game Quality
Good

It’s easy to see how the Needlefish got its name. This slender and acrobatic fish is one of the most unique looking creatures you’ll encounter at sea. Needlefish actually come in a variety of species, all belonging to the Belonidae family. You’ll find these fish in waters around the world, from open ocean to freshwater rivers. Despite their prevalence, these fish aren’t usually a target on recreational fishing charters. Nevertheless, you never know when you’ll reel one in!

How Big?

Needlefish range from about one inch to several feet in length, depending on the species. Atlantic Needlefish (Strongylura marina) usually measure 1 foot or less, while Pacific (tylosurus acus pacificus) and Barred Needlefish (Ablennes hians) range from 18” to 2 feet. The species known as Houndfish (also nicknamed “Crocodile Needlefish”) is both the largest and hardest-fighting of them all, and is known to make spectacular leaps out of the water. Houndfish average 3 feet in length, but can reach up to 5 feet and weigh 10 lbs. On occasion, anglers hook much larger “monster” Needles, but these have not been certified by the IGFA.

When and Where

Needlefish commonly inhabit shallow waters or swim near the surface of the open sea. Depending on where you fish, your chances of catching one can be strong year-round.

Atlantic Needlefish swim everywhere from Maine to Brazil. In areas around the Gulf, this fish frequently shows up in rivers, as well. Houndfish can be found in different parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, typically where the climate is more tropical. Pacific and Barred Needlefish tend to stick to the waters of Baja California, Mexico, and Panama.

How to Catch Needlefish

Needlefish aren’t known for superb sport—in fact, many anglers consider them a nuisance because they’re always snatching bait! Pacific and Barred Needlefish eagerly attack any bait or lure. If you’re targeting these fish for sport, use the lightest tackle possible for the best fight. Houndfish put up the best fight, either by trolling, drifting, or still fishing using light spinning gear with live bait, cut bait, or lures.

Good to Eat?

Needlefish have relatively good food value, depending on the species. Houndfish and Barred Needlefish can taste very good, while Pacific and Atlantics provide little meat. As you might imagine, many anglers prefer to release Needlefish so they can live to steal bait another day!

It’s easy to see how the Needlefish got its name. This slender and acrobatic fish is one of the most unique looking creatures you’ll encounter at sea. Needlefish actually come in a variety of species, all belonging to the Belonidae family. You’ll find these fish in waters around the world, from open ocean to freshwater rivers. Despite their prevalence, these fish aren’t usually a target on recreational fishing charters. Nevertheless, you never know when you’ll reel one in!

How Big?

Needlefish range from about one inch to several feet in length, depending on the species. Atlantic Needlefish (Strongylura marina) usually measure 1 foot or less, while Pacific (tylosurus acus pacificus) and Barred Needlefish (Ablennes hians) range from 18” to 2 feet. The species known as Houndfish (also nicknamed “Crocodile Needlefish”) is both the largest and hardest-fighting of them all, and is known to make spectacular leaps out of the water. Houndfish average 3 feet in length, but can reach up to 5 feet and weigh 10 lbs. On occasion, anglers hook much larger “monster” Needles, but these have not been certified by the IGFA.

When and Where

Needlefish commonly inhabit shallow waters or swim near the surface of the open sea. Depending on where you fish, your chances of catching one can be strong year-round.

Atlantic Needlefish swim everywhere from Maine to Brazil. In areas around the Gulf, this fish frequently shows up in rivers, as well. Houndfish can be found in different parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, typically where the climate is more tropical. Pacific and Barred Needlefish tend to stick to the waters of Baja California, Mexico, and Panama.

How to Catch Needlefish

Needlefish aren’t known for superb sport—in fact, many anglers consider them a nuisance because they’re always snatching bait! Pacific and Barred Needlefish eagerly attack any bait or lure. If you’re targeting these fish for sport, use the lightest tackle possible for the best fight. Houndfish put up the best fight, either by trolling, drifting, or still fishing using light spinning gear with live bait, cut bait, or lures.

Good to Eat?

Needlefish have relatively good food value, depending on the species. Houndfish and Barred Needlefish can taste very good, while Pacific and Atlantics provide little meat. As you might imagine, many anglers prefer to release Needlefish so they can live to steal bait another day!