Species guide
How to catch American angler
Lophius americanus
The American angler is a striking deepwater predator known for its large head and unique hunting method using a lure on its forehead. It inhabits the continental shelf of the North Atlantic, often at considerable depths. This species can grow quite large, making it a challenging catch for anglers.
Where they live
Found on the North American Atlantic continental shelf, the American angler lives mostly between 70 and 150 meters deep in cold saltwater conditions. It prefers temperate waters with moderate salinity and is more common at greater depths in southern areas of its range.
Typical size
Up to about 120 cm
What they eat
- herring
- sand lance
- alewives
- menhaden
- smelt
- cod
- crabs
- squid
Best baits
- chunky fish pieces
- whole small fish
- squid strips
- crabs
Best lures
- soft plastic jigs
- bucktail jigs
- deepwater swimbaits
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- deepwater jigging
- bait fishing
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