Blueline Tilefish

Overview

The blueline tilefish is a deepwater bottom fish of the outer continental shelf, prized by deep-drop anglers for its firm, sweet flesh. Living hundreds of feet down over rubble and burrows, it is a rewarding target for those willing to fish the deep.

Identification

Blueline tilefish are grayish-olive above and pale below with a golden line and a distinctive blue streak beneath the eye, and a stout body with a small dorsal crest. The blue eye-streak gives them their name.

Range & Habitat

They live along the outer continental shelf of the US Atlantic and Gulf, in 200 to 800 feet of water over mud, rubble and self-dug burrows.

Behavior & Diet

Tilefish are homebodies that live in burrows and feed on crabs, shrimp, small fish and invertebrates on the deep bottom, rarely moving far from their structure.

Best Seasons

They are caught year-round on deep-drop trips where seasons allow, with weather and access dictating the best days more than the calendar.

How to Catch Them

Deep-drop bait rigs with squid, crab or cut bait and heavy weights to the bottom; electric reels ease the deep cranking.

Tackle & Rigs

Heavy conventional or electric deep-drop gear, braided line, multi-hook bottom rigs and heavy sinkers to reach the depths.

Landing, Handling & Release

Crank steadily from deep water; released fish need a descending device for barotrauma. Ice keepers promptly.

Table Quality

Blueline tilefish is superb - firm, white, sweet and crab-like, among the best deepwater table fish. The FDA's advice about eating fish puts tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico among its highest-mercury "choices to avoid" for anyone who is or might become pregnant or is breastfeeding, and for young children, and tilefish from the Atlantic among its "good choices".

Common Mistakes

Not reaching the bottom in deep water and releasing deep fish without a descender.

Regulations & Conservation

Managed with seasons, size and trip limits that change often. Always confirm the current federal and state regulations before keeping fish. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Why the name? For the blue streak beneath the eye.

Good eating? Excellent - sweet, crab-like white meat.