The Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix), also commonly known as Bluefish, is a species belonging to the family Pomatomidae. It is a favourite target among anglers for its strength and aggression, as well as the quality of its flesh.
Conservation Status
The Tailor is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the global conservation scale. The conservation efforts for the Tailor include regulations on capture size and bag limits to prevent overfishing.
Statistics
- Length (Average, Range): 70 cm, 40-110 cm
- Weight (Average, Range): 2.6 kg, 1-9 kg
- Average Lifespan: 7-9 years
Distribution
Tailor fish are widespread throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. While known to migrate for spawning purposes, the exact patterns vary greatly by geographical region.
Habitats
This species thrives in various water types, from brackish to marine, and can be found at a depth range of 1-100 meters. They are both pelagic and coastal fish, withstanding a temperature gradient of 10-24°C.
When and Where to See
Tailor can be spotted throughout the year, but they are more common between April and November. The optimal time of day to see them is in the early morning or late afternoon when they come closer to the shoreline to feed.
Best Fishing Locations
Top Locations
- Ponce Inlet, Florida, United States
- Port Hacking, New South Wales, Australia
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
- Auckland, New Zealand
General Tips
Look for areas where there is a strong current and turbulent water, such as inlets or channels. Early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is low, are the best times for Tailor fishing.
How to Catch
Tailor fish are aggressive feeders and respond well to a variety of baits, including pilchards, squid, and prawns. Lure fishing and fly fishing are also effective methods, with the early morning and late afternoon being the prime times for catching Tailor.
Identification Guide
Tailor fish are recognized by their strong, elongated body, blue or greenish-blue color on the back and sides, and a silver belly. They have a single dorsal fin and sharp teeth.
Culinary Use
How to Cook
Tailor fish can be grilled, baked, smoked, or fried, but they are best eaten fresh due to their high oil content. Preparations include marinating in citrus and herbs before grilling, or baking whole with a stuffing of aromatic herbs and spices.
Nutritional Information
Tailor is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice. A 85g serving of Tailor provides around 80 calories, 12g of protein, and 235mg of omega-3 fatty acids.
Additional Information
Behavior
Tailor are aggressive predators, with a diverse diet consisting of various fish species, squids, and shellfish. They are fast swimmers and exhibit schooling behaviour.