Do you know your catch?
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(Sebastes fasciatus)
Common names: redfish, ocean perch
Description: Redfish are an orange to flame red above, fading to a paler hue below. These fish with large eyes are perch-like in appearance. Redfish have a flattened body that is three times longer than it is deep. Their mouth is large and is lined with many small teeth. One continuous dorsal fin runs from the nape of their neck to their caudal peduncle. Their tall fin is noticeably small.
Where found: inshore and offshore
Similar Gulf of Maine species: ros fish
Remarks: Redfish are slow growing fish. Ages in excess of 50 years and lengths of up to 18 to 20 inches have been noted. Considered a deep water fish, redfish can be found in shallower waters during the colder winter months. Redfish prefer a rocky bottom, Their diet includes a variety of crustaceans, mollusks and small fish. They are known to hit almost any bait. Although they are considered to be an excellent food fish, they offer the angler little in the way of a struggle when caught.