Frozen Butterfish: The Secret Weapon for Offshore & Inshore Success

Unlocking the Potential of Frozen Butterfish Bait

Why Frozen Butterfish is a Top Offshore Choice

Frozen butterfish are a highly effective bait due to their natural resemblance to common forage fish and their appealing characteristics to predators. Their streamlined shape is perfect for trolling, while their oily, firm flesh makes them excellent for chunking or as cut bait. They are a staple in the diet of many large pelagic species, making them an irresistible offering.

Understanding Butterfish: *Peprilus triacanthus*

The Atlantic Butterfish (*Peprilus triacanthus*) is a small, flat, silvery fish commonly found along the western Atlantic coast. They are known for their somewhat "buttery" texture when fresh (hence the name) and are an important forage species. As bait, their key attributes are their oil content, reflective skin, and ideal size for targeting larger game fish.

Sourcing and Quality of Frozen Butterfish Bait

At Wholesale.Fishing, we provide top-grade frozen butterfish, typically blast-frozen at sea or shortly after catch to preserve their natural oils, firmness, and silvery sheen. Quality frozen butterfish should be individually quick frozen (IQF) or neatly layered in packaging to prevent clumping and damage. Thawed bait should be firm with minimal discoloration.

Thawing and Preparing Frozen Butterfish

• Thawing: The preferred method is a slow thaw in a cooler with ice or in a refrigerator. For faster thawing, place in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Avoid using warm water or microwaving.
• On-Trip Storage: Keep thawed butterfish well-iced in a bait cooler. Their oily nature means they can spoil if allowed to get warm.
• Preparation for Rigging:
  • Whole: Ideal for trolling or as a large offering for species like swordfish. The internal organs can be left in or removed depending on preference and rigging style.
  • Chunks: Cut crosswise into 1-3 inch chunks for drifting or bottom fishing for tuna, sharks, or large reef fish.
  • Strips/Fillets: Longer, thinner strips can be cut for trolling or as an attractant on other rigs.
  • Butterfly: For a wider profile when chunking, split the fish along its back, remove the backbone, and splay it open.

Effective Rigging Techniques for Butterfish

1. Whole Trolling:
   • Often rigged with a chin weight (e.g., egg sinker inserted under the gill plate or specialized trolling leads) to get the bait down and ensure it swims upright.
   • Use one or two hooks: a lead hook through the lips/head and often a stinger hook placed further back in the body. Bait springs, rigging floss, or copper wire can help secure the mouth shut and the bait to the hook/leader.
2. Chunking/Drifting:
   • Hook chunks securely through the firmest part, ensuring the hook point (especially for circle hooks) is well exposed for optimal hooksets.
   • For swordfish, multiple butterfish or large chunks may be sewn onto heavy-duty leaders with large circle hooks.
3. Hook Selection: Strong, sharp J-hooks or circle hooks are essential. Sizes typically range from 5/0 to 10/0 or larger, depending on the size of the butterfish (or chunk) and the target species. Circle hooks are highly recommended for conservation and effective hook-ups.

When trolling, ensure your rigged butterfish swims naturally without spinning. This often requires careful rigging and adjusting leader/weight placement.

Best Applications for Butterfish Bait

Frozen butterfish excel in offshore and nearshore environments where larger predatory fish are found. They are a go-to bait during tuna season (for trolling and chunking), for daytime and nighttime swordfishing, and for targeting mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sharks. Larger inshore species like trophy striped bass or cobia may also be tempted by well-presented butterfish chunks or trolled baits.