Butterfish
Saltwater Fish Species of The Gambia



Identification
Butterfish Types: Butterfish, Common Puffer
Gambian Names: Con-car-ay
Scientific Names: Ephippion guttiferum
General Catch Size: 2lb to 15lb
 

Best Baits: Fresh Shrimp, Oyster, Clams, Crab, fished hard on the bottom best at anchor.

Top Tips: Butterfish are cru-station and shellfish eaters and have the teeth to do the job! Their feeding habit is to hold themselves stationary, pivoting up and down, back and forth using their pectoral fins whilst their powerful jaws crush oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp. A long shank hook is best - 2/0 or 3/0. 

One tip when fishing your bait is to add 2" to 3" of braided line (50lb/80lb) or 30lb wire trace to stop them biting through. It also pays to use bait elastic to hold the soft shrimp. Often pieces of shrimp slide up the line resulting in a 'bite off' as the Butterfish homes in on the shrimp and bites through the line. You will need long- nose pliers as they are often hooked deep.

When: All year-round

Recommended TACKLE

Rod: 12lb to 15lb Spinning/Boat Rod
Reel: Small multiplier or Fixed Spool
Trace Line: 30lb mono + 50lb braid or 30lb wire for hook length
Main Line: 15lb to 30lb mono or braid
Swivel: 30lb to 40lb
Hook: Long Shank 1/0 2/0 3/0 with bait holder barbs

     African Pompano
    Barracuda
    Guinean Barracuda
    Butterfish
    Captain Fish (Threadfin)
    Cassava
    Jacks  
    Ladyfish
    Nine-Bone
    Shark
    Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Rays
                                   Tarpon

Mark Longster

SEE BOAT CHARTER PRICES