Top Pinfish Fishing Countries

The pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) is a small, schooling saltwater fish native to the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly abundant along the southeastern coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. Recognized for their compressed bodies and sharp dorsal spines, pinfish are a staple in coastal ecosystems and serve as both baitfish and a minor food source. The top pinfish fishing countries are the United States—especially Florida and the Gulf Coast states—Mexico, and Cuba, where they are primarily harvested for use as live bait in recreational fisheries targeting larger species such as snapper, grouper, and tarpon. While not a major commercial food fish, pinfish support a thriving bait industry, with local fishermen using traps, nets, and hook-and-line methods to supply both domestic and regional markets. Their abundance and ease of capture make pinfish a crucial component of the coastal fishing economies in these regions.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.