Atlantic Menhaden Description:

Atlantic menhaden is a very important forage species and is often used for bait for many species of gamefish. Both as live and dead bait, the menhaden is a filter-feeding, large-schooling baitfish that is cast netted or snagged from large coastal schools. Juvenile menhaden live in estuarine waters and then move to coastal waters as they grow larger. They have a lifespan of up to 10 years and can grow to 15-inches. They range from Florida to Nova Scotia and are a key species for the ecology of many coastal environments.