Weakfish migration calendar.
Weakfish key on bay anchovies and mantis shrimp — small profile baits and scented soft plastics on light jigheads work better than larger lures. Fish channels, edges of grass flats, and inlet drop-offs at first and last light. Their soft mouths earn them the name — set the hook gently.
Depleted — coastwide stock at historic low per ASMFC. Recovery has been slow despite tight regulations. Many anglers practice voluntary catch and release.
Where the weakfish are this year
Region-by-region presence. Sorted by current month — regions where weakfish are at peak or good status this month appear first.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay (Upper) Mid-Atlantic | ||||||||||||
| Delaware Bay Mid-Atlantic | ||||||||||||
| Long Island Sound & New York Bight Northeast | ||||||||||||
| New Jersey Coast Mid-Atlantic |
Temperature triggers
- Preferred: 58–72°F
- Avoid below: 50°F
- Avoid above: 78°F
Read the water temperature, not the calendar — fish move when the water hits these thresholds, not when the date does.
Primary baitfish
- Bay anchovies
- Sand eels
- Silversides
- Shrimp
- Mantis shrimp
Predators follow prey. Track the bait — find the bait, find the weakfish.
Regulation & sources
Severe bag and size restrictions across the coast. Some states have closed seasons. Verify before targeting and consider catch and release.
Track weakfish arrivals on your coast.
Bield: Fish notifies you when water temperatures and bait movements line up for your home region — so you're on the water the day they show up, not the week after.