How A Fish’s Tail Can Reveal Its Feeding Secrets
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Fish anatomy can tell you a lot about the way fish behave and feed. For example, we looked at how a fish’s mouth shape helps you understand its feeding behavior.
But have you ever considered how the tail structure of your target species affects the way it feeds?
In this video, I’m analyzing the two main types of fish tails: fan tails and fork tails. Along the way, I’ll explain how it affects fish behavior and how you should approach catching these fish.
Even if you target a species I don’t talk about, these concepts are broadly applicable around the world, including freshwater.
Fish Tails and Feeding Behavior [Video]
- 0:00 Introduction to Fish Tail Structure
- 0:33 Fan Tails: Redfish, Snook, & Speckled Trout
- 1:43 Lure Presentation to Fan Tail Species
- 2:18 Why Do Redfish Have a Spotted Tail?
- 2:50 Fork Tails: Tuna, Tarpon, Pompano, & Mahi
- 3:35 Lure Presentation to Fork Tail Species
Key Takeaways
Fan Tail Fish (Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder)
- Fan tail fish are built for a quick burst to attack prey in close proximity.
- These fish tend to cruise slowly or sit in place and wait for bait to come to them.
- Getting your lure close to these fish is critical so they don’t have to move far to capture it.
Did you know? A redfish’s spots are designed to look like an eye and confuse predators as to which way it’s looking.
Forked Tail Fish (Pompano, Tarpon, Mahi, Tuna)
- Forked tail fish are built for high speed and endurance to chase down prey.
- These fish tend to move steadily and cover a large range in search of bait.
- Trolling and fast retrievals are effective for these fish since they’re willing to chase down food.
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Thanks always great to learn things about fishing
You’re welcome Michael!
Very interesting Tony! Something I had never thought about but makes good sense!
The more you know the better!
Great video and information Tony!!!
Thank you for the feedback Pablo!
Excellent presentation…..Thank You.
My pleasure William, thank you for the feedback!
Great points as always. Appreciate the information. Def helps to understand better
You’re welcome Chad!
Generally, fork tail fish are migratory species that travel great distances.
For sure! Open water species.
well said thanks
You’re welcome Ronald!
Good info Tony.
Thanks Donn!
I find this type of information very fascinating, great video, Tony.
You’re welcome Thomas and thank you for the great feedback!
I did notice a confusing thing. Should the wording in the key take aways area for ‘Fork Tail’ for the first sentence in that paragraph? It reads fan tail are built for high speed and endurance. Great information, thanks.
Hey Donald! Thank you for catching that. Yes, it should say Forked tail fish there.