Commonly called the ribbonfish, the cutlassfish belongs to the family of Trichiruridae
and is the only member of this family found in Texas waters. They are as verious a
predator as they look. Armed with a mouth full of arrow-like teeth they tend to stand on
their tails and ambush shrimp and other small baitfish from below. Not sought after for
their meat, although in other countries this is not the case. Most Texas anglers use the
Cutlassfish for bait for going after bigger quarry, especially kings, lings, and dolphin.
Although not caught to often they will strike some artificial while your trout fishing.
Once you have caught one of these monsters of the deep you will not forget them. Average
length is 18 to 20 inches, but will grow to 40 inches.
State Records: 2 pounds 10.24 ounces Offatts Bayou
January 1, 1987
Jefff Smith, Houston
World Record: 1 poun 10 ounces Port Canaveral , Florida
August 26, 1992
Dooug Olander