The pinfish is a popular saltwater fishing bait, especially for live-bait fishing. Small pinfish are usually fished whole; larger specimens can be filleted or cut into pieces.
Pinfish are commonly used around piers, jetties, inlets, wrecks, shoals, and other areas. Small pinfish are usually fished whole.
In many areas, pinfish are a top bait for catching cobia, amberjack, kingfish, speckled trout, snook, and other gamefish.
Pinfish can be caught by bottom fishing, jigging, seining, or cast netting. They can also be caught using fish traps. Excess pinfish can be frozen for later use, although fresh pinfish are preferred.
Pinfish are related to pigfish, sheepshead, porgies, and other grunts.