Most are cast needed, but many are caught on spinning tackle with multi-hook bait rigs. Roams widely in both shallow and deep water of both coasts. Bait-seekers look for them inshore on grassy flats and around bridges. Offshore, they frequently congregate near navigation markers, wrecks and reefs. Again, we have several similar species that most anglers make little or no attempt to differentiate, and which are known by various common names, mostly regional.
Color is usually brassy above and solid silver on sides.
Small black spot may be present on the gill cover. The similar Redear Sardine, arengula humeralis, and False Pilchard, Harengula clupeola, occur in South Florida but are less common. Both have an orange spot on the gill cover, but the False Pilchard is solid, whereas the Redear Sardine shows dark broken streaks on the upper sides. Averages 3-6 inches. Both rigs are sold in bait shops in areas where they are popular.