Species guide
How to catch Smooth lumpsucker
Aptocyclus ventricosus
saltwaterCyclopteridae
The smooth lumpsucker is a small, deep-bodied fish known for its globular shape and suction disk. It inhabits cold North Pacific waters and migrates to shallow areas to spawn during winter to early summer. This species is not sought after as a game fish.
Where they live
Found in cold saltwater regions of the North Pacific, especially the Bering Sea, from shallow coastal waters to depths around 1700 meters. It migrates to littoral zones from December to June to spawn.
Typical size
Up to about 41 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
- ctenophores
- jellyfish
- copepods
Best baits
- small shrimp
- soft crab pieces
- marine worms
Best lures
- small soft plastic jigs
- tiny spoons
- plugs mimicking small crustaceans
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light jigging
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