Halfbeak (Hemiramphus brasiliensis)

Common names:   ballyhoo, balao

Habitat/distribution: coastal areas to depths of about 30 feet; both sides of the mid-Atlantic

Method of harvest: In the northern Gulf, harvested only as bait for offshore fishing; occasionally white shrimp bycatch

Season/availability:   all year, though difficult to find in any quantity.

Size: Rarely, maybe never, more than one pound, and the usual size is less than half a pound.

Cooking characteristics: These little guys are very good fried whole. Fillets are pretty easy to collect, though very small, of course. May also be cured like other small oily fish.