Smooth dogfish

US fish and state coverage

Mustelus canis

A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.

Peak months
Typical depth
Typical size
Up to 5 feet
Catch minimum
National record

See state records · Browse all fishing records

Biology, seasons and size reflect the canonical source record, which may contain Florida context. They are not state-specific guidance for every linked state. Missing fields remain unfilled.

Overview

Habitat summary
Primarily a demersal shark, commonly found in shallow bays, continental shelves, and near offshore banks.  Occasionally found in freshwater; although, it’s unlikely they can survive for extended periods of time in low salinities. Known to migrate seasonally into colder waters during spring and move into warmer waters in the fall.
Water type
saltwater

When to fish

Good months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Seasonality
Known to migrate seasonally into colder waters during spring and move into warmer waters in the fall. · Year-round presence/fishing opportunity (intentional display).
Migration notes
Known to migrate seasonally into colder waters during spring and move into warmer waters in the fall.

Where to fish

Habitat summary
Primarily a demersal shark, commonly found in shallow bays, continental shelves, and near offshore banks.  Occasionally found in freshwater; although, it’s unlikely they can survive for extended periods of time in low salinities. Known to migrate seasonally into colder waters during spring and move into warmer waters in the fall.
Habitat zone
both
Fishing zone
both

How to catch

Not in the source.

Bait & lures

Not in the source.

Size

Typical size
Up to 5 feet

Records

Recorded catches retain their source scope; state and world catches are not national records.

No record catch is in the source.

Browse sourced catches for this species

Related states & places

Place links are planning context, not proof of local species presence. Florida city links marked local context follow existing directory relationships, not catch reports.

Source-linked directories

Real local listings currently cover Florida only. Boat-ramp, charter and creator links below follow existing Florida species relationships. Bait-shop links are city context only, not species-targeting evidence.

Boat ramps — Florida

Selected examples from 424 source-linked directory records.

Browse the Florida boat ramps directory

Bait shops — Florida

Selected examples from 326 source-linked city-context records.

Browse the Florida bait shops directory

Fishing creators — Florida

Selected examples from 1 source-linked directory records.

Browse the Florida fishing creators directory

Related species

Navigation links share a recorded scientific genus or a source state and water-type grouping. This is not a claim of identical habitat or legal targeting.

Source evidence by state

Legacy Florida source profiles

LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.