aggressive fish in Gulf of Mexico

[Texasdivechick]

While rig diving 40 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico I encountered some very aggressive fish at about 100'. I didn't take any pics. They were silver and fast, about 12-14", and were obviously hungry. TThe body of the fish was shaped like a grey snapper, but I'm not sure if this was the fish type or not. They were biting our legs, fins, my hood and slamming into us kamikaze style. Once we ascended back to 60ft they were no longer a problem. Based on their behavior, can anyone ID what these fish might be?

 

[gary-ramey]

I'm not certain of a "type" of fish but most fish when mating, or protecting nests, become very aggressive. I was molested at every corner by sargent majors who were mating. One guy was tough enough to tear some rubber off my fins..haha.

 

[Skyjunky]

Could be a chub.

 

[Texasdivechick]

Chub or chum? LOL! I just looked up the Bermuda Chub on my ID card and it does sort of look like that. But are they aggressive fish? Have you ever been bitten by one?

 

[Rick Murchison]

While rig diving 40 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico I encountered some very aggressive fish at about 100'. I didn't take any pics. They were silver and fast, about 12-14", and were obviously hungry. TThe body of the fish was shaped like a grey snapper, but I'm not sure if this was the fish type or not. They were biting our legs, fins, my hood and slamming into us kamikaze style. Once we ascended back to 60ft they were no longer a problem. Based on their behavior, can anyone ID what these fish might be?

That behavior and size is almost certainly Pomatomus saltatrix - the Bluefish.

They are known to attack when hungry and have surprised many a swimmer and diver with this behavior.
The only thing that doesn't really fit is the depth - they're usually closer to the surface.
Did you shoot any? They're excellent eating...
Rick