Typical methods for targeting this species include light spin casting tackle, bait casting and fly tackle. This fish has been increasing in value as a sport fish and is actively sought by a good number of anglers. The flesh of the shorthead is tasty and sweet, but contains many small bones. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
The fins range from bright orange to deep red and the sides from silver to gold or bronze. They belly is lighter, ranging from dusky yellow to milk white. The fins contain only soft rays and there are no teeth. Typical of the redhorse is the single dorsal fin located near the middle of the back. The edge of the dorsal fin on the shorthead is emarginated or concave, distinguishing it from the silver redhorse, Moxostoma anisurum, in which the top edge of the dorsal fin is rounded. As its name indicates the shorthead has an unusually short head (17-19% of the fish’s total length). There are no scales on the head either.