World Record: 14 lbs, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, 1986. Most people see Spadefish of little more than handsize, but there are some big fellows lurking offshore, often reaching two feet in length and well more than 10 pounds. Spadefish live in large schools and are often seen near the surface when fishing the offshore rigs. Spadefish are good eating broiled or fried. Not the easiest fish to clean.