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Florida Big Game Saltwater Fish Identification

Discussion in 'Florida Fish Identification, Rules and regulations' started by Nautical Gator, Oct 29, 2015.


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  1. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

  2. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Blue Marlin

    Fish_BlueMarlin.jpg
    Blue Marlin:
    Appearance:


    • Upper cobalt blue on top shading to a silvery white below
    • Upper jaw elongated in form of a spear
    • The dorsal, pectoral and anal fins are all pointed
    • No dark spots on the dorsal fin


    Habitat:


    A deep-sea fish that makes major trans-Atlantic migrations.



    Behavior:


    Unlike swordfish, blue marlin feed mostly during the day. They hunt alone and have been reported to use their long, sharp bill to slice or stun prey.



    State Record:
    1046 lbs, caught near Panama City

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    This may be the ultimate of the big game fish - the one Hemingway so often wrote about. Serious anglers rig heavy and expect to fight a marlin for 4-6 hours.

    Additional Information:
     
  3. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Longbill Spearfish

    saltwater_billlong.jpg
    Longbill Spearfish: Tetrapturus pfluegeri
    Appearance:


    • Color of body dark blue shading to silvery, white underneath
    • Dorsal fin bluish, others brown-black
    • Two dorsal fins, the first lengthy, its front forming a peak
    • Two anal fins, the anus well in front of the first
    • Upper jaw is prolonged into spear
    • Its cross section is round


    Habitat:


    Longbill spearfish are found offshore in deep water.



    Behavior:


    These fish are uncommon. Available data indicate that spearfish matures at 2 years of age and rarely lives past 4 to 5 years. They are pelagic and feed at or near the surface, mainly on fishes and squid.



    State Record:
    61 lb 8 oz, caught near Islamorada

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
    Longbill spearfish are named for Al Pflueger, Sr., founder of Pflueger Taxidermy.
     
  4. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Sailfish

    Fish_Sailfish.jpg
    Sailfish: Istiophorus platypterus
    Appearance:


    • Color dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally and silvery white underbelly
    • Upper jaw elongate in the form of a spear
    • First dorsal fin greatly enlarged in the form of a sail with many black spots; squared off front; highest at its mid point
    • Pelvic fins are very narrow and reach almost to the anus
    • Lateral line is curved over the pectoral fin and then straightens to the base of the tail


    Habitat:


    Sailfish are an offshore species and are associate with waters near the Gulfstream and near the 100 fathom line.



    Behavior:


    Sailfish are a rapidly growing species; they reach 4-5 feet in one year. They feed aggressively on small fish and squid. Off southeast Florida, sailfish move inshore to shallow water and spawn near the surface in summer. Females swim slowly with their dorsal fins above water, accompanied by one or more males when spawning.



    State Record:
    126 lb, caught near Big Pine Key

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Blue runners, pinfish, mullet, scads, ballyhoo and squid attract cruising sailfish. Sailfish are known for their fast runs, acrobatic jumps and head-shaking attempts to throw a hook. Sailfish tire easily and should be revived after a long fight to ensure their survival. Most anglers release these fish.

    Additional Information:
    The sailfish is Florida's state saltwater fish. Its name originates from the greatly enlarged first dorsal fin that runs almost the length of its back and is covered with spots.
     
  5. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    White Marlin

    saltwater_billwhit.jpg
    White Marlin: Tetrapterus albidus
    Appearance:
    color of body dark blue to chocolate brown, shading to silvery white underbelly; noticeable spots on dorsal fin; upper jaw elongated in shape of spear; body covered with embedded scales with a single sharp point; tips of first dorsal, pectoral, and first anal fins rounded; lateral line curved above pectoral fin, then going in straight line to base of tail.

    Habitat:
    OFFSHORE, a blue water fish.

    Behavior:
    uses its bill to stun fast-moving fishes, then turns to consume them; spawning procedures unknown; ranges throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean; feeds on squid and pelagic fishes

    State Record:
    161 lb, caught near Miami Beach

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
     
  6. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Swordfish

    Fish_Swordfish.jpg
    Swordfish: Xiphias gladius
    Appearance:


    A rather unique billfish, with a flattened bill formed from an elongated upper jaw. It has a single high dorsal fin and one keel on each side in front of the tail fin.



    Habitat:


    Deep sea fish found from the surface down below 2,000 feet. They are heavily overfished internationally.



    Behavior:


    Swordfish over 200 pounds are generally females and tend to migrate to the surface at night, when most drift fishing occurs.



    State Record:
    612 lb 12 oz, caught near Key Largo

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Fishing at night for swordfish often involves the use of chemical or other lights and heavy 8/0 to 11/0 hooks drifted with balloons to help detect the strike.

    Additional Information:
     
  7. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Bluefish

    Fish_Bluefish.jpg
    Bluefish:
    Appearance:


    Bluefish are greenish blue on their back, with silvery sides and a large mouth filled with prominent, sharp teeth.



    Habitat:


    Young usually are inshore during spring and summer and move offshore to join adults during fall and winter. Large numbers of bluefish migrate to Florida from northern stocks during winter. Anglers on the east coast catch larger bluefish than fishermen on the west coast.



    Behavior:


    Bluefish travel in large schools following baitfish. Members of a school tend to be about the same size because they are cannibalistic. Spawning occurs offshore in spring and summer.



    State Record:
    22 lb 2 oz, caught near Jensen Beach

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Bluefish may be caught from boat or shore. Chumming is a helpful, and a wire leader is a must to prevent fish from biting through the line. Anglers use a variety of plugs, sand eel type jigs, and squid- or mackerel-like lures. Pogies, mackerel or eels are good live baits and cut bait works too. Average size is 3-5 pounds. These fish are a bit oily for some people, so gut them and clean them as soon as you legally can.

    Additional Information:
     
  8. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Bonefish

    Fish_Bonefish.jpg
    Bonefish: Albula vulpes
    Appearance:


    Silvery, with torpedo-shaped body and conical snout.



    Habitat:


    Bonefish primarily inhabit inshore shallows of the Florida Keys, often in water that is less than 1 foot deep



    Behavior:


    Bonefish have deeply forked tails that provide power for chasing prey in lush grass beds. Keen eyesight and a skittish nature make these fish a prized trophy for saltwater anglers. They travel in small schools prowling grass beds and sand flats for shrimp, crabs and other invertebrates. Average size is 3 to 5 pounds but fish weighing more than 10 pounds can be found in Florida.



    State Record:
    16 lb 3 oz, caught near Islamorada

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are the best baits for conventional fishermen. Fly fishermen patiently pole through shallow flats stalking these elusive fish. Bonefish are very seldom eaten and should be carefully released.

    Additional Information:
     
  9. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Gafftopsail Catfish

    saltwater_gafftopsail-catfish.jpg
    Gafftopsail Catfish: Bagre marinus
    Appearance:


    • bluish above
    • silvery below
    • dorsal and pectoral fins with long, fleshy filaments on spines
    • barbel at corner of mouth flattened, bandlike, and very elongated, somtimes reaching anal fin
    • only 2 barbels on chin


    Habitat:


    Continental waters; enters brackish waters; usually less common than the Hardhead Catfish



    Behavior:


    State Record:
    8 lb, 14 oz

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
     
  10. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Hardhead Catfish

    hardhead-catfish.jpg
    Hardhead Catfish: Arius Felis
    Appearance:


    • brownish to gray-green
    • white to yellowish below
    • fin spines with no fleshy filaments
    • barbel at corner of mouth not very flattened and shorter than head
    • four barbels on chin


    Habitat:


    Continental waters; enters brackish waters. Commonly caught from bridges, catwalks, and piers, particularly in passes and inland waterways.



    Behavior:


    State Record:
    3lb, 5oz

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
     
  11. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Cobia

    Fish_Cobia.jpg
    Cobia: Rachycentron canadum
    Appearance:


    • Long, slim fish with a broad depressed head
    • The lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw
    • Dark lateral stripe extends through the eye to the tail
    • First dorsal fin has 7 to 9 free spines
    • When young, has conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripes


    Habitat:


    Cobia are found in nearshore and inshore waters with inlets and bays. Cobia are frequently found around buoys, pilings and wrecks in these areas.



    Behavior:


    They spawn in spring and early summer.



    State Record:
    130 lb 1 oz, caught near Destin

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Live crabs and small fish are good baits for cobia. Keep bait near the surface or, if cobia are deeper, add just enough weight to get the bait down and still retain its movement. Medium to heavy tackle is required to land these fish which average 30 pounds. Large specimens in the 50-80 pound class are frequently caught and cherished by the lucky angler who outmatches these powerful fish. Cobia are excellent table fare.

    Additional Information:
     
  12. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Dolphin

    Fish_Dolphin.jpg
    Dolphin: Coryphaena hippurus
    Appearance:


    • Bright greenish blue above, yellow on sides and has the capability to flash a wide range of colors
    • The body tapers sharply from head to tail
    • Irregular blue or golden blotches are scattered over the sides
    • Female's heads slope more than males


    Habitat:


    Dolphin are open-ocean fish. The young live in floating sargassum weed.



    Behavior:


    Dolphin are fast swimmers and fast growers that live no more than 5 years. Spawning occurs year round in warm oceanic waters.



    State Record:
    81 lb, caught near Lantana

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Adults eat squid, flying fish and other small fish while cruising weed lines in offshore waters. Troll natural baits such as ballyhoo rigged on #7 or #8 steel wire with a 7/0 or 8/0 hook. They can also be caught on artificial lures, feathers, or spoons. When a schooling dolphin is hooked, the rest of the school will often stay nearby. Chumming cut bait will bring them in and create a frenzy of activity. Dolphin is a favorite seafood item for many people.

    Additional Information:
     
  13. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Atlantic Croaker

    Drum

    atl.%20croaker%20copy.jpg
    Atlantic Croaker: Micropogonias undulatus
    Appearance:


    • Atlantic Croaker have an inferior mouth with 3 to 5 pairs of small barbels on the chin
    • They have a silver-gray or bronze body with dark oblique wavy bars or lines and are iridescent, especially on their head
    • The preopercle is strongly serrated



    Habitat:


    These fish are generally found north of Tampa Bay on the west coast and north of Cape Canaveral on the east coast. Young fish found in estuaries and older fish (2 to 3 years) inhabit deep offshore waters during the winter months and move into bays and estuaries during the spring, summer and fall.



    Behavior:


    During spawning, Atlantick croakers become bronze or yellow in color. Spawning apparently occurs offshore in fall.



    State Record:
    4 lbs 15 oz, caught near St. Lucie

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Longevity is 2 to 4 years.

    Additional Information:
     
  14. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Black Drum

    saltwater_drumblac2.jpg
    Black Drum: Pogonias cromis
    Appearance:


    • High arched back
    • 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels
    • Gray or black colored body in adults with the young have 4 to 6 vertical black bars
    • Cobblestone-like teeth are capable of crushing oysters
    • Large scales


    Habitat:


    Black drum are an inshore fish common to bays and lagoons. They are bottom dwellers and often found around oyster beds. Black drum may also be found offshore.



    Behavior:


    The largest member of the drum family, black drum spawn nearshore in the winter and early spring. They feed on oysters, mussels, crabs, shrimp and occasionally fish. Black drum may live to 35 or more years.



    State Record:
    96 lbs, caught near Fernandina Beach

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    The vertical bars on juvenile black drum,Sciaenops ocellatus, are somewhat similar to those on sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus; and spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber.

    Additional Information:
     
  15. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Red Drum

    Fish_RedDrum2.jpg
    Red Drum: Sciaenops ocellatus
    Appearance:


    • Chin without barbels
    • Copper-bronze body; lighter in clear waters
    • 1 to many spots at the base of the tail
    • Mouth horizontal and opens downward
    • Large scales


    Habitat:


    In winter, redfish are found in seagrass, over muddy or sand bottoms, or near oyster bars or spring fed creeks.



    Behavior:


    Juvenile redfish are an inshore species until they reach roughly 30 inches (4 years). They then migrate to the nearshore population.



    State Record:
    52 lb 5 oz, caught near Cocoa (1996)

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Red drum are one of Florida’s most popular sport fish and the state’s most widespread estuarine fish. Floating a live shrimp under a popping cork is a good way to fish for redfish. They also chase crabs, mullet, pinfish and killifish (mud minnows). Casting soft-bodied jigs, spoons and even top-water plugs will catch the attention of these powerful estuarine musicians. Redfish make great table fare.

    Additional Information:


    Redfish are prodigious spawners that produce tens of millions of eggs. Spawning season is from about August through December, in passes, inlets and lagoon estuaries around the state. During spawning season, redfish use special muscles rubbing against their air bladder to produce a "drumming" sound for which they are named.
     
  16. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Sand Seatrout

    sand-seatrout.jpg
    Sand Seatrout: Cynoscion arenarius
    Appearance:


    • Pale body color, yellow above, silver to white below
    • One or two prominent canine teeth usually at tip of upper jaw
    • Inside of the mouth is yellow
    • No well-defined black spots on back
    • 10 to 12 soft rays in anal fin
    • No chin barbels


    Habitat:
    Sand seatrout are a Gulf species that may occur in the Atlantic waters of extreme south-eastern Florida. Adults are predominantly found inshore residing in bays and inlets but may move offshore during the winter months. Young sand seatrout occur inshore in shallow bays.

    Behavior:
    Sand seatrout mature during their first or second year. They have a prolonged inshore spawning season that extends through the spring and summer. They feeds mainly on small fish and shrimp.

    State Record:
    This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
     
  17. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Silver Seatrout

    saltwater_drumsilv.jpg
    Silver Seatrout: Cynoscion nothus
    Appearance:


    • Pale straw colored above, silvery sides and white below
    • No distinctive pigmentation, although faint diagonal lines may be present on upper body
    • 8 to 9 rays in the anal fin
    • Large eyes
    • Short snout
    • One or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw
    • Lower half of tail longer than upper half


    Habitat:
    Silver seatrout are most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms offshore along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. They migrate into bays during cold months.

    Behavior:
    Silver seatrout spawn offshore in deep water during spring, summer and fall. They feed on small fish and shrimp.

    State Record:
    This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
    These are the smallest seatrout; usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches).
     
  18. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Silver Perch

    saltwater_drumyt.jpg
    Silver Perch: Bairdiella chrysoura
    Appearance:


    • Color silvery with yellowish fins
    • No spots
    • No chin barbels
    • No prominent canine teeth at tip of upper jaw
    • Preopercle finely serrated
    • 5 to 6 chin pores
    • Mouth terminal


    Habitat:
    Silver perch are found inshore in seagrass beds, tidal creeks and rivers, and marshes.

    Behavior:
    Spawning takes place in shallow, saline portions of bays and other inshore areas, peaking between May and September. Silver perch mature by second or third year (by 6 inches). Adults eat crustaceans and small fishes. They may live to 6 years.

    State Record:
    This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
    Silver perch are similar in appearance to the sand seatrout,Cynoscion arenarius. Seatrout usually have 1 or 2 prominent canine teeth at tip of upper jaw and do not have chin pores.
     
  19. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Weakfish

    saltwater_drumweak.jpg
    Weakfish: Cynoscion regalis
    Appearance:
    dark olive or blue-green back; sides covered in tones of blue, purple, lavender, gold and copper; irregular diagonal rows of vaguely-defined dark spots appear above the lateral line; 1 to 2 prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw; black margin on tip of the tongue; pelvic and anal fins yellow; pectoral fins olive on outside, yellow underneath; mouth yellow inside.

    Habitat:
    an Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move INSHORE and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlets, bays, channels and estuaries; adults move OFFSHORE and south during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries.

    Behavior:
    may mature as early as age 1; spawns in NEARSHORE or estuarine areas between April and October; schooling fish; feeds primarily on shrimp and fish.

    State Record:
    10 lb, caught near Port Canaveral

    Fishing Tips and Facts:


    Additional Information:
     
  20. Nautical Gator

    Nautical Gator Forum Captain, Moderator, Peacekeeper Staff Member
    Thread Started By

    Spotted Seatrout

    Fish_SpottedSeatrout.jpg
    Spotted Seatrout: Cynoscion nebulosus
    Appearance:


    • Dark gray or green above, with sky-blue tinges shading to silvery and white below
    • Numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fin and tail
    • No barbels and no scales on the soft dorsal fin
    • 1 or 2 prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw


    Habitat:


    Seatrout found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars.



    Behavior:


    Spawning occurs inshore from March through November. Spotted setrout move into deeper, still waters during colder months. They feed on baitfish, mullet, shrimp and crabs.



    State Record:
    17 lb 7 oz, caught near Ft. Pierce

    Fishing Tips and Facts:
    Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted seatrout are a good eating fish.

    Additional Information:
    Spotted seatrout reach 3 feet and 15 pounds but are common in the 4-pound range.
     

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