Type of Fish
Amberjack
An offshore (typically 60 to 240 feet of water) species found in rocky reefs, debris and wrecks.
Common to 40 pounds.
Atlantic Bonita
The Bonita is common in shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They grow up to 30 inches and weigh 10 to 12 pounds.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin)
One of the fastest-growing fish and thought to live no more than 5 years, Mahi-Mahi swim to speed estimated at 50 knots. Found offshore in warm waters.
Kingfish
Schooling fish that migrates from south Florida waters in winters to more northerly waters in spring. The Gulf population is thought to be separate from Atlantic population, with considerable mixing in winter from Cape Canaveral past Key West. Located nearshore and offshore, occasionally taken from piers running into deep water.
Sailfish
Offshore species in south Florida associated with waters near the Gulfstream. Rapid growing, sailfish reach 4 to 5 feet in a single year. They swim at speeds up to 50 knots.
Common to 7 feet.
Snapper
Caught offshore near continental shelf break.
Common to 20 inches. Larger individuals found in deeper waters.
Gray “Mangrove” Snapper
Dark brown or gray body with reddish or orange spots in rows along the sides. Two conspicuous canine teeth at front of upper jaw. Generally nearshore or offshore on coral or rocky reefs. Offshore catches common to 10 pounds.
Tripletail
Head and body variously mottled, tan to dark brown. Except the spinous dorsal and pectoral, fins are almost black.
Size to 42 inches.
Barracuda
Known for its large, elongated body and fearsome appearance the barracuda is a ray-finned fish found in tropical oceans. They are voracious, opportunistic predators relying on surprise and short bursts of speed (up to 27 miles per hour) to overtake their prey.
Cobia
A long, slim fish with a lower jaw that projects past its upper jaw. Cobias are found both inshore and nearshore inhabiting inlets, bays and among mangroves and sometimes they are seen around buoys, pilings and wrecks.
Common to 30 pounds.
Grouper
A hard bottom dwelling fish, grouper live offshore and can be found at nearshore reefs.
Common to 15 pounds
Mackerel
Nearshore and offshore fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks.
Common to 5 pounds.
Mutton Snapper
Olive green on its back and upper sides. All of its fins below the lateral line have a reddish tinge. Bright blue line below its eye.
Inshore catches in grassbeds, mangroves and canals. Larger adults can be found on offshore reefs.
Common to 15 pounds
Yellowtail Snapper
Back and upper sides are olive to bluish with yellow spots. Lower sides and belly have alternating narrow, longitudinal pink and yellow stripes. Prominent mid-lateral yellow stripe begins at mouth and runs to tail, broadening as it passes the dorsal fins. Its caudal fin is yellow and deeply forked
Found mainly in tropical waters inshore on grassbeds and back reefs; nearshore or offshore over sandy areas near reefs.
Common to 3 pounds.
