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FISH SPECIES
Fish Species Directory:
Back To The Fish Species Directory Index
Fish Species brought to you in association with
Wickstrom Publishers Inc.
Excerpts from the book Sport
Fish of Florida a must for every tackle box and boat in
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1
GAG
(Mycteroperca
microlepis)
OTHER NAMES: Gray Grouper, Grass Grouper, Copper Belly, Black Grouper
RANGE: Found throughout Florida and Bahamas.
HABITAT: Both juveniles and adults frequent inshore holes and ledges,
often on deeper grass flats. From there they can be found around structure at virtually
any fishable offshore depth.
DESCRIPTION: Gray or light brown with wavy markings on the side that
generally do not form boxes or circles. Edges of fins are bluish. Color deepens to dark
brown shortly after removal from water.
SIZE: Can reach 50 pounds on deep offshore wrecks and ledges, and has
been recorded to 80 pounds, but 20-30 is the usual maximum range, and most catches now
fall between 2 and 12 pounds. Many juveniles are caught from inshore grass flats. World
record 80 pounds, 6 ounces; Florida record 71 pounds, 3 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent; firm white flesh; little red.
GAME QUALITIES: An aggressive striker and hard fighter at all depths.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Just about anything goes.
Offshore bottom fishermen tend toward stout rods with 50- and 80-pound-test lines, but
such "grouper digging" rigs are strictly necessary only in very deep water. Up
to about 50 feet, lines in the 20-30-pound range are adequate and allow much more sport.
Many anglers catch lots of Gags on spinning and plug tackle. This is also the best of the
Groupers for fly fishermen, since they are frequently found in fairly shallow water and
will eagerly take a large streamer fly. Hard-lure casters use leadhead jigs, mostly, while
trollers rely on large deep-diving plugs. Live baitfish of various sorts are the best
natural offerings-try Pilchards, Pinfish, Grunts or Sand Perch (Squirrelfish). Dead small
fish and large cut baits also work well.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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21

BLACK GROUPER
(Mycteroperca bonaci)
OTHER NAMES: Bonaci Arara Aguaji
RANGE: Sometimes encountered in the deep Gulf and upper Atlantic, but
common only in South Florida, the Keys and the Bahamas.
HABITAT: Blacks of many sizes are commonly found around the edges of
coral reefs, from about 30 feet of water out to the deepest dropoffs. Even big fish,
however, may roam to much shallower patch reefs, especially in cooler seasons. Small
Blacks may also frequent creeks, especially in the Bahamas.
DESCRIPTION: Overall color is dark gray. Markings are blacker than those
of the Gag, and form box-like patterns. Fins are black; their edges also black or deep
blue.
SIZE: The largest of our Mycteroperca groupers, the Black frequently
exceeds 50 pounds in weight and can top 100. World record 114 pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Considered best of the Groupers.
TACKLE AND BAITS: For all-around work, ocean
gear with lines of 30-pound test or higher gets the call. Light-tackle fishermen in South
Florida, however, have caught many Blacks over 50 pounds. One key besides a huge helping
of luck is to hook the fish while drifting, instead of at anchor. The drift of the boat
adds to the power of the tackle and just might help drag the big fish far enough away from
his rocky "hole" that he cannot get back. For drifting or still fishing, the
best baits are frisky live fish, such as Blue Runners or other small jacks. Pinfish and
Pilchards are good too, as are Mullet heads and other large cut baits. Best casting lures
are leadhead jigs, weighing from 1-4 ounces, depending on depth. Trolling over the reefs
with rigged, swimming Mullet, feather-and-strip combos, and large plugs also takes many.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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3

Yellowfin
Grouper
(Mycteroperca venenosa)
OTHER NAMES: Red Rockfish, Spotted Grouper, Bonaci Cardinal
RANGE: Roughly the same as the Black Grouper; it is most common in the
Bahamas.
HABITAT: Again, its preferred reef habitat is pretty much the same as
that of the Black Grouper.
DESCRIPTION: Shows various colors, including two major phases, one of
which would make it difficult to tell from the Black Grouper were it not for the bright
yellow trim of the pectoral fins. In its other major color phase, the Yellowfin is the
prettiest of all the GroupersÐoverall bright red with dark red or brown box-shaped
blotches and, of course, the yellow pectorals. In both phases, yellow may be obvious on
other fins, as well as the pectorals.
SIZE: This is a good-size Grouper that frequently runs to 15 pounds or
so, and sometimes to 30 or more. The smaller ones, from 3-10 pounds, are apt to be the
most brightly colored. World record 40 pounds, 12 ounces; Florida record 34 pounds, 6
ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Smaller fish are excellent. So are the big fellowsÑbut see
the comments about Ciguartera in the Introduction.
GAME QUALITIES: Outstanding; among the best of the groupers.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Almost anything goes, from
heavy bottom-fishing outfits to the rather beefy spinning and baitcasting outfits that are
used for jigging. Although live baits will take the most Yellowfins, large cut baits also
work pretty well. Many are caught by trolling, especially with heavy feather-and-strip
combinations. They also take plugs and spoons.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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4

SCAMP
(Mycteroperca phenax)
OTHER NAMES: Brown Grouper, Broomtail Grouper, Abadejo
RANGE: Most plentiful along the Gulf Coast and roughly the upper half of
the Florida Atlantic Coast. Not common in South Florida and the Bahamas, where it is
largely replaced by the similar Yellowmouth Grouper (next).
HABITAT: Sometimes fairly close to shore, but generally sticks to deep
reefs and ledges offshore.
DESCRIPTION: Overall coloration is a deep tan or chocolate brown, with
numerous darker markings that form dots, or lines, or groups of lines. Elongated rays of
the caudal fin give the broomtail appearance.
SIZE: Usually well under 10 pounds, but occasionally more than 20. World
record 29 pounds; Florida record 25 pounds, 4 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent. Commercially considered as the prize of all the
Groupers.
GAME QUALITIES: Outstanding on light tackle, but most are overpowered by
heavy gear.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Sheer
depth-typical of
many Panhandle bottom-fishing drops-may necessitate rods and lines stout enough to handle
very heavy sinkers. In depths where practical, however, spinning and baitcasting tackle
will handle Scamps admirably-and provide great sport as well as a great dinner. Leadhead
jigs weighing 3/4 of an ounce to 11/2 ounces get lots of strikes with light
gear-and if
the bare jig isn't producing, it can be tipped with a strip of cut bait, or a whole small
baitfish, and used as a bottomfishing rig. Any kind of small fish makes a fine
livebait.
Shrimp, squid and cut baits also do the job. Large diving plugs draw strikes in fairly
shallow water-to about 50 feet.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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5

YELLOWMOUTH
GROUPER
(Mycteroperca interstitialis)
OTHER NAMES: Salmon Rockfish
RANGE: Most common in the Bahamas but found in South Florida, especially
the Keys, and on Gulf reefs.
HABITAT: Occasionally on shallow patches, but more on deeper
reefs to
120 feet or so near the edge of blue water.
DESCRIPTION: Almost a ringer for the Scamp, except that the inside and
corners of the mouth are yellow.
SIZE: Averages 2-3 pounds; maximum probably less than 10 pounds. World
record 8 pounds, 2 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: A tough fighter on tackle of reasonable size.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Same as Scamp.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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6

TIGER GROUPER
(Mycteroperca tigris)
OTHER NAMES: Bonaci Gato
RANGE: More common in the Bahamas, but seen fairly often in the Keys.
Rare elsewhere in Florida.
HABITAT: Coral reefs.
DESCRIPTION: Dark markings against a dusty gray background form vivid
oblique stripes on the upper sides. Smaller wormlike markings on lower sides and fins.
SIZE: A medium-size Grouper, averaging under 10 pounds. World record 14
pounds, 8 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Equal to Groupers of similar size.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Heavy spinning and
baitcasting outfits, along with light boat rods and lines up to 20- or 30-pound test. Best
baits are small live fish and fresh cut fish or squid. Tigers will take a variety of
artificials, including jigs and trolling plugs.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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7

JEWFISH
(Epinephelus
itajara)
OTHER NAMES: Spotted Jewfish, Great Grouper, Guasa Mero
RANGE: Occurs throughout Florida and the Bahamas.
HABITAT: Juveniles to around 100 pounds frequent mangrove creeks and bays
of Southwest Florida, especially the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park.
Adults can be found at a variety of depths, from holes and channels of coastal waters out
to offshore ledges and reefs; also around pilings of bridges and under deepwater docks and
piers.
DESCRIPTION: This is by far the largest of the Groupers, but at any size,
there's no mistaking a Jewfish. Juveniles are brilliantly marked with a series of
irregular dark brown bars against a light brown or gray background, extending from head to
tail. Numerous black spots are usually present as well on head, sides and fins. Adults
have the same pattern but in more subdued shades of brown that are not so brilliantly
contrasted. The tail is round, as are the posterior, dorsal, anal and pectoral fins.
SIZE: Traditionally seen in many sizes from a few pounds to 500 pounds.
Reported to reach half a ton. The really huge fish are rare anymore, but slowly returning.
World and Florida records 680 pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Small ones excellent and big ones darn good which was the
main reason for their precipitous decline and total closure in Florida in the 1980s.
GAME QUALITIES: Inshore juveniles are great battlers. Some very big ones
have been caught on very light lines in shallow water after being coaxed away from
obstructions, but the giant Jewfish around deep wrecks defy the heaviest sporting tackle.
TACKLE AND BAITS:
Baitcasting, spinning and
even fly tackle make acceptable matchups for the inshore fish, which will and often do hit
the full range of lures and flies that are used by Snook casters. Again, though, it takes
all the muscle you and your tackle can come up with to battle Jewfish of 100 pounds or
more. Best natural baits are live Snapper, live Jack and live Catfish inshore; live or
dead large fish for offshore giants including Bonito and Amberjack up to 15 pounds or
more.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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8

WARSAW GROUPER
(Epinephelus nigritus)
OTHER NAMES: Giant Grouper, Black Jewfish, Garrupa Negrita
RANGE: All Florida coasts, Atlantic and Gulf, but not reported from the
Bahamas.
HABITAT: Very deep dropoffs, ledges and seamounts. Seldom encountered in
less than 200 feet, and most common in much deeper water. Partyboats working offshore
waters of the state's upper half both Gulf and Atlantic seem to bring in Warsaws more
often than elsewhere.
DESCRIPTION: Mottled dark brown, shading to slightly lighter brown on
lower portions. Tail square and yellowish. Second dorsal spine is elongated and
crest-like.
SIZE: This is the second-largest Grouper, commonly caught at 30-80
pounds, with 100-pounders not rare. Probably grows to more than 500. World and Florida
records 436 pounds, 12 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Good. Large specimens (which most are) can be somewhat coarse
unless the fillets are cut into thin steaks for frying or baking.
GAME QUALITIES: Great strength is the hallmark of the Warsaw's fighting
arsenal, and the angler who gets one on a manual rod and reel will know he's been in a
tug-of-war.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Only the heaviest rods, large reels and lines testing
80 pounds or more are really adequate. Catches on lighter tackle are opportunistic and
rare, and usually of the smaller specimens. Fairly large whole fish, or halved bonito and
other hefty cut baits are all productive whenever they can be dropped to within gulping
range of a Warsaw.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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9

RED GROUPER
(Epinephelus morio)
OTHER NAMES: Mero, Cherna De Vivero
RANGE: Common throughout Florida; also present in Bahamas and common in
some areas.
HABITAT: Widely distributed from close inshore in many areas of Florida
to ledges and wrecks in up to 300 or so feet of water. Great majority of sport catches are
made in 10-100 feet.
DESCRIPTION: Overall light or rusty red with whitish spots and large
blotches. No black mark on caudal peduncle fleshy area between tail and posterior dorsal
fin.
SIZE: Common at 1-10 pounds; maximum perhaps 40 pounds. World record 42
pounds, 4 ounces; Florida record 39 pounds, 8 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Good.
GAME QUALITIES: One of the toughest-fighting Groupers, pound-for-pound.
Although Reds will "hole up" like other Groupers, many are hooked on light and
fairly light tackle in areas where cover is well scattered, and this gives them the chance
to demonstrate their toughness to best advantage.
TACKLE AND BAITS: The standard tackle is a
boat outfit with 40-pound line or more, but heavy spinning and baitcasting tackle with 15-
or 20-pound line can easily do the job in water less than 100 feet deep. Reds will hit all
the baits and lures recommended for Gag and other Groupers, but they are also very fond of
crustacean baits, particularly shrimp and crab. They are ready strikers on leadhead jigs,
fished with light tackle.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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10

NASSAU GROUPER
(Epinephelus striatus)
OTHER NAMES: White Grouper, Bahamas Grouper, Rockfish, Cherna Criolla
RANGE: Occurs throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas, where it is the best
known of the Groupers. Also found in Southeast Florida and the Keys, where it is rare and
declining.
HABITAT: Prefers coral reefs, and
probably does not roam into water much
deeper than 120 feet or so . In the Islands, small specimens are common over inshore
patches, and also in creeks and channels.
DESCRIPTION: Looks much like the Red Grouper in shape and pattern,
although the basic coloration tends more to brown or gray than reddish. The sure
distinguishing feature is a black blotch on the caudal peduncle.
SIZE: Common at 1-10 pounds. May reach 30 or more. World record 38
pounds, 8 ounces; Florida record 3 pounds, 4 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Small ones are excellent; fish over 10 pounds are almost as
good, but harvest is currently prohibited in Florida.
GAME QUALITIES: A rugged fighter.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Most are caught by potluck
reef or creek fishermen on light ocean gear or stout baitcasting and spinning
outfits-all
using lines of 12-20 pounds. Cut fish, conch or squid all make good baits, and Nassau's
will also strike jigs, spoons and underwater or surface plugs. Bigger fish on rough coral
reefs require heavy tackle for bottom-fishing, and can also be caught by trolling with
feather-and-strip baits or with large swimming plugs.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing; Trolling.
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11

RED HIND
(Epinephelus guttatus)
OTHER NAMES: Strawberry, Sandwich Grouper, Cabrilla, Tofia
RANGE: Very plentiful on Bahamas reefs in 40-80 feet. Also found in South
Florida, but less common and usually in 100 feet or more.
HABITAT: Coral reefs.
DESCRIPTION: Numerous bright red spots on lighter or creamy red
background. Caudal, anal and posterior dorsal fins edged in black.
SIZE: Most run 1-2 pounds; rarely 5-6 pounds. World record 6 pounds, 1
ounce.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Aggressive striker; lethargic battler.
TACKLE AND BAITS: In some reef areas of the
Bahamas, Red Hinds can be caught to the point of boredom by drifting and bouncing the
bottom with jigs. Bottom fishing with cut baits of any kind is also productive.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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12

ROCK HIND
(Epinephelus adscensionis)
OTHER NAMES: Rock Cod, Cabre Mora, Mero Cabrilla
RANGE: Widespread in Florida and the Bahamas, often in company with the
Red Hind, but usually less plentiful in southern portions of the range.
HABITAT: Coral reefs and rocky banks.
DESCRIPTION: The Rock Hind is mostly brown or tan in background color.
Has spots similar to those of the Red Hind, but also is marked by large, dark blotches on
the upper sides usually two, but often more.
SIZE: About the same as the Red Hind, but maximum may be slightly
larger to 8 or 9 pounds. World record 9 pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Same as Red Hind.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Same as Red Hind.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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13

CONEY
(Epinephelus fulvus)
OTHER NAMES: Golden Coney, Golden Grouper, Guativere, Corruncha
RANGE: South Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.
HABITAT: Coral reefs and inshore coral patches.
DESCRIPTION: A very small Grouper, the Coney is seen in various color
phases, including vivid yellow, gold-and-brown, red-and-brown.
SIZE: Most run 6-8 inches; maximum maybe a foot.
FOOD VALUE: Not much to work with.
GAME QUALITIES: Aggressive striker, but small.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Never targeted. If it
were, only ultralight would be chosen. Takes a variety of cut baits, plus jigs.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Still Fishing.
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14

GRAYSBY
(Epinephelus cruentatus)
OTHER NAMES: Enjambre, Cuna Cabrilla
RANGE: South Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.
HABITAT: Coral reefs and patches.
DESCRIPTION: Usually gray with many tiny, dark dots. Series of four spots
below dorsal fin.
SIZE: Under 1 foot.
FOOD VALUE: Small.
GAME QUALITIES: Aggressive striker, sometimes on surprisingly large
lures, but too small to put up a fight.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Like the Coney, a common
reef catch when small hooks are used. Takes any small cut bait or jig.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Still Fishing.
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15

SPECKLED HIND
(Epinephelus drummondhayi)
OTHER NAMES: Kitty Mitchell, Calico Grouper
RANGE: Both coasts of Florida, but most often caught in the Keys
and
this is probably because of heavy fishing around well-known seamounts or
"humps,"
particularly off the Keys towns of Marathon and Islamorada.
HABITAT: An occasional small specimen is caught by bottom-fishing in
perhaps 200 feet of water in the Keys, but most stick to ledges and outcroppings at least
300 feet down. They are probably
plentiful in much deeper water.
DESCRIPTION: Generally dark gray or reddish brown, with a profusion of
small, creamy or white spots on sides, gill covers and fins. Sometimes light tan or yellow
with whiter spots.
SIZE: Can run to 40 pounds or more; most catches range from 5 to 20
pounds. World record 52 pounds, 8 ounces; Florida record 42 pounds, 6 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: This and other deepwater species that follow are considered
even better table fare than shallow-water species. The same is true of deep-sea Snappers
and Porgies. It is theorized that the great pressures under which they live helps make the
flesh more succulent.
GAME QUALITIES: Seldom caught on sporting gear, but when they
are especially if that gear is a reasonably light outfit, the fight begins strong but
diminishes fast as the fish is brought higher in the water column. This, of course, is
typical with any sort of Grouper that is hooked at depth. Somewhere along the way, the
pressure changes enough to send them bobbing upward.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Electric reels and wire
line. Catches on sporting tackle are seldom made by design. Any kind of cut bait seems to
work well.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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16

MARBLED GROUPER
(Epinephelus inermis)
RANGE: Bahamas and South Florida.
HABITAT: Very deep dropoffs or seamounts in 500 feet or more of water.
DESCRIPTION: Dark brown or charcoal with numerous white spots.
Deeper-bodied than most Groupers, its shape is reminiscent of the unrelated Tripletail.
SIZE: Averages 5-10 pounds; sometimes exceeds 20.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent, as are all the Groupers that inhabit very deep
water.
GAME QUALITIES: Seldom caught on sporting gear.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Power reels and cut
baitfish or squid.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting.
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17

MISTY GROUPER
(Epinephelus mystacinus)
OTHER NAMES: Mystic Grouper, Mustache Grouper
RANGE: The Bahamas and extreme South Florida.
HABITAT: Rocks and ledges in 500 feet or more.
DESCRIPTION: Brown with 6 to 9 vertical whitish bars.
SIZE: Common at 15-50 pounds; exceeds 100 pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Seldom caught on sporting gear.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Power reels with cut bait.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting.
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18

SNOWY GROUPER
(Epinephelus niveatus)
OTHER NAMES: Golden Grouper
RANGE: Occurs in deep water
throughout Florida and the Western Bahamas; probably Eastern Bahamas as well.
HABITAT: Small ones may come in as shallow as 250 or 300 feet on
occasion, but most stick to 600-1,000 feet.
DESCRIPTION: Dark gray or brown with scattered whitish spots.
SIZE: Averages 5-10 pounds; said to reach 50 pounds. World record 23
pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Not caught on sporting tackle.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Power reels; cut baits.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting.
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19

YELLOWEDGE GROUPER
(Epinephelus flavolimbatus)
OTHER NAMES: Deepwater, Yellowfin, Grouper
RANGE: All Florida and the Bahamas.
HABITAT: Not quite so deep as three preceding species. Over deep coral
reefs at times, but prefers 300 feet and more.
DESCRIPTION: Mottled light brown overall. Dorsal, pectoral and anal fins
have yellow outer edges.
SIZE: Averages 5 or 10 pounds; may exceed 30 pounds. World record 13
pounds.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Seldom caught on sporting tackle.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Power reels best. Heaviest
manual rods and reels possible. Any kind of cut bait.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting.
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20

BLACK SEA BASS
(Centropristis striata)
OTHER NAMES: Sea Bass, Black Bass, Blackfish, Rockfish, Talywag
RANGE: A temperate fish, it is most
common off Central and North Florida. Straggles to South Florida, but is absent from the
Bahamas.
HABITAT: Widely at home, both offshore and inshore. Likes rocky areas,
wrecks,
channels with hard bottom, jetties, deep holes in grass flats. Larger fish now stay mostly
well offshore.
DESCRIPTION: Color is generally black or charcoal, with blue highlights
and tiny white spots or stripes on dorsal fin. Indistinct pattern sometimes present on
sides, especially in small fish. In adults, the dorsal, anal and caudal fins may have
feathery edges, and large males show a distinctive hump forward of the dorsal.
SIZE: Recorded to at least 8 pounds, but individuals weighing more than
one pound are now rather uncommon, and a 3- or 4-pounder is a rare giant. World record 9
pounds, 8 ounces; Florida record 5 pounds, 1 ounce.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent. The flesh is mild and white but, sadly, most Sea
Bass caught these days are too small to be worthwhile. The occasional outsize specimen
should be filleted and skinned, but take care when doing so, because gill covers are sharp
and so are the spines.
GAME QUALITIES: A hard and willing striker on both natural baits and a
variety of artificial lures. Pulls hard for its size, but is too often caught on too heavy
tackle.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Light spinning and
baitcasting tackle are the best choices. Sea Bass greedily hit live or dead shrimp and all
sorts of cut baits, along with live small baitfish and artificial jigs and underwater
plugs. They seem to be always hungry and willing to strike nearly anything they can grab.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Drifting; Still Fishing;
Trolling.
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21

SAND PERCH
(Diplectrum formosum)
OTHER NAMES: Coral Snapper, Squirrelfish, Bolo
RANGE: Both coasts of Florida, north to south. Apparently absent from the
Bahamas.
HABITAT: Sand Perch are found from bays and shorelines to well offshore
over a variety of bottoms. They seem to prefer rather open bottom with patches of grass or
scattered rock, and they also like deep channels.
DESCRIPTION: Slender, cylindrical shape, with large mouth and wide tail.
Color is tan with brown vertical bars or blotches, and full-length horizontal lines of
blue and orange.
SIZE: Less than a foot; average is 6-8 inches.
FOOD VALUE: A tasty panfish and quite meaty for its size. The meat is
white but flavorful. Best prepared by dressing and pan-frying whole.
GAME QUALITIES: Very aggressive, Sand Perch often hit baits and lures
meant for much larger fish. However, their size and strength cannot match their attitude.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Sand Perch are often
fished for deliberately, whether for supper or for bait (they are a staple bait among Gulf
Tarpon fishermen, and also are excellent for grouper). Best tackle is a light spinning
outfit. Small jigs, either plain or tipped with a piece of shrimp or cut bait, will
produce the most, but any sort of bottom rig and natural bait will do the job.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drifting; Still Fishing.
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