LOCATION These fish are found around structure along the flats, inlets, passes and mangroves. From central Florida south, usually inshore in coastal and brackish waters, also on reefs and pilings near shore.
FIGHT Very strong and has endurance. Heavy runs and flashy jumps make the snook an excellent battle. Will seek stumps, pilings and roots to make landing even more a challenge.
SIZE Most common at 2-10 pounds. Large fish range from 20-30 pounds. Huge snook can reach upwards of 40 pounds.
FLORIDA RECORD 44 pounds 3 oz
2. TARPON
LOCATION
These fish are found in almost all Florida waters, with small juveniles found in deep in the back country, around the rivers and creek mouths. They are present on the flats, just off our beaches and everywhere in between.
FIGHT
Tarpon are known for their hard hitting strikes and awesome high flying jumping ability, Weather you're casting top water plugs or live bait fishing be ready for a drag screaming fight. Don't forget to bow to the KING !!!!!!!!!!!!
SIZE
Most common 10 to 30 pounds up to 75 pounds. Large fish weigh in at 100 to 150 pounds while monsters can exceed 200 with the possibility of reaching 250 pounds.
FLORIDA RECORD
** 243 pounds **
3. RED DRUM (Red fish)
LOCATION
These fish are found in almost all Florida waters, but as a rule tend to be found in shallow, grassy or rocky waters both along the coast and inland on the flats. Will venture into the deeper waters and as well up the rivers and streams along the coast to spawn.
FIGHT
Very strong and stubborn. Heavy runs are a "Reds" strength.
Size
Most common from 1-12 pounds in southwest Florida. Large fish are 30 pounds with the possibility of up to 60 pounds.
FLORIDA RECORD
52 pounds 5 oz
4. SPOTTED SEA TROUT
LOCATION These fish are found practically in all Florida waters, but are most commonly caught along grassy, shallow flats or inland waters. They move into slow-moving or still, shallow water in cold weather.
FIGHT Not as strong as a red fish or snook, but a strong striker. Use light gear and the better the fight. May jump and put on a good show, but no long runs.
SIZE Most common at 1-8 pounds.
WORLD RECORD 17lbs 7oz
Craig F. Carson
Ft. Pierce, FL
May 11, 1995
5. Goliath Grouper (JEWFISH)
LOCATION These fish are found in inshore and offshore, most likely around structure. Juveniles are found inshore with adults greater that 6 years found offshore.
FIGHT Small fish in the 10-50lb range are great backwater fighters. The larger fish tend to be offshore and maybe to heavy for the strongest gear. Be ready for a stubborn pull and maybe even a losing battle tug of war....
SIZE Caught anywhere from a few pounds up around 500lbs. Reportedly may grow up to 800+ pounds but never landed at that size.
WORLD RECORD 680lbs
Lynn Joyner
Fernandina Beach, FL
May 20, 1961
6. Pompano (Florida Pompano)
LOCATION
These fish are found predominately in the surf, although many are caught in deep channels, and areas with good tidal flow.
FIGHT
Pound for Pound, one of the best fighters for its size. Hard Strikes with long drag screaming runs.
SIZE
most common at 1 to 5 pounds. Lunkers can reach up to 8 pounds.
7. TRIPLE TAIL
LOCATION
These fish are found in most all coastal and offshore waters, where they bunch around weed lines, crab buoys and channel markers.
FIGHT
Despite its slow clumsy appearance, don't underestimate its power full short runs and flashy jumps.
SIZE
Most common at 5-15 pounds with the occasional but rare fish reaching up to 20 + pounds.
FLORIDA RECORD
40 pounds 13 oz
(only to name a few).
Illustrations by Duane Raver, subject to copyright laws
