Flats Fishing Species
Tarpon |
Bonefish (Gray Ghost) |
|
|
Family Elopidae, TARPONS
Megalops atlanticus |
Family Albulidae, BONEFISHES
Albula vulpes |
Capable of reaching weights of 300 pounds, though
rarely reaching 200 in Florida waters, the Tarpon is without a doubt
one of the most thrilling game-fish to catch in the world. Abundant
throughout most of the coastal waters, Tarpon will readily strike
both artificial and live baits. Known for their incredible leaping
ability and long fight, these fish are not for the weak of heart. |
Bonefish occur in shallow tropical and subtropical
waters, where they inhabit tidal flats and coastal passes. Similar
to the sea trout, bonefish are essentially schooling fish. Smaller
bonefish can be seen in large schools on the flats; while, larger
ones tend to be more solitary and form smaller schools or groups. |
Snook ( Line-Sides) |
Spotted Sea Trout (Speckled Trout) |
|
|
Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS
Centropomus undecimalis |
Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion nebulosus |
Sought after by Florida anglers for its incredible
fighting power. Snook are a protected species that is regulated
closely to protect the fishery. Catch and release fishing is strongly
encouraged. Known for explosive top water strikes that often knock
a plug out of the water completely. Snook are hard fighters, that
will jump and rattle their gills in an effort to escape. Abundant
throughout the warmer coastal estuaries. |
Though more common the farther north you travel
in the coastal flats, Spotted Sea Trout are relatively abundant
in most local waters. These fish are always willing to accept both
live bait and artificial and make excellent table fare. Averaging
2 pounds, the Sea Trout can reach weights of 10 pounds or more. |
Red Fish |
Crevalle Jack |
|
|
Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Sciaenops ocellatus |
Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOS
Caranx hippos |
Frequently found around Oyster Bars and on opened
water flats, the Red Fish is a member of the Drum family. These
fish are known for bruising long runs that are referred to as being
similar to hanging on to a runaway truck. Red fish are abundant
throughout most coastal flats and will readily take both live and
artificial baits. |
The Crevalle Jack may be one of the toughest
fighting fish pound for pound anywhere. Exciting to watch feeding,
these fish commonly travel in Wolf Pack fashion, marauding unsuspecting
bait fish in a frenzy. Willingly accepts anything thrown in its
direction when feeding. |
|
|
|
|