Flats Fishing Species 
        
         
          | Tarpon | Bonefish (Gray Ghost) | 
         
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          | Family Elopidae, TARPONSMegalops atlanticus
 | Family Albulidae, BONEFISHESAlbula 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) | 
         
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          | Family Centropomidae, SNOOKSCentropomus undecimalis
 | Family Sciaenidae, DRUMSCynoscion 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 | 
         
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          | Family Sciaenidae, DRUMSSciaenops ocellatus
 | Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOSCaranx 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.  | 
         
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