Saltwater Fish of the USA Gulf Coast

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Saltwater Fish of the USA Gulf Coast

Date Added: September 21, 2008 11:41:03 PM

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Category: Recreational Fishing: Fishing Articles

ArticleSpotted Seatrout

Spotted seatrout are striking fish, having a pattern of multi colored spots on a silvery back. They prefer shallow inshore areas where they prey on shrimp, crabs and small to mid-sized baitfish. Spotted seatrout are often the most popular catch among marine recreational anglers, especially in Florida nearby states. 6.8 million fish were caught in 2006. One encouraging statistic is that 75% of recreationally caught speckled trout are released to grow.

Gray Trout

Gray Trout are beautiful fish. Typically, fish have a dark olive back, iridescent blue and copper sides and a silvery white belly. Other identifying features are yellow fins, large canine teeth in the upper jaw and dark spots on the upper part of the body, sometimes forming diagonal lines. Most adult gray trout range from 12 to 18 inches but can grow up to to 3 feet long and weigh 4-18 pounds.

Other names include sea trout, gator trout and weakfish. The name "weakfish" comes from the fish's fragile mouth, which tears easily when hooked. Gray trout are members of the drum family, which includes spot, red drum, back drum and Atlantic croaker. This family of fish make a drumming or croaking sound by vibrating its swim bladder using special muscles. Along the Gulf Coast, anglers often use live shrimp or small baitfish to temp gray trout. The fish are also caught with artificial lures.

Redfish

Redfish are also known as red drum. Like spotted seatrout, these fish inhabit shallow bays and esturaries, targeting crustaceans and baitfish. They are highly prized as a recreational fish. Some redfish anglers compete in national tournaments that are similar to freshwater bass fishing events.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are one of the most sought after and highly prized Gulf Coast fish. Another reef fish, snappers are caught together with grouper. Red snapper is low in saturated fat and sodium and is a very good source of protein. In 2006, Over 4.5 million pounds of red snapper, valued at over $13 million, were caught commercially in the USA.

Grouper

The term grouper includes a wide range of species. Among them are snowy grouper, nassau grouper, black grouper, red grouper, gag grouper and others. grouper tend to be heavy bodied fish that orient to structure such as reefs, rocks and shipwrecks. They are aggressive fish and are highly sought after by recreational and commercial fishermen. Grouper is excellent table fair, with mild white flesh that is well suited for a variety of cooking methods.

Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish are fast growing, pelagic fish. They are among the most beautiful of all fish. Younger dolphin fish school together, orienting to sargasso weed or floating debri. Larger fish are loners or travel in small groups, usually roaming although they sometimes still lurk around floating structure. Male dolphin fish develop a blunt forehead and grow larger than the females.

Swordfish

Swordfish are caught mostly at night, in the deeper areas offshore. On overnight trips, anglers typically set one or more lines at various depths. Nighttime swordfish rigs usually consist of a large circle or Southern tuna hook on a cable leader. Swordfish baits include whole squid, mackerel or other small fish. A glow stick is added to the leader a few feet above the bait. Inline weights may also be added on the line to control the depth of the bait.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are pelagic fish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These attractive, streamlined fish are fast swimmers and highly sought after by sportsmen. King mackerele are long, sleek and have razor sharp teeth and very keen eyesight.

Cobia

Cobia are among the largest and most exciting gamefish. The are found along the USA East and Gulf coasts. They are striking fish, with sleek, brightly striped bodies. The fish are brown above, with a very visible black stripe along the lateral line, and white below. They have a wide blunt head, large mouth and deeply forked tail.

Amberjacks

Amberjacks are large saltwater fish that love structure such as reefs, shipwrecks and rocky outcrops. Exceeding 100 lbs, these heavy built fish are brutal to catch, demanding heavy tackle and experienced anglers. They are caught on live bait and occasionally on artificial lures.

Atlantic Croaker

The Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus, is also known as croaker or hardhead. These abundant fish range from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to the Campeche Bank, Mexico. Live croaker are a common bait for grouper and speckled sea trout. Croaker are very popular among recreational anglers both as a food fish and for use as live bait. Croaker are also important catches for commercial fishermen.

Spot

Spot are named and identified by the distinctive dark spot above the pectoral fin It is also known as lafayette, goody, or Norfolk spot. Spot are common from Cape Cod to Florida and through the Gulf of Mexico. The species is considered both a valuable commercial and recreational species throughout its range. Spot rarely exceed 10 inches in length. The fish are highly sought after as a food fish by both commercial and recreational fishermen. These panfish are abundant in near-shore oceanic areas, coastal bays, and estuaries.

Silver Perch

Silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), also known as silver croaker ranges from New York southward through the Gulf of Mexico to northern Mexico. Because of its relatively small size, the silver perch has limited commercial value as a food fish. Silver perch are popular as a live bait species and is occasionally used as such by anglers who harvest the fish for the table. The diet of silver perch consists mainly of crustaceans, worms, and occasionally fish.

Pinfish

Pinfish, also known as sailor’s choice, or pin perch is one of the most common inshore fish. It ranges from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico. Pinfish are known to coastal anglers as a "bait stealer," but are sought after as a bait for other larger fish. Pinfish are abundant from Virginia south. They occur over a wide variety of bottom types but prefer vegetated bottoms. Pinfish can tolerate wide variations in temperature and salinity conditions. Pinfish reach lengths of about 15 inches, although most pinfish are 4-8 inches in length and are usually considered as baitfish.

Pigfish

Pigfish are colorful members of the grunt family. They are marked with a bluish upper and a silver lower body. Each scale has a blue center and bronze edge, which forms a series of yellow-brown stripes on the sides and sometimes exhibits orange bands on the snout and head. The full range of pigfish extends from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico, although they are rare north of Virginia.

Pigfish are caught by recreational anglers and considered to be a good quality food fish. Pigfish are also used as live bait especially in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Pigfish have limited commercial importance. Most commercial landings come as pigfish are mixed with other grunt species.Pigfish reach lengths of about 18 inches, with a maximum weight of about 2 pounds. Pigfish are short lived and rarely exceed 3 years of age.

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