Discover the most common gamefish found in the waters surrounding Big Pine Key, FL.
Backcountry
Snook
Snook, also known as linesiders, are popular game fish found in backcountry waters along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. They have a distinct black lateral line running down their sides, a sloping forehead, and a prominent lower jaw. Snook are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting abilities, making them a favorite among anglers.
Bonefish
Bonefish are highly sought-after species for fly anglers in backcountry waters of tropical and subtropical regions. They are silvery in color with a long, slender body and a deeply forked tail. Bonefish are known for their speed and elusiveness, making them challenging targets.
Redfish
Also called red drum, these fish are found in backcountry waters along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. They have a reddish-bronze color with a distinctive black spot near their tail. Redfish are strong fighters and are popular for both recreational and commercial fishing.
Spotted Seatrout
Seatrout, also known as spotted seatrout or speckled trout, are common in backcountry waters along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. They have a dark, speckled back and a silvery belly. Seatrout are prized for their delicate flavor and are a popular target for recreational anglers.
Permit
Permit are highly prized game fish found in backcountry waters of tropical and subtropical regions. They have a deep, laterally compressed body with a forked tail and are silver with a bluish tint. Permit are known for their challenging fight and are often targeted by experienced anglers.
Tarpon
Tarpon, also known as the “silver king,” are iconic in backcountry waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They are large, silver fish with a pronounced lower jaw and a prominent dorsal fin. Tarpon are famous for their acrobatic leaps during fights, making them one of the most thrilling species to catch.
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle are powerful and aggressive fish commonly found in backcountry waters. They have a deep, stout body with a greenish to brassy color and a black spot near their pectoral fin. Jack Crevalle are known for their hard-hitting strikes and strong runs, providing anglers with exciting battles.
Nearshore
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove snapper are commonly found nearshore, particularly in coastal mangrove habitats. They have a reddish-brown color with a dark stripe running from their eye to the tail. Mangrove snapper are prized for their delicious flesh and are a popular target for both recreational and commercial fishing.
Mutton Snapper
Mutton snapper are another popular nearshore species, often found around reefs and wrecks. They have a pinkish color with a distinct blue line below their eye and a deeply forked tail. Mutton snapper are known for their wary nature, making them a challenge to catch.
Red Grouper
Red grouper are a sought-after species found nearshore, typically around rocky areas and reefs. They have a reddish-brown color with dark spots and irregular markings on their body. Red grouper are known for their excellent table fare and are a favorite among anglers.
Black Grouper
Black grouper are large, powerful fish found nearshore around reefs and structure. They have a dark olive or grayish color with black, rectangular markings on their body. Black grouper are prized for their strength and challenging fights.
Black Grouper
Black grouper are large, powerful fish found nearshore around reefs and structure. They have a dark olive or grayish color with black, rectangular markings on their body. Black grouper are prized for their strength and challenging fights.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath grouper are large, heavyweight fish that inhabit nearshore waters, especially around shipwrecks and reefs. They have a mottled brownish-gray color with a massive, broad body. Goliath grouper are protected and prized for their size and strength, but they are strictly catch-and-release due to conservation efforts.
Offshore
Dolphinfish (mahi mahi)
Also known as dorado or dolphin fish, Mahi Mahi are colorful and fast-swimming fish found in offshore waters worldwide. They have a vibrant greenish-blue and yellow color with a distinct dorsal fin. Mahi Mahi are prized for their acrobatic displays and are highly sought-after by anglers and sport fishermen.
Wahoo
Wahoo are swift and aggressive fish commonly found in offshore waters. They have a sleek, elongated body with blue vertical stripes and a pointed, elongated jaw. Wahoo are known for their incredible speed and are a favorite target for big-game anglers.
Blue Marlin
Blue marlin are one of the most prized big-game fish in offshore waters. They have a cobalt blue color on their back and a silvery-white underside. Blue marlin are massive and powerful, known for their breathtaking leaps and challenging fights, making them an ultimate trophy for anglers.
Atlantic Sailfish
Sailfish are another prestigious billfish species found in offshore waters. They have a distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and a silvery-blue color. Sailfish are known for their incredible speed and aerial acrobatics, offering anglers an unforgettable fishing experience.
Golden Tilefish
Tilefish are deep-water species commonly found in offshore waters, particularly around rocky bottoms and canyons. They have a bluish to pinkish color and a compressed, elongated body. Tilefish are known for their excellent table fare and are sought after by both recreational and commercial fishermen.
Snowy Grouper
Snowy grouper are deep-water dwellers, typically found in offshore waters around rocky areas and ledges. They have a pale, whitish color with irregular dark spots on their body. Snowy grouper are prized for their taste and are often caught by deep-sea anglers targeting bottom-dwelling species.