Discover the most common gamefish found in the waters surrounding Big Pine Key, FL.
Backcountry
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.