Gulf Coast Saltwater Fishing

Spotted Seatroutthrough the Gulf of Mexico, although they are
In 2007, Spotted seatrout was the most popularrare north of Virginia. Pigfish are caught by
catch among marine recreational anglers . Therecreational anglers and considered to be a good
species is caught in the Gulf of Mexico and thequality food fish.
south Atlantic regions, which have the highestPigfish have limited commercial importance, and
combined concentration of saltwater anglers in themost commercial landings come as pigfish are
nation.mixed with other grunt species. Pigfish are also
used as live bait especially in Florida and the Gulf
Redfishof Mexico. Pigfish reach lengths of about 18
Redfish are common in the southern USA. Redfishinches, with a maximum weight of about 2
inhabit shallow bays and esturaries, targetingpounds. Pigfish are short lived and rarely exceed 3
crustaceans and baitfish. They are highly prized asyears of age.
a recreational fish. Some redfish anglers competeFlorida Pompano
in national tournaments that are similar toFlorida Pompano range from Massachusetts to
freshwater bass fishing events. These beautifulthe Gulf of Mexico as well as in parts of South
fish are also known as red drum.America. Florida Pompano are schooling fish that
Red Snapperare often found in the surf. They average 1-2 lbs,
Red snapper is one of the most sought after andare are highly regarded as a food fish. Florida
highly prized Gulf Coast fish. Red snapper is low inpompano are said to bring the highest price per
saturated fat and sodium and is a very goodpound of any fish in the United States.
source of protein. In 2006, Over 4.5 million poundsBlueline Tilefish
of red snapper, valued at over $13 million, wereBlueline or gray tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) are
caught commercially in the USA.another species of tilefish. They also burrow and
Spotsometimes live in communities along the bottom.
Spot are named and identified by the distinctiveAdults weigh an average of 10-25 pounds. Blueline
dark spot above the pectoral fin It is also knownTilefish have firm, white meat with a mild flavor.
as lafayette, goody, or Norfolk spot. Spot areAmberjacks
common from Cape Cod to Florida and throughAmberjacks are large saltwater fish that love
the Gulf of Mexico. The species is considered bothstructure such as reefs, shipwrecks and rocky
a valuable commercial and recreational speciesoutcrops. These hard fighting fish are caught live
throughout its range.lining baits around oil rigs, wrecks, reefs and other
Spot rarely exceed 10 inches in length. The fishhotspots.
are highly sought after as a food fish by bothYellowfin Tuna
commercial and recreational fishermen. TheseYellowfin tuna are a favorite among anglers in
panfish are abundant in near-shore oceanic areas,many parts of the USA and worldwide. These fish
coastal bays, and estuaries.are found where ever there is warm water and
Pinfishpods of baitfish. Yellowfin travel in groups and
Pinfish, also known as sailor's choice, or pin perchtheir aggressive feeding habits sometimes get
is one of the most common inshore fish. Itthem in trouble as anglers.
ranges from Massachusetts through the Gulf ofMahi Mahi
Mexico. Pinfish known to coastal anglers as a "baitMahi Mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish
stealer," but are sought after as a bait for otherare fast growing, pelagic fish. They are among the
larger fish. Pinfish are abundant from Virginia south.most beautiful of all fish. Younger fish school in
They occur over a wide variety of bottom typeslarge numbers, orienting to sargasso weed or
but prefer vegetated bottoms. Pinfish can toleratefloating debri. Larger fish are loners or travel in
wide variations in temperature and salinitysmall groups, but still orient to floating structure.
conditions. Pinfish reach lengths of about 15 inches,The males develop a blunt forehead and grow
although most pinfish are 4-8 inches in length andlarger than the females, sometimes reaching
are usually considered as baitfish.lengths of 5 feet and weighing 30-50 lbs.
PigfishWahoo
Pigfish are colorful members of the grunt family.Wahoo live in the open ocean and are common
They are marked with a bluish upper and a silveralong much of the USA and Caribbean. The
lower body. Each scale has a blue center andbeautiful fish are caught in a variety of ways
bronze edge, which forms a series ofincluding trolling, jigging, fly fishing, kite fishing, live
yellow-brown stripes on the sides and sometimesbaiting and others. Their razor sharp teeth and
exhibits orange bands on the snout and head. Theincredible speed make wahoo a very difficult fish
full range of pigfish extends from Massachusettsto land.