Saltwater Fish Species

Anglers will come across a wide variety of species while participating in fishing charters. A thorough knowledge of the various species found in a particular location will make a day of fishing more productive and enjoyable. Fish species vary greatly by region, as do the techniques needed to make a good catch, which is why understanding the appearance, habitat and behavior of a species is so important. The ability to identify fish species can also add interest to the fishing experience, as can any background knowledge on the fish you've caught or plan to catch.

Certain species have proven especially popular with devoted anglers. One example is the cobia, a powerful fish that dominates inshore saltwater areas. Fishing for cobia can be a highly thrilling endeavor. Better yet, catches of 50 pound (or greater) cobia are common. Another popular species is the dolphinfish. This colorful fish is easy to identify and is considered a huge prize in the fishing community.

Anglers encounter a number of other fish species during charter trips. These include bluefish, redfish, groupers (black, red, snowy and goliath), Spanish and kingfish mackerel, marlin (black, blue, striped and white), salmon (pink, silver, chum and king), tarpon, tuna (blackfin, bluefin and yellowfin), and wahoo, among others. Read more to learn about these distinctive species and the qualities that make them desirable catches.