Pick a species for seasons, baits, and local conditions. Start with sheepshead and tarpon if you’re planning a trip this season.
Florida fish identification & seasons
Florida anglers commonly target tarpon, snook, red drum, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, pompano, mangrove snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, cobia, king mackerel, and more. Use these species guides to identify your catch, check seasonal patterns, choose bait, understand keeper rules, and jump to local tide and bite forecasts.
Pogonias cromis
Large drum species found in estuaries. Can reach impressive sizes.
Rachycentron canadum
Large pelagic fish often found near buoys and wrecks. Excellent table quality.
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Trachinotus carolinus
Excellent eating fish found in surf. Silver body with yellow fins.
Paralichthys albigutta
Flatfish common in coastal bays and flats. Excellent eating and popular sport fish.
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Mycteroperca microlepis
Popular reef fish with excellent table quality. Found around structure.
Seriola dumerili
Large powerful offshore fish found around structure. Extremely hard fighter.
Lutjanus synagris
Small snapper with distinctive yellow stripes and pink spot.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Epinephelus morio
Common grouper species in Gulf waters. Reddish-brown coloration.
Ocyurus chrysurus
Beautiful snapper with yellow tail and lateral stripe. Excellent table fare.
Pomatomus saltatrix
Aggressive pelagic fish known for spectacular blitzes. Strong fighter with excellent runs.
Scomberomorus cavalla
Large mackerel species prized by anglers. Strong fighter found offshore.
Coryphaena hippurus
Colorful pelagic fish found in offshore waters and around floating debris. Spectacular fighter.
Trachinotus falcatus
Highly prized sport fish. Challenging to catch on flats and around wrecks.
Istiophorus platypterus
The Atlantic Sailfish is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, famous for its spectacular leaping ability and iconic dorsal sail. Found in the warm offshore waters of the Atlantic, it is the premier billfish target off Florida's Southeast coast. Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach are considered among the top sailfish destinations in the world, with winter being the prime season as fish migrate along the Gulf Stream.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Lobotes surinamensis
Unusual fish that likes to hide under floating objects. Excellent table quality.
Acanthocybium solandri
Fast pelagic predator found in blue water. Lightning-fast strikes and long runs.
