Inshore & Bay Fishing Charter Boats
Fish Pictures
Fishing Resources
Florida Division of Freshwater Fisheries
Fish Pictures
Picture of fish species that are typically caught in the Destin, Florida...Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay area.
Pictures provided by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Almaco Jack
Wide-ranging in OFFSHORE waters, not a common catch; young are associated with Sargassum. Usually less than 20 pounds.
Wide-ranging in OFFSHORE waters, not a common catch; young are associated with Sargassum. Usually less than 20 pounds.
Banded Rudderfish NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE over hard bottom, generally in shallower water than other amberjacks; young associated with weed lines or floating debris and may follow sharks and other large fish. Usually less than 10 pounds.
Greater Amberjack
OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60 - 240 feet of water; sometimes caught NEARSHORE in south Florida; juveniles associated with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep. Common to 40 pounds.
OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60 - 240 feet of water; sometimes caught NEARSHORE in south Florida; juveniles associated with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep. Common to 40 pounds.
Crevalle Jack
Common in both INSHORE waters and the open sea. Usually 3 to 5 pounds.
Common in both INSHORE waters and the open sea. Usually 3 to 5 pounds.
Gray (Mangrove) Snapper
Vermilllion Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Sheepshead
INSHORE species around oyster bars, seawalls and in tidal creeks; moves NEARSHORE in late winter and early spring for spawning, gathering over debris, artificial reefs and around navigation markers. Size: INSHORE, 1 to 2 pounds; OFFSHORE, common to 8 pounds.
INSHORE species around oyster bars, seawalls and in tidal creeks; moves NEARSHORE in late winter and early spring for spawning, gathering over debris, artificial reefs and around navigation markers. Size: INSHORE, 1 to 2 pounds; OFFSHORE, common to 8 pounds.
Red Drum (redfish)
Juveniles are an INSHORE fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population OFFSHORE. One of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.
Juveniles are an INSHORE fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population OFFSHORE. One of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.
Red Snapper
Black Drum
INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. Common to 30 pounds.
INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. Common to 30 pounds.
Gag Grouper
Adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds INSHORE. Common to 25 pounds.
Adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds INSHORE. Common to 25 pounds.
Red Grouper
Bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years occupy NEARSHORE reefs. Common to 15 pounds.
Bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years occupy NEARSHORE reefs. Common to 15 pounds.
Scamp
NEARSHORE reefs off the northeastern coast, and on OFFSHORE reefs in the Gulf. Generally smaller than gags or blacks.
NEARSHORE reefs off the northeastern coast, and on OFFSHORE reefs in the Gulf. Generally smaller than gags or blacks.
Black Seabass
Structure-loving fish, associated with reefs and rubble OFFSHORE; smaller specimens often found INSHORE finger channels. Common to 1.5 pounds (13 inches).
Structure-loving fish, associated with reefs and rubble OFFSHORE; smaller specimens often found INSHORE finger channels. Common to 1.5 pounds (13 inches).
Sand Perch
Bank (rock) Seabass
OFFSHORE in deep water with rocks and reefs. Usually 0.3 pound (8 inches).
OFFSHORE in deep water with rocks and reefs. Usually 0.3 pound (8 inches).
Cobia
Both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around bayou, pilings, and wrecks. Common to 30 pounds.
Both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around bayou, pilings, and wrecks. Common to 30 pounds.
Tripletail
King Mackerel
NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, occasionally taken from piers running into deep water. Common to 20 pounds.
NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, occasionally taken from piers running into deep water. Common to 20 pounds.
Spanish Mackerel
INSHORE, NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, especially over grass beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in winter. Average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches).
INSHORE, NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, especially over grass beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in winter. Average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches).
Tarpon
Florida Pompano
INSHORE and NEARSHORE waters, especially along sandy beaches, along oyster banks, and over grassbeds, often in turbid water; may be found in water as deep as 130 feet. Usually less than 3 pounds.
INSHORE and NEARSHORE waters, especially along sandy beaches, along oyster banks, and over grassbeds, often in turbid water; may be found in water as deep as 130 feet. Usually less than 3 pounds.
Permit
OFFSHORE on wrecks and debris, INSHORE on grass flats, sand flats, and in channels; most abundant in south Florida, with smaller specimens from every coastal county. Common to 25 pounds.
OFFSHORE on wrecks and debris, INSHORE on grass flats, sand flats, and in channels; most abundant in south Florida, with smaller specimens from every coastal county. Common to 25 pounds.
Gulf Flounder
INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs. Common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder.
INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs. Common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder.
Spotted Seatrout
INSHORE and/or NEARSHORE over grass, sand and sandy bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather. Common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast.
INSHORE and/or NEARSHORE over grass, sand and sandy bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather. Common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast.
Sand Seatrout
Gulf species that may occur in the Atlantic waters of extreme south-eastern Florida; adults predominantly found INSHORE residing in bays and inlets but may move OFFSHORE during winter months; young occur INSHORE in shallow bays. Less than 1 pound (10 to 12 inches).
Gulf species that may occur in the Atlantic waters of extreme south-eastern Florida; adults predominantly found INSHORE residing in bays and inlets but may move OFFSHORE during winter months; young occur INSHORE in shallow bays. Less than 1 pound (10 to 12 inches).
Ladyfish
Bluefish
Young usually INSHORE spring and summer, moving OFFSHORE to join adults fall and winter; strong migration of northeast Atlantic stock to Florida east coast in winter. Most west coast catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east coast.
Young usually INSHORE spring and summer, moving OFFSHORE to join adults fall and winter; strong migration of northeast Atlantic stock to Florida east coast in winter. Most west coast catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east coast.
Tomtate
Red Porgy
Found: deeper part of continental shelf, but young occur in water as shallow as 18 m (60ft.). Size: to 91 cm(3 ft.)
Found: deeper part of continental shelf, but young occur in water as shallow as 18 m (60ft.). Size: to 91 cm(3 ft.)
Jolthead Porgy
Coastal waters to 45 m (150 ft.)., R.I., Bermuda, and n. Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Size: To 60 cm (2 ft.) and 3.6 kg (8 lbs.).
Coastal waters to 45 m (150 ft.)., R.I., Bermuda, and n. Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Size: To 60 cm (2 ft.) and 3.6 kg (8 lbs.).
Knobbed Porgy
Sailfish
Dolphin (male)
OFFSHORE in warm waters. Common to 30 pounds.
OFFSHORE in warm waters. Common to 30 pounds.
Wahoo
Little Tunny
Blackfin Tuna
Great Barracuda
Shortfin Mako Shark
OFFSHORE fish often seen near the surface. Commonly 6 to 8 feet (200 to 300 pounds).
OFFSHORE fish often seen near the surface. Commonly 6 to 8 feet (200 to 300 pounds).
Sandbar Shark
NEARSHORE fish typically found at depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet. Common to 6 feet.
NEARSHORE fish typically found at depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet. Common to 6 feet.
Blacktip Shark
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Both OFFSHORE and INSHORE. Common to 6 feet and can reach 14 feet.
Both OFFSHORE and INSHORE. Common to 6 feet and can reach 14 feet.
Picture of fish species that are found in Florida waters.
Pictures provided by Division of Marine Fisheries.
American Shad
OFFSHORE except during late winter spawning run into east coast rivers, notably the St. Johns River. Most catches 2 to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds.
OFFSHORE except during late winter spawning run into east coast rivers, notably the St. Johns River. Most catches 2 to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds.
Blue Marlin
OFFSHORE, a blue water fish. Largest of the Atlantic marlins, common to 11 feet, known to exceed 2,000 pounds.
OFFSHORE, a blue water fish. Largest of the Atlantic marlins, common to 11 feet, known to exceed 2,000 pounds.
Blue Runner
Juveniles found OFFSHORE; adults NEARSHORE in schools, but sometimes ranging INSHORE as well. Usually less than 1 pound (11 inches).
Juveniles found OFFSHORE; adults NEARSHORE in schools, but sometimes ranging INSHORE as well. Usually less than 1 pound (11 inches).
Bonefish
Primarily INSHORE fish inhabiting shallows of the Florida Keys; found in shallows often less than 1 foot deep, usually over lush grass flats, occasionally over white sand. 3 to 5 pounds.
Primarily INSHORE fish inhabiting shallows of the Florida Keys; found in shallows often less than 1 foot deep, usually over lush grass flats, occasionally over white sand. 3 to 5 pounds.
Bonnethead Shark
INSHORE species found in bays and estuaries. Commonly 3 to 4 feet.
INSHORE species found in bays and estuaries. Commonly 3 to 4 feet.
Cero Mackerel
NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks. Common to 5 pounds.
NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks. Common to 5 pounds.
Fantail Mullet
INSHORE, occurring along beaches in the fall. Small mullet, less than 1 pound.
INSHORE, occurring along beaches in the fall. Small mullet, less than 1 pound.
Goliath Grouper
NEARSHORE often around docks, in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in southern Florida than in northern waters. Largest of the groupers.
NEARSHORE often around docks, in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in southern Florida than in northern waters. Largest of the groupers.
Longbill Spearfish
OFFSHORE in deep water. Relatively small species.
OFFSHORE in deep water. Relatively small species.
Nassau Grouper
Range limited to south Florida; somewhat site specific; smaller individuals NEARSHORE, adults OFFSHORE on rocky reefs. Most catches under 10 pounds.
Range limited to south Florida; somewhat site specific; smaller individuals NEARSHORE, adults OFFSHORE on rocky reefs. Most catches under 10 pounds.
Pinfish
Found in seagrass beds, bridges, piers, marker pilings, and around natural and artificial reefs; spawn offshore. Usually less than 8 inches.
Found in seagrass beds, bridges, piers, marker pilings, and around natural and artificial reefs; spawn offshore. Usually less than 8 inches.
Rock Seabass
OFFSHORE; differs from other sea basses in that it is often found on sandy or muddy bottoms. Small species rarely more than 10 inches.
OFFSHORE; differs from other sea basses in that it is often found on sandy or muddy bottoms. Small species rarely more than 10 inches.
Silver Seatrout
Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms OFFSHORE along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida; migrates into bays during cold months. Usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches).
Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms OFFSHORE along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida; migrates into bays during cold months. Usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches).
Silver Perch
INSHORE in seagrass beds, tidal creeks and rivers, and marshes. Small, not exceeding 9 inches.
INSHORE in seagrass beds, tidal creeks and rivers, and marshes. Small, not exceeding 9 inches.
Striped Mullet
INSHORE. Roe mullet common to 3 pounds but in aquariums known to reach 12 pounds or more.
INSHORE. Roe mullet common to 3 pounds but in aquariums known to reach 12 pounds or more.
Swordfish
OFFSHORE species worldwide in temperate and tropic waters; known to frequent depths of 400 to 500 fathoms; also has been seen basking at the surface. Commercially caught swordfish to average of 48 inches.
OFFSHORE species worldwide in temperate and tropic waters; known to frequent depths of 400 to 500 fathoms; also has been seen basking at the surface. Commercially caught swordfish to average of 48 inches.
Weakfish
An Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move INSHORE and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlets, bays, channels and estuaries; adults move OFFSHORE and south during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries. 2 to 3 pounds
An Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move INSHORE and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlets, bays, channels and estuaries; adults move OFFSHORE and south during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries. 2 to 3 pounds
White Grunt
Found: from SHORE to the outer reef edge or on OFFSHORE hard bottom to 115 feet; most abundant in water less than 80 feet deep; juveniles INSHORE. Most catches 1.5 pounds (15 inches).
Found: from SHORE to the outer reef edge or on OFFSHORE hard bottom to 115 feet; most abundant in water less than 80 feet deep; juveniles INSHORE. Most catches 1.5 pounds (15 inches).
White Marlin
OFFSHORE, a blue water fish. Common to 8 feet.
OFFSHORE, a blue water fish. Common to 8 feet.
Yellowmouth Grouper
OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as scamp in the Gulf; range limited to southern Florida. Common to 15 pounds.
OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as scamp in the Gulf; range limited to southern Florida. Common to 15 pounds.
