Misc. Reef Fish

I hope you find this fish info helpful on Charter Fishing on the Gulf Of Mexico out of Johns Pass Madeira Beach Florida.   Please call me if there are any other questions I can discuss with you.

Captain Bob Poteshman  773-682-1888

Miscellaneous Reef Fish 

Flounder: Paralichthys albigutta (Gulf Flounder)

ag5

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Hogfish: Lachnolaimus maximus

hog

Habitat and Fishing Tips:

Hogfish are a reef species that inhabit rocky bottoms, ledges and reefs throughout Florida’s off-shore waters. They are easily identified by their long, hog-like snout, which allows them to feed on bottom-dwelling mollusks and crustaceans. Because they tend to root in the sediment in search of small prey, they are not commonly caught on hook and line. Hogfish are primarily harvested by spearfishing, and they are considered to be of excellent food quality.

State Record:  19 lb 8 oz, caught in Daytona Beach 

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Sheepshead: Archosargus probatocephalus

sheep

State Record:

15 lb 2 oz, caught near Homosassa

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Knobbed Porgy: Calamus nodosus

knobb

Appearance:

  • Body deep; front profile very steep
  • Nape projects strongly in large adults
  • Body is generally silvery, with a rosy cast
  • Cheek and snout are dark purplish gray, with many bronze spots
  • Large blue spot at axil of pectoral fin

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Gray Triggerfish: Balistes capriscus 

gry

 

Habitat and Fishing Tips:

Triggerfish inhabit hard bottom ledges and artificial reefs in water depths that exceed 80 feet. Because they prefer the same type of habitat, they are almost always found in association with red snapper. Triggerfish feed primarily on benthic invertebrates including crabs, sea urchins, shrimp, sand dollars and mollusks. Recreational anglers commonly catch triggers on squid or cut bait but they are also harvested by spear fishing. Triggerfish are notorious bait stealers and often frustrate anglers targeting larger snapper and grouper. Because triggerfish have a hard, bony mouth, it is very important to use a small, very sharp hook. Light to medium bottom fishing equipment with 20 to 50 pound test line is sufficient for triggerfish which average 2 to 4 pounds.

State Record:

12 lb 7 oz, caught near Pensacola July 15, 2001

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Tripletail: Lobotes surinamensis

ah9

Habitat and Fishing Tips:

Like many other pelagic species, tripletail associate strongly with floating objects. They can be found throughout Florida waters and anglers generally find them suspended under buoys, channel markers and other floating objects. Tripletails spend much of their time in brackish water bays and estuaries. Catching tripletail is an art and requires both skill and patience. Finding the fish and using the right bait and tackle are the keys to success. Successful fishers typically use a live shrimp on very light tackle with little or no lead.

State Record:

40 lb 13 oz

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All other questions can be answered by calling me or sending me an e-mail call2fish@confusioncharters.com