Species Guide: Saltwater Game Fish

Bluefish are found in a variety of coastal habitats, ranging from the surf to rock outcroppings, brackish estuaries, and above the continental shelf.

Renowned for their speed, wariness, and their propensity to tail, bonefish are coastal game fish.

Known to exceed 80 pounds in weight, California yellowtail are powerful fighters that make full use of their muscular bodies and large, forked tails.

Cobia's brute strength, dogged fighting style and delicious flavor makes them a top target of coastal anglers.

The dolphin's fighting spirit, acrobatic nature and superb quality as table fair make it a favorite of game fish anglers worldwide.

Flounder spend most of the year in deep water, but move inshore during spring, staging along beaches, in inlets, bays, canals and coastal creeks …

Some grouper species prefer to ambush prey, while others are active predators.

The International Gamefish Association recognizes five species of halibut.

Kingfish can be caught with live bait or lures.

Brute strength, speed, stamina and a flair for acrobatics make marlin highly coveted targets of offshore anglers.

Permit are considered the proverbial feather on any inshore angler’s cap.

Redfish remain a perennial favorite of anglers throughout their range.

Sailfish with their broad sail-like dorsal fin and spectacular aerobatics are unmistakable.

Seatrout usually sought in inshore waters, over grass flats or shell bars where they school and feed.

Some four dozen species of sharks provide targets for anglers.

The snappers are voracious feeders, with the teeth to back it up, and will hit cut baits, live baits, shrimp, and lures.

Though always challenging, anglers successfully target snook with light casting tackle.

Stripers are taken by casting, drifting, and trolling, and respond to a variety of live, dead and artificial baits on a range of tackle.

Perhaps the most elusive of the billfishes, the broadbill swordfish is primarily a creature of the deep in the world’s oceans.

No matter the size, tarpon all put on the same spectacular aerial battle, testing tackle to the limits.

Tripletail will readily hit live baits, lures or flies, put up a dogged fight, and often unexpectedly take to the air.

For strength and speed, tunas offer unmatched challenge as elite big game species.

The vivid vertical stripes and long, slender body make this voracious member of the mackerel family unmistakable.