Hernando Fish Identification and Tips

Fish ID and Fishing Tips for Hernando FL

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:45:00 +0000

If you are new to fishing or just wanted to learn more about the sport. I built this blog to show you what type fish you might catch in Hernando county. Each fish will give a picture and description information from the myfwc web site. Also I have added maps showing you where to find the fish as well as tips and tricks to catching fish.

Click on any of the fish below or use the species menu, for the full details.

Redfish

Snook

Tarpon

Snapper

Gag Grouper

Red Grouper

Gulf Flounder

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Gulf Flounder ( Lefteye )

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Family Bothidae, LEFTEYE FLOUNDERS
Paralichthys albigutta

Description: body color brown, its shade depending on color of bottom, with numerous spots and blotches; 3 prominent eye-like spots forming a triangle; one spot on lateral line, one above, one below; numerous white spots scattered over body and fins (albigutta, white-spotted); strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin in shape of wedge, its tip in the middle.

Gulf Flounder can be found both inshore and offshore out to 25ft. They range from Centipede bay out to the tanks. There is a large sandy spot just north of the tanks that holds flounder in the summer and fall. They also can be found along the rocky bottom in 8 to 16 ft of water. Flounder are not usually the target fish when caught, however there are a few anglers do target flounder. Typically they are divers that have come across a rocky or sandy area that is holding flounder.

Flounder Pictures:
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If you have a picture(s) of flounder you caught and would like to post them here, please let us know using our contact form or email them to zippyjr123@gmail.com.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Tarpon

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Family Elopidae, TARPONS
Megalops atlanticus*

Description: last ray of dorsal fin extended into long filament; one dorsal fin; back dark blue to green or greenish black, shading into bright silver on the sides; may be brownish gold in estuarien waters; huge scales; mouth large and points upward.

Fishing Areas:
Every year Mothers Day kicks off the tarpon season in our area. Bayport (really chaz) held the #2 spot in the world for big tarpon. Over the last 10 years the tarpon migration to this area has steadily decreased. However that is not to say the tarpon fishing is not worth the efforts. Tarpon are mostly found inshore, but a there are a few schools of tarpon seen offshore.

North:
Bayport to Chaz is where most of the tarpon are caught. Black Rock hole is one of the favorite hot spots for tarpon.

South:
Many smaller tarpon can be found in the channels and on the grass flats during the tarpon season and through our the summer.

Baits:
Tarpon are not very picky. They will take live bait (pin fish, whitebait, sand perch, ballyhoo etc) cut bait (anything big and stinky, mullet, lady fish, etc) and a verity of lures.

Tackle:
This will depend on the fisherman, tarpon can be brought boat side with as little as 10# spinning gear. Provided you are up for the chase. Most tournament anglers will use high speed conventional reels with 30-50# mono. Of course there is the fly rod. Typically you if you plan on targeting tarpon and you are new to tarpon fishing, you will want to use a heavy (30# class) spinning gear with a 7ft matching rod. Then down size once you have a few releases to increase the challenge.

Tarpon Fishing Etiquette:
Tarpon fishing is a very competitive, expensive and time consuming sport. When targeting tarpon, you must understand a few rules.

DO NOT use your motor when in an area where you or others are stalking tarpon.
Find your own pod of tarpon to stalk, if someone is moving toward a pod of rolling tarpon, you will need to find your own pod. If you spook the fish no one will do any catching.
If another angler has a fish on, it is your responsibility to remain clear of the fight. There is nothing worse then losing a tarpon due to another boater.
Tarpon fishing is very competitive and tempers can run high, so be patient and treat other anglers and boats in the same manor you would like to be treated.
If you are new to the sport, try fishing on weekdays in the afternoon. As most seasoned anglers will fish the early to mid morning. As a result you will have a more and better opportunities to catch fish and learn what to expect. A big tarpon is much more fight than most expect.
Never use stainless steel hook. You will want hook that will fall out in a few days.
Never boat the fish. Always release the fish boat side, by breaking or cutting the leader. Lifting the fish out of the water and in to your boat can be fatal to fish as well as your favorite rod, sunglasses, tackle boxes and anything else the tarpon will smash.
Be safe!

Tarpon Pictures:
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Tarpon caught off my dock, fortunately the fish decided to stay close.

If you have a picture(s) of tarpon we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Cobia (Ling)

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Family Rachycentridae, COBIA
Rachycentron canadum*

Description: long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends through eye to tail; first dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9 free spines; when young, has conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripes.*

Fishing Areas:
Inshore and offshore; cobia are migratory fish and shown up in the west central Florida area in the spring. Larger fish tend to come from offshore, but many large fish have come from the inshore Bayport, Chaz area. When they pass through this area they seem to be just about everywhere.

Baits:
Live baits such as whitebait, pin fish works well.

Tackle:
Rod: A shorter heavy class rod.
Reel: A conventional reel with a heavy drag system (Spin gear used for inshore only)
Line: 40# and up mono or 50#+ braid.
Leader: A 60-100# mono or fluorocarbon leader.
Hooks: Circle hooks 5/0 - 10/0 depending on bait size.

Technique:
Cobia tend to hang around structure, like the Tri-pod, rock piles and wrecks. They are not picky or shy, in fact if you bang on the side of the boat the Cobia will come closer to investigate. Pitch out a live bait and and hold on. These fish are very powerful fighters often wearing out the angler before themselves. Be forewarned, do not boat a green fish (one that has not been exhausted) in to your boat. I have seen a cobia break a consoles loose, snap rods and knock tackle boxed overboard. When boating a cobia, you want to have a cooler or storage area open and ready. The fish comes out of the water and in to the cooler, then shut the lid and lock it down, because round two is about to start. Also be very careful handling the fish, between the base of the head and the dorsal fin (a place that looks like a great place to grab the fish), cobia have spines that are not visible until they raise the dorsal fin. The spines are very sharp and could easily cut you.

Always check the fishing regulations as they have changed several times in the last few years.

Cobia Pictures:
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If you have a picture(s) of cobia we would love to post it here. Please email any pictures and a brief story to zippyjr123 at gmail dot com or send contact us using the Contact Form.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Other Offshore Species

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Bottom Fish:

White Grunt:

Very common just about any rock, ledge or reef. They are also know as white snappers, key west snappers, but they are in the grunt family.

Depending on how far offshore you go, you may encounter pelagic fish (fish that do not live on the bottom) that migrate well off our coast.

Pelagic:

Dolphin

In the summer dolphin can be found 60+ miles from Hernando Beach. Typically these fish will be less than 5 pounds. Larger fish can be found near the loop or about 160 miles offshore.

Sailfish

MarlinSailfish, White, and Blue Marlin can be found out near the loop in the spring through fall. Every year there are bill fish tournaments held in the panhandle. Typically the angles run about 250 miles south, which puts them about 150 miles west of Hernando County.

Yellow fin, black fin tuna and Bonita, can be found in the summer out near the loop.

There are not many anglers who venture out for the pelagic fish, due to the high cost of fuel. However I know a few anglers with large sail boats that fish the loop, with trips lasting a few days. I think this may become more appealing if gas prices continue to climb.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Bait Fish

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:18:00 +0000

Scaled Sardine - Harengula jaguana
Family Clupeidae, HERRINGS

AKA: Whitebait, greenbacks, greenies.
Description: solid back with dark streaks, usually single small dark spot at upper edge of opercule and sometimes one at shoulder.*

Fishing Areas:
A highly prized bait fish for all game fish and they can be caught with a cast net or sabiki rig. To read more about catching whitebait please read Catching Whitebait. They are mostly inshore, but they can be found offshore. The whitebait arrive in the spring when the water reaches 72 degrees and spawn in August. They can be found through out the winter in the residential channels in Aripeka and south. The typical place to find whitebait in our area is the Aripeka channel, Bayport Channel and occasionally in the Hernando Beach channel. You can also find them in many of the grass flats. When the water is very calm, you can see the whitebait flipping on the surface. If you find a grass flat that holds whitebait make sure to mark the location and date, chances are they will return to the same grass flat every year.

Pinfish - Lagodon rhomboides
Family Sparidae, PORGIES

Description: small mouth with incisor-like teeth; distinctive black spot behind the gill cover; body bluish-silver with blue and orange-yellow horizontal stripes, yellow fins.

Fishing Areas:
Most of the inshore area, grass flats, channels and backwaters. Pin fish are the choice grouper bait. But also works well for most other game fish. Pin fish can be easily caught in traps or hook line, but they are a bit fast for a cast net.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Red Grouper

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:32:00 +0000

Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Epinephelus morio*

Description:color brownish red; lining of mouth scarlet-orange; blotches on sides in unorganized pattern; second spine of dorsal fin longer than others; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; squared off tail; margin of soft dorsal black with white at midfin; black dots around the eyes.*

Fishing Areas:
Mostly offshore rocks, ledges and cracks out to 220ft. Red grouper tend to like scattered rocks and Swiss cheese type bottom, as opposed to larger structures that Gag grouper inhabit. But reds are sometimes caught in the same area.

Baits:
Live baits such as whitebait, pin fish works well. Cut bait or whole dead baits also work very well. There is a verity of large and ex-large deep diving lures used for trolling. Typically blind trolling is used to find the fish and works well in the spring and fall. Also trolling on or near know locations often produce fish.

Tackle:
Rod: A shorter heavy class rod.
Reel: A conventional reel with a heavy drag system (Spin gear used for inshore only)
Line: 40# and up mono or 50#+ braid.
Leader: A 60-100# mono or fluorocarbon leader (when the water is clear and the bite is slow).
Hooks: Circle hooks are required for all reef fishing, 5/0 - 10/0 depending on bait size.

Technique:
Overall grouper is one of the most sought out fish and one of the easiest to catch, however finding them is the hard part. Grouper fishing has become a very expensive venture. Since the travel distance is usually 40+ miles round trip, gas prices have made grouper fishing less appealing for the average fisherman.

If you have an area where there are lots of small rocks covering several hundred yards, drifting works well to cover more area. Over the last few years, strict restrictions has made a difference and the red grouper populations do appear to be on the rise.

Always check the fishing regulations as they have changed several times in the last few years.

Red Grouper Pictures:
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If you have a picture(s) of red grouper we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Gag Grouper

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sun, 31 May 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Mycteroperca microlepis*

Description: brownish gray in color with dark worm-like markings on sides; strong serrated spur at bottom margin of preopercle, less noticeable in large specimens; fins dark, with anal and caudal having white margin. Often confused with black grouper; tail of gag is slightly concave, black is square; gag has white margin on anal and caudal fins, black does not; under 10 pounds, gag's spur on preopercle is distinctive, where black is gently rounded.*

Fishing Areas:
Mostly offshore rocks, ledges and cracks, but in the spring and fall they can be found in 8-12 feet of water.

Baits:
Live baits such as whitebait, pin fish works well. Cut bait or whole dead baits also work very well. There is a verity of large and ex-large deep diving lures used for trolling. Typically blind trolling is used to find the fish and works well in the spring and fall. Also trolling on or near know locations often produce fish.

Tackle:
Rod: A shorter heavy class rod.
Reel: A conventional reel with a heavy drag system (Spin gear used for inshore only)
Line: 40# and up mono or 50#+ braid.
Leader: A 60-100# mono or fluorocarbon leader (when the water is clear and the bite is slow).
Hooks: Circle hooks are required for all reef fishing, 5/0 - 10/0 depending on bait size.

Technique:
Overall grouper is one of the most sought out fish and one of the easiest to catch, however finding them is the hard part. Grouper fishing has become a very expensive venture. Since the travel distance is usually 40+ miles round trip, gas prices have made grouper fishing less appealing for the average fisherman.

But in the spring and fall the gag grouper will move in as close as a few miles offshore. This is when knowing the location of inshore rocks really pays off. The locations of these prized rock piles are highly guarded and most will not share this information. But that is not to say the average fisherman can not start find and collecting their own "Top Secret" list of inshore rocks.

The best time to start looking is the winter, when the water is cold and very clear and the tides are very low. You will not find any grouper, but you can find where they where. If you are brave and cold water tolerant, you can cruise the 10 - 15 ft mark and when you see a large sandy area with a black center or edge, jump over to investigate. Or you can just mark the numbers and return when the water warms up. July and Aug are good times to hunt for rocks or check the numbers from the past winter, the water is not very clear, but it is much warmer. You may find a few stray little grouper hanging around the rocks. Typically you do not want to hunt for rocks when the fishing is good, you either go fishing or hunting, not both. If you jump over on a rock pile in shallow water the grouper will leave and return only after you have left.

When hunting you want to find rocks with a hole or holes under the rock. The grouper will use their tail to fan the rock making a hole under the rock, so they will have a place to hide and sleep. I have seen holes that go 10 feet under the rock in 7 feet of water. Once you find the holes note how the rock is positioned and the location of each hole.

Now that you have a few locations, inshore grouper fishing is much different than offshore fishing and requires skill and knowledge. First thing to note, the fish are spooked easily in shallow water. One rule of thumb that all fish know; if it's bigger than you, it will try to eat you. If you have a 2000# boat, the grouper are scared of the boat. If you anchor on top of the rock the fish can feel pressure of the boat and they will leave. It's best to anchor up current, as far away from the rock, but still be able to cast or drift a bait to it. Before you return to fish that rock check your notes for locations of the holes and lay of the rock. Try to land your bait with in a foot or so of the hole, once the bait hits the water hold on tight and be prepared to reel.

Always check the fishing regulations as they have changed several times in the last few years.

Grouper Pictures:
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A nice bunch of dinners.

If you have a picture(s) of gag grouper we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Trout

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:08:00 +0000

Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion nebulosus*

Description:
dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.*

Fishing Areas:
Mostly around large grass flats, also channel cuts, inshore creeks and deep holes. In the summer and fall the trout are most abundant in the grass flats and in the winter the trout will move near springs or deep hole inshore.

Baits:
Live baits such as whitebait, small pin fish and shrimp works well. There is a large verity of lures used; top water lures, mirrolures and jigs are also very common.

Tackle:
Rod: A 7ft 8#-10# class rood.
Reel: A 10# test class spinning reel
Line: 8#-10# mono or 15#-20# braid.
Leader: A 20# fluorocarbon leader.
Hooks: 2/0 to 4/0 hooks works well.
Float: Popping corks works well with shrimp.
Jigs: The two most common are root beer colored and white grub with a red tail.
Jig Heads: Depends on the water depth, 5/8th oz for deeper water and smaller for sallow water.

Overall trout is one of the easiest fish to catch in quantity. In the summer and fall the trout will be in loose schools over the grass flats. A boat that has a good drift and lots of jig bodies will increase your catch. It's no uncommon to go through 100 jig bodies in one trip. Trout are jumpers and head shakers, so it is very important never to give them slack line or they will throw the hook. Also trout do not pass up whitebait, live chum over the grass flats or cut when the current is strong and you may bring 100's of trout behind the boat.

Always check the fishing regulations on trout, Hernando County is considered the Northwest Region.

View Trout in a larger map

Trout Pictures:
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Trout fishing is great for the kids.

If you have a picture(s) of trout we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Mackerel

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Family Scombridae, MACKERELS and TUNAS
Scomberomorous cavalla

AKA Kingfish, King Mackerel.
Description: color of back iridescent bluish green; sides silvery, streamlined body with tapered head; no black pigment on front of dorsal fin; lateral line starts high and drops sharply below the second dorsal fin; young fish often have yellow spots like those of the Spanish mackerel.

Fishing Areas:
Offshore in 30 - 60 feet of water, in the spring and fall. Kingfish are migratory fish that pass through our area in the spring heading north and in the fall heading south. On rare occasions they are caught in inshore waters.

Baits:
Live frisky baits, bluerunners, whitebait, ballyhoo and sardines. Also trolled dead baits and lures also do very well.

Tackle:
Heavy spinning on med-heavy conventional gear is needed. Kingfish are famous for the initial long run, so a very good drag system is needed. They also have very sharp teeth so wire is a must.

Kingfish Pictures:
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If you have a picture(s) of kingfish we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

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Family Scombridae, MACKERELS and TUNAS
Scomberomorous maculatus

Fishing Areas:
Inshore out to 25 feet of water, in the spring through fall. Spanish mackerel are also migratory fish that show up in the spring and leave in the late fall. In the fall there are very big school that can be chummed to the boat. They are strong fighters and the action can last several hours.

Baits:
Live frisky baits, whitebait, small ballyhoo and sardines. As for lures, anything that moves fast. Some old timers give me a tip for a great lure that you can make yourself. You start off by going to McDonald's and ordering a soft drink (or ask them for a straw). What you will need is the McDonald straw, a clear casting bubbles, a small piece of 28# wire, 20# leader and a small treble hook. Cut off about 3 ft of mono leader and tie a 30# swivel to one end. Next slide the casting bubble on to the leader with the big end towards the swivel. Now tie another 30# swivel to the other end of the leader. Next using a wire twist, add the treble hook to about 12 inches of wire. Now cut the straw about 4 inches and slide the straw on to the leader over the second swivel you tied. Now add the wire to that swivel and make it just slightly longer than the straw. The straw will slide down to the treble hook and you are ready to go. When you use it, 1/2 fill the casting bubble with water so you can really get a lot of distance. Cast it as far as you can and reel very fast. I really don't know how someone could have come up with this, but it works great for Spanish mackerel.

Tackle:
Light high speed spinning gear. Make sure to use 28# wire for leader, or bring lots of hooks.

Spanish Mackerel Pictures:
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If you have a picture(s) of kingfish we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Snook

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS
Centropomus undecimalis*

Description: distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; pelvic fin yellow.*

Fishing Areas:
Inshore, channels, under bridges and where there is fast moving current. Since snook are sensitive to the cold, in the winter the snook move south or in to one of the many springs in this area.

North:
Pine Island is just about as far north as snook will go. Mostly in the summer months.

Central:
Bayport area holds fish, mostly in the river area.

South:
Centipede Bay holds fish during the spring, fall and summer months.
Hernando Beach Channel is a good place early morning or at night.
Aripeka is by far the best in this area. Under the bridges and in the many creeks and channels holds lots of snook.

Baits:
Snook is the most difficult inshore fish to target and requires patents, skill and luck. Typically live bait whitebait is the top choice, then pin fish and sand perch. A verity of lures are used; top water lures are by far the most exciting to use, the jerk baits like the bomber long A (white with red head), mirrorlures and jigs are also common

Tackle:
Rod: A 7ft 10-12# class rood.
Reel: A 12# test class spinning reel
Line: 12# mono or 20# braid.
Leader: A 30# fluorocarbon leader. The sand bone will wear through less than 30#.
Hooks: 1/0 to 3/0 short shank live bait hooks works well.
Weights and other terminal tackle: The absolute minimum (no swivel or snaps).
Float: Depends on the bait and location.

Overall the tackle must be as close to invisible as possible.

View Snook in a larger map

Snook Pictures:
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Bit of chaos (whitebait can make it happen), with a double hook up a snook and red fish at the same time. Red fish comes home for dinner and the snook goes back to make more snook.

Snook caught on whitebait. FYI, if you are releasing the fish do not hold the fish in this fashion. As it can be fatal to the fish.

If you have a picture(s) of snook we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Redfish - Red Drum

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Sciaenops ocellatus*

Description: chin without barbels; copper bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large.*

Fishing Areas:
Mostly inshore, but a there are a few caught while grouper fishing. Redfish will tend to be in the same area during a tide phase. On incoming tide they may hold at the mouth of a creek and on a high tide they may hold deep in the back water. When you find a few fish note the tide and location. Chances are the next time your out on the same tide phase there will be fish in the same location.

North:
Just about any area north of Pine Island is good all year round.

Central:
Bayport area holds redfish, just not many most of the time. In the fall the some of the larger fish are caught in the Bayport area.

South:
Centipede Bay holds fish most of year, but the winter is very slow.
Hernando Beach Channel holds fish most of the year, but is the best in the winter when the tides are too low to get in back waters.

View Fishing Areas in a larger map

Baits:
The best part about red fish is that the are not very picky. They will take live bait (shrimp, pin fish, whitebait, mud minnows, sand perch, etc) , cut bait (mullet, lady fish, etc) and a verity of lures.

Tackle:
Rod: A 7ft 10-12# class rood.
Reel: A 10# test class spinning reel
Line: 10# mono or 20# braid.
Leader: A 20# mono leader since they rarely cut the leader with their teeth.
Hooks: 3/0 to 4/0 circle hooks works well. Just do not set the hook, the hook will set it self.
Weights and other terminal tackle: A little as possible.
Float: Depends on the baits, many use popping corks and do well.

Red Fish Pictures:
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A fat red fish with lots of spots, caught in Centipede Bay, using a top water soft bait.

Another fish from Centipede Bay, showing it's serious look.

An over size fish, ready for the release.

29 Inch redfish caught in the Hernando Beach Cuts

36 Inch Redfish caught in the Hernando Beach Cuts

If you have a picture(s) of redfish and would like to post it here please send a request through the contact form.

* Identification Information From: myFWC

Snapper

noreply@blogger.com (Zippyjr) — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Red Snapper

Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus campechanus*

Description: color pinkish red over entire body, whitish below; long triangular snout; anal fin sharply pointed; no dark lateral spot.*

Fishing Areas:
Offshore rocks, ledges and reef, typically out 40 ft or more. Over the last 10 years the red snapper populations have begun to increase and catches are on the rise.

Baits:
Red snappers have great eye sight so the bait presentations is very important. The most common bait is small live pin fish. But they do love whitebait and will take fresh dead bait, such as ballyhoo or ballyhoo plug (no head or tail). There are a few lures that work well with red snapper, like the Shimano Butterfly jig, but requires a lot of work and technique.

Tackle:
Light and small. No more than 20# class with 20# fluorocarbon leader (about 5-6ft) with a 1/0 short shank live bait hook. You will want to use a very small swivel (30-60#) with a small bead and the required weight above the swivel. Typically you will want to use as small as weight as you can. The best bet is to anchor up current and let the bait drift back to fish, so 1 - 2 oz sliding sinker will work. This will allow the bait to stay up off the bottom and which will reduce the number of break offs. Also snapper do not have a problem coming up off the bottom to feed.

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Gray Snapper

Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Lutjanus griseus*

aka Mangrove Snapper, Mango Snapper
Description: color dark brown or gray with reddish or orange spots in rows along the sides; dark horizontal band from snout through eye (young only); two conspicuous canine teeth at front of upper jaw; dorsal fins have dark or reddish borders; no dark spot on side underneath dorsal fin.*

Fishing Areas:
Grey snapper are very plentiful, you can find them just about everywhere; in the residential channels, cuts, backwater, creeks, inshore rocks and reef and offshore rocks and reef.

Baits:
Snappers are very picky and have great eye sight. The most common bait is shrimp, it can be live or dead. But they do love small whitebait. Very few are caught on lures.

Tackle:
Very light and very small. The key to catching gray snapper is to downsize your rig. No more than 10# class with 10# fluorocarbon leader (about 3-4ft) with a #1 to 1/0 short shank live bait hook. You will want to blood knot the leader, so there is no swivel. If you need to use weight use a split shot 5 ft above the hook. Most of the time you will not need weight, unless you are offshore.

Snapper Pictures:
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If you have a picture(s) of snapper we would love to post it here. Please email any pictures and a brief story to zippyjr123 at gmail dot com or contact us using the Contact Form.

* Identification Information From: myFWC