Shell Foods in Guana
By Bidz Dela Cruz
Along the north shoreline of the Guana River dam could be found the best crabbing in Northeast Florida. Intently looking, you will recognize some elaborate crabbing rigs comprised of running a horizontal main line from stake to stake. Tied multiple bait lines spaced evenly run the main line.
It’s easy to attract crabs, [...]
Waterfowl Excitement in Guana
By Bidz Dela cruz
When viewed from a helicopter, you will immediately know that the appeal of Guana Lake is not limited to fishing. There is good waterfowl hunting here and seasonal opportunities to gather crabs and shrimp as well.
Guana is fortunately one of the few publicly accessible waterfowl hunting areas in Northeast Florida. September [...]
Navigation Tips in Guana
By Bidz Dela Cruz
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) limits the maximum horsepower on Guana Lake at 10. This means no jet- or air-propelled watercraft are permitted. Nevertheless, it’s a great place for johnboats or paddle craft, such as canoes and kayaks. Many species of water birds inhabit the northern end of the [...]
Experiencing Guana
By Bidz Dela Cruz
The open bay of Guana Lake is abundant with mullets, and they can sometimes appear as if they were trying to become flyingfish in an effort to escape the salt water lake. Anytime in August, you can chance upon some great catch such as a nice black drum or an upper-slot red. [...]
Florida Fishing 101 (Part 4: Fish Terms)
By Bidz Dela Cruz
Terms
The following are some of the popular technical terms to get familiar with before going to Florida to fish:
Deep sea fishing: You should get a good charter guide four your first time out there in the open, to assist you in ropes. It is advisable not to venture out on your own [...]
Florida Fishing 101 (Part 3: Fish Galore)
By Bidz Dela Cruz
Fish Galore
Below is a list of just a few of the many fish you’ll catch while fishing in Florida. You’ll discover more when you go fish yourself. These are just the most commonly caught:
Most Commonly Caught Fish in Florida’s Saltwater Regions
Florida Saltwater Fish
Blue Marlin
Bluefish
Barracuda
Blacktip Shark
Dolphin
Bonefish
Grouper
Flounder
Cobia
Permit
Mackerel
Drum
Spearfish
Mako Shark
Porgy
Snapper
Pompano
Sea Bass
Tarpon
Sailfish
Sheepshead
Tuna
Snook
Swordfish
Most Commonly Caught Fish in [...]
Florida Fishing 101 (Part 2: The Regions)
By Bidz Dela Cruz
The Regions
It is highly important what region you want to start your Florida Fishing experience. To help you in finding your hotels, the list below is a helpful list of the cities and beaches found in its regions.
* Northeast: Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach, Daytona Beach, Live Oak, Gainsville, Jacksonville, St Augustine, White [...]
Florida Fishing 101 (Part 1: Introduction)
By Bidz Dela Cruz
Introduction
The term Sport Fishing and the State of Florida are two inseparable concepts. Florida is the best fishing site, not only in the USA, but also in the whole world! From recreational, to luxury, to sport fishing, Florida provides them all. This is one place fishing enthusiasts would always be dreaming of [...]
Equipments 101 for Sea Water Sport Fishing
The thrill of seawater sports fishing is very inviting, as evidenced by the proliferation of sport fishing competitions in almost all states. For the aspiring sport fisher, it is best to determine the different equipment and devices one needs and how much they cost before venturing out into this spectacular sport.
The methods for [...]
Difference of Salt Water and Fresh Water Fish
The main difference between saltwater and freshwater fish is obviously in the kind of their water habitat. Saltwater fish thrive in the ocean and seas, where the salinity level (salt concentration) is about 3.5% (35 grams of saline per 1 kilogram of water). Freshwater fish live in bodies of water with salinity level [...]
Fishing Tides: When is the Best Time to Fish?
Going out fishing can both be an exciting and relaxing hobby, depending on how you look it. The excitement comes in the idea that you can catch fish, and as per always, catching fish feels like winning something as there is always some luck involved with the catch. It can also be very relaxing as [...]
Fishing Tips For the Sea
It is undeniable: Florida is a magical place for fishing. The promise of a variety of fish in a tropical paradise in the United States is alluring enough that fishing community in Florida is adored by a lot of fishing enthusiasts and anglers all around the world.
The Florida waters promise not only the excitement of [...]
Catching the Most Elusive Fish
Perhaps upon reading the title of this article you are guessing at the back of your mind which fish is the most elusive in the world. Well in spite of the different conflicting assertions of zoologists as to what is the fastest fish in the world, the truth is, with countless species of fish in [...]
African Pompano
African Pompano Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: Body is deep and compressed. Coloration is metalic -blue above, silvery below. Snout is blunt. Pelvic fins are longer than the maxilla. Second dorsal and anal fins are falcate.
Size: to 91cm (3 ft.) and 19 kg (42 lbs)
Where found: Young are found in the open [...]
Atlantic Bumper
Atlantic Bumper Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
conspicuous black saddle on caudal peduncle and small black area at edge of opercle; lower profile more arched than upper profile; lateral line strongly arched toward front.
Size: to 30 cm (1 ft.).
Where found: one of the most abundant inshore fishes in tropical America; commonly enters bays [...]
Leatherjacket
Leatherjacket Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: body silvery, bluish above; fins yellow; rear parts of dorsal and anal fins consist of a series of finlets; spinous dorsal fin has 5 well-developed, unconnected spines; lateral line nearly straight; scales tiny, embedded; skin appears smooth.
Size: to 30 cm (1 ft.).
Where Found: enters bays and estuaries, often [...]
Horse Eye Jack
Horse Eye Jack Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: similar in shape to the Crevalle jack, but front of head less steep; blackish blotch at edge of opercle small, poorly defined, or absent; no dark blotch on pectoral fin; entire chest scaly except in individuals less than 75 mm (3 in.) long; scutes usually blackish; [...]
Lookdown
Lookdown Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: silvery, iridescent, sometimes with brassy highlights; body extremely compressed and deep, platelike; front of head very steep; lobes at front of soft dorsal and anal fins very long; pelvic fins small; lateral line arched toward front.
Young: spines at front of dorsal fin and rays in pelvic fin streamerlike.
Size: [...]
Big Eye Scad
Big Eye Scad Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: eye very large – diameter greater than snout length; no detached dorsal and anal finlets; two widely separated fleshly tabs on inside of rear edge of gill chamber; scutes present only on rear part of lateral line.
Size: to 60 cm (2 ft.)., but usually [...]
Round Scad
Round Scad Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Other local names: cigar minnow
Description: long, fusiform; greenish-blue fading to silver on sides, belly white; narrow, yellowish stripe from head to caudal peduncle.
Where found: midwater or bottom from shallow water to about 50 fathoms, juveniles sometimes at surface.
Size: to 12″
Remarks: 2 small papillae on shoulder distinguish [...]
Florida Pompano
Florida Pompano Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: greenish gray on back, shading to silvery sides; fish in dark waters showing yellow on throat, pelvic, and anal fins; deep flattened body with small mouth; no scutes; 22 to 27 soft dorsal rays; 20 to 23 soft anal rays; origin of anal fin slightly behind origin [...]
Permit
Permit Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color gray, dark or iridescent blue above, shading to silvery sides, in dark waters showing golden tints around breast; small permit have teeth on tongue (none on pompano); no scutes; dorsal fin insertion directly above that of the anal fin; 17 to 21 soft dorsal rays; 16 to [...]
Palometa
Palometa Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: gray to blue-green on top of head and along the back; bright silvery sides; yellow on breast; elongated dorsal and anal fins, dusky or black with bluish edges; deep body, with four narrow bars high on the sides, and traces of a fifth nearer the tail; no scutes.
Similar [...]
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jack Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color bluish-green to greenish-gold back and silvery or yellowish belly; soft dorsal and anal fins almost identical in size; prominent black spot on operculum (gill cover); black spot at the base of each pectoral fin; no scales on throat.
Similar fish: other Caranx.
Where found: common to both INSHORE [...]
Blue Runner
Blue Runner Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color light olive to bluish green above, silvery gray to golden below; frequently black spot on operculum; readily distinguished from crevalle jack by lack of a dark blotch on the pectoral fin; tail tips blackish.
Similar fish: bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix; other Caranx.
Where found: juveniles found OFFSHORE; adults NEARSHORE [...]
Lesser Amberjack
Lesser Amberjack Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than greater amberjack.
Similar fish: other Seriola.
Where found: NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other [...]
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: dark stripe (variably present) extends from nose to in front of dorsal fin and “lights up” when fish is in feeding mode; no scutes; soft dorsal base less than twice the length of the anal fin base.
Similar fish: other Seriola.
Where found: OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, [...]
Banded Rudderfish
Banded Rudderfish Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: fish less than 11 inches long have dark band from eye to first dorsal fin and six prominent bars on body; larger fish are bluish, greenish, or brown; soft dorsal base about twice the length of the anal fin; tail-lobe white tipped.
Similar fish: other Seriola.
Where found: NEARSHORE [...]
Almaco Jack
Almaco Jack Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: deep-bodied amberjack; sometimes darker in coloration; front of soft dorsal and of anal fins high and elongated; body more flattened than Almaco Jack or greater amberjack; no scutes.
Similar fish: other Seriola.
Where found: wide-ranging in OFFSHORE waters, not a common catch; young are associated with Sargassum.
Size: usually less [...]
Jacks and Pompano
Jacks and Pompano Fishing Information
source Wikipedia
Pompanos are marine fishes in the Trachinotus genus of the Carangidae family. Pompano may also refer to various other members of the Carangidae family and Perciforme order. Their appearance is deep bodied and mackerel-like, typically silver colored and toothless with a forked tail and narrow base. There are twenty described [...]
Scalloped Hammerhead
Scalloped Hammerhead Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: fifth gill slit shorter than 4 preceding ones and located posterior to pectoral fin base; flattened head extending to hammerlike lobes on each side; distinct indentation of the front margin of the head at its midpoint; second dorsal fin longer than tail; gray-brown to olive in color [...]
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Shark Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: broadly widened head in the shape of a shovel; only slight indentation of anal fin; front of head not notched at midline; gray or grayish-brown in color.
Similar fish: other hammerhead sharks.
Where found: INSHORE species found in bays and estuaries.
Size: commonly 3 to 4 feet.
Remarks: matures at about [...]
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: dark bluish gray (young paler) above, whitish below; distinctive whitish stripe on flank; inside tip of pectoral fin conspicuously black; dorsal fin, anal fin, and lower lobe of caudal fin also black-tipped in young, fading with growth; 1st dorsal fin begins above axil of pectoral fin; snout [...]
Blacknose Shark
Blacknose Shark Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: distinctive dusky smudge at snout tip (more prominent in young); no dark tips on fins; pale olive-gray above, whitish below; 1st dorsal fin begins above rear corner of pectoral fin; no mid dorsal ridge; upper teeth very asymmetrical, those toward front coarsely serrated at base.
Size: to 1.5 [...]
Sandbar Shark
Sandbar Shark Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: snout broadly rounded and short; first dorsal fin triangular and very high; poorly developed dermal ridge between dorsal fins; brown or gray in color with white underside; upper and lower teeth finely serrated.
Similar fish: dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus; bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas.
Where found: NEARSHORE fish typically found [...]
Sharpnose Shark
Sharpnose Shark Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: long and flattened snout; white trailing edge of pectoral; black-edged dorsal and caudal fins, especially when young; may have small whitish spots on sides; furrows in lips at the corners of the mouth; outer margin of teeth notched; second dorsal fin originates over middle of anal fin; [...]
Shortfin Mako
Shortfin Mako Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: lunate tail with similarly sized lobes; lateral keel at the base of the tail; deep blue back and white underside; underside of sharply pointed snout white; origin of first dorsal entirely behind base of pectoral fins; second dorsal fin slightly in front of anal fin; slender, recurved [...]
Shark
Shark Fishing Information
source Wikipedia
Sharks (superorder Selachimorpha) are fish with a full cartilaginous skeleton and a streamlined body. They respire with the use of five to seven gill slits. Sharks have a covering of dermal denticles to protect their skin from damage and parasites and to improve fluid dynamics. They have replaceable teeth. They are some [...]
Sailfish
Sailfish Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at its mid point; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the [...]
White Marlin
White Marlin Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color of body dark blue to chocolate brown, shading to slivery white underbelly; noticeable spots on dorsal fin; upper jaw elongated in shape of a spear; body covered with imbedded scales with a single sharp point; tips of first dorsal, pectoral, and first anal fins rounded; lateral [...]
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color cobalt blue on top shading to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated in form of a spear; dorsal fin pointed at front end; pectoral fin and anal fin pointed; lateral line reticulated (interwoven like a net), difficult to see in large specimens; no dark spots [...]
Longbill Spearfish
Longbill Spearfish Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color of body dark blue, shading to silvery, white underneath; dorsal fin bluish, others brown-black; two dorsal fins, the first lengthy, its front forming a peak; two anal fins, the anus well in front of the first; upper jaw prolonged into spear, its cross section round.
Similar fish: [...]
Sea Bass
Sea Bass Fishing Information
source Wikipedia
The Sea Basses and Groupers (Serranidae): The Serranidae Family is very large in size and includes Bacalasos, Basslets, Cabrillas, Camolillos, Coneys, Grasbys, Groupers, Hamlets, Hinds, Leather Basses, Reef Basses, Sand Perches, Sea Basses, Serranos, Soapfishes, Splittail Bases and Threadfin Basses. There are approximately 450 global members of this family [...]
Tarpoon
Tarpon Fishing Information
source Wikipedia
The tarpons are large coastal fish notable as a prize of anglers. There are two species in a single genus Megalops in the family Megalopidae, one native to the Atlantic, and the other to the Indo-Pacific area.
The Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus (Valenciennes 1847), inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. It feeds [...]
Snook
Snook Fishing Information
source Wikipedia
The common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is a species of marine fish in family Centropomidae of order Perciformes. The type species of its genus, it is native to the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, from southern Florida to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
One of the largest snooks, C. [...]
Billfish
Billfish Fishing Information
source Wikipedia
The term billfish is applied to a number of different large, predatory fish characterised by their large size (swordfish can be over 4 metres long) and long, sword-like bill. Billfish span the sailfish and marlin, which make up the family Istiophoridae, and the swordfish, sole member of the family Xiphiidae. They are [...]
Wahoo Fishing
Wahoo Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: body slender; elongate jaws form a pointed beak; dark bluish above, with about 30 dark wavy bars; whitish below 1st dorsal fin long and low, with 21 to 27 spines; no gill rakers.
Size: to 2.1 m (83 in.) and 83 kg (183 lbs.).
Where found: offshore Gulfstream; bluewater
Remarks: an [...]
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color of back green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line; front of dorsal fin black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail.
Similar fish: cero, S. regalis; king mackerel, S. cavalla.
Where found: INSHORE, NEARSHORE, and OFFSHORE, especially over deep [...]
Cero Mackerel
Cero Mackerel Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color of back iridescent bluish green; sides silvery; yellow spots forming lines above and below a bronze stripe from pectoral fin to base of the tail; front of first dorsal is bluish black; lateral line curves gradually to base of caudal fin.
Similar fish: Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus; [...]
King Mackerel
King Mackerel Fishing Information
source: myfwc.com
illustrations: Diane Rome Peebles
Description: color of back iridescent bluish green, sides silvery; streamlined body with tapered head; no black pigment on front of the first dorsal fin; lateral line starts high and drops sharply below the second dorsal fin; young fish often have yellowish spots like those of Spanish mackerel.
Similar fish: [...]
