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Cobia

Cobia (Rachycentron Canadum) Fish Description

The Cobia is a dark brown fish with a lighter belly. They have a single dorsal fin, which makes them often mistaken for sharks. Juvenile Cobia has distinctive colorings with black and white stripes and orange, bronze, and green splashes. They are the only member of their family, Rachycentriade, in North America. 

The Cobia are able to reproduce when they are relatively young. Females mature at age 3, and males mature at age 2. Cobia spawning from June to August in the Southeast US and later, August to October, in the Gulf of Mexico. They spawn in coastal bays and estuaries several times throughout their spawning season. Females release amazingly up to 2 million eggs each time they spawn. 

Size and Weight

An average adult Cobia reaches 6 feet and 100 pounds. The largest cobia to ever be caught on a rod and reel was in SharkBay Australia and weighed 135 pounds. They live up to 12 years. 

Cobia Interesting Facts 

The Cobia, being excellent table fare, is prized for its firm texture and excellent flavor. It is a very important fish in the seafood industry. Cobia is usually a solitary fish and is not found in schools. Except for spawning, they remain spread out and don't concentrate together very often. Because of the Cobia's solitary nature, commercial fishing doesn't target them, and all fish used in the commercial food industry is farm-raised and fairly expensive in price. Cobia is strong, aggressive predators, mainly feeding on crustaceans but will also eat smaller fish and squid. Larger pelagic fish prey on young Cobia. The Cobia can inhabit a wide range of temperatures and salinities. The Cobia closely resembles its cousin, the Remora Fish(or more commonly known as Suckerfish or Sharksucker). However, its body is much more stout, and it lacks the dorsal sucker like that of the Remora species. 

Habitat and Distribution

Cobia can be found on reefs, wrecks, buoys, harbors, or other structural sanctuaries. While overwhelmingly pelagic (inhabiting the upper layers of the ocean), it can, at times, be found in estuaries and mangroves in search of prey on which to feed. Though Cobia is commonly found at depths of 30 feet or less, they can also be found in waters as deep as 300 feet, particularly in places like offshore oil rigs. 

Cobia Distribution Cobia is most abundant from Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico. They migrate seasonally. In the Atlantic, they move south and offshore toward warmer waters during the late fall and winter. The Cobia that is found in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico during the summer months moves to south Florida waters, including the Florida Keys. 

Cobia can be found in the warm temperate and tropical waters of the Caribbean sea, the eastern Atlantic Ocean, and off the coasts of Australia, the Indian Ocean, and Japan's Pacific coast.

Fishing For These Fish

During the spawning season and spring migration, fishermen normally target Cobia in the water depth around 30-70 feet. They are found generally by sight fishing, seeing the fish just below or on the water's surface. After the spring spawning migration, anglers target cobia reefs and other structures that they use summer haunts. Look for rip lines or current breaks created by the structure as well, as these are the places that will harbor the fish. 

Cobia can be caught on various lures such as crankbaits, topwater, jigs, and imitation eel baits. However, bucktail jigs are probably the most popular lure to target them, especially if they are holding around areas like reefs. The color really doesn't seem to matter despite what some anglers might think, and all colors will catch this fish. Jigs should be around the 4 to 8 oz. mark for weight, but don't be afraid to experiment with smaller jigs. 

Goliath Grouper

Goliath Grouper

Fish Description

As the name implies, this is a gigantic species of Grouper. As the biggest Grouper in the western Atlantic, they are stocky in shape, have tiny eyes and broadheads. Their pectoral and tail fins are connected along the back. They can live in brackish water and tolerate low oxygen levels.

They can grow to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 800 pounds. 

Atlantic Goliath Grouper vs. Pacific Goliath Grouper

At one time, it was thought the Atlantic and Pacific Goliath Groupers were the same species, and centuries ago, they were the same species. They are now considered sister species. There are a few distinguishing marks between the two. The Pacific Goliath Grouper has primarily dark grey coloration, which is punctuated by small, white spots and blotches, and many times yellow accenting their fins. The Atlantic Goliath Grouper is mottled tan and grey. The Atlantic Grouper is also larger than the Pacific species.

Interesting Fish Facts

 Adult Goliath Groupers gather together in spawning groups as soon as they prepared to mate. The groups vary in size, number, and location. Once they are together, the females lay eggs. Once the males fertilize the eggs, they rise to the surface of the water. The eggs then drift with the ocean currents for about 40 to 60 days, reaching the nursery areas as the baby groupers hatch out. These tiny groupers swim to the bottom of the ocean and hide in sea mangroves and grasses until they grow larger. 

They may experience a sex reversal with age. All young groupers are female, but as they grow older, some become male. Only small percentages remain out of maturity long enough to become males, thus ensuring that most groupers are egg-laying females. 

In addition to its potentially large size, an extra defense that some Groupers have is the ability to change their skin color. At times the color change is as simple as changing from dark to light to mix in with different light levels. Other Groupers have developed colorful patterns consisting of stripes, blotches, or spots that help them blend with the ocean floor and reef bottom.

Goliath Groupers are known to live 35 years, but now some scientists estimate the lifespan for these mammoth fish is 50 - 100 years.

Divers beware! These groupers are known to stalk divers.

Habitat & Distribution

Juveniles live and survive in canals, brackish estuaries, and mangrove swamps. When they mature, they move to shallow, tropical waters among coral or artificial reefs. Notably, they are one of the few groupers found in brackish water. 

Goliath Grouper are loners. There are limited home ranges; these fish can be alone. They are primarily found in shallow, tropical waters in man-made and natural structures especially coral reefs. In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, they navigate yearly to a spawning area for breeding; the location and season vary according to the population.

The Goliath Grouper's population is concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Keys. Occasionally, they are found as far north as New England on the coast of Massachusetts and Maine.

They are also found in the Caribbean and parts of South America. 

Bait and Lures

Goliath Groupers feed on sea turtles and crustaceans, mostly crabs. Other slow-moving fish such as burrfish, catfish, toadfish, and octopus will be found in their diet. These would be good fish to use as bait along with ladyfish and crevalle jack. Lures would be unsuccessful with these huge fish. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Goliath Grouper

The rod and reel you use need to be strong and extra-heavy since these fish are known to break gear. Goliath Grouper puts up an intense but usually short-lived fight. That first pull will be enough to pull you right off the boat if you are not careful, so be prepared. You will want a very heavy rod.

Considering the shallow water depth and size of this fish, we suggest a 50-80 wide reel. It should be sufficient to accommodate the 400 - 600 pound monofilament fishing line you will need. And as these fish live near rocks, reefs, and structures, you will need a line with some stretch. A 600-pound test monofilament fishing line is abrasion-resistant and will give you what you need. We also recommend a 20/O circle hook, big enough to get around the massive jaws of this fish. 

The key to Grouper fishing is anchoring close enough to the reef so you can get the fish will come out to take the bait, but also distant enough to have a chance to pull them away from the reef before they try to get back and break you off. One important tip when fishing is to bounce the bait off the bottom to create some commotion. They have no predators, and they are not shy. 

Is Goliath Grouper Good to Eat?

Goliath Grouper is known for its unique taste, which is unlike any other fish you’ve ever tried. It has a delicate white flesh that is mild, yet subtly sweet, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. The flavor profile of Goliath Grouper is exceptional, and it can easily soak up whatever seasoning or cooking techniques you choose to use, allowing you to create a dish that is personalized to your liking. Whether you prefer it grilled or baked, this fish will leave your taste buds longing for more. Its distinct flavor and texture make it a popular choice for seafood lovers who want to explore different tastes and experiences. So next time you’re looking for something different and exciting to try, consider the Goliath Grouper, and get ready to be pleasantly surprised!

Goliath Grouper Population

A dangerous combination of factors going against the Goliath is that they are sluggish fish that are slow to grow and reproduce. Secondly, considering their large size, they are found in relatively shallow waters of around 150 feet. These are a dangerous combination.  They have experienced an estimated 80% population reduction because of overfishing. Because of this, all harvest of Goliath Groupers is forbidden by law. 

Remember, these amazing fish are protected, and we all should be doing our part. Adhere to the rules of catch and release and leave these fish unharmed.

World Record

The world record for a hook-and-line caught Goliath Grouper is 680 pounds caught off Fernandina Beach, Florida, in 1961.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) Fish Description

Also known as Spanish Mackerel or Kingfish, this migratory species belongs to the mackerel family specifically found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. 

What makes the King Mackerel striking are the small and vaguely visible, loosely attached scales on their entire body. Its dorsal fin is totally without color and usually folded back into a groove (same with the pelvic fins). Generally, King Mackerel are olive in color on the back parts, with a white underbelly, and rosy, iridescent sides. The smaller King Mackerel may have some brown to yellowish spots on the flanks, smaller than that of the Atlantic Mackerel. Interestingly, the teeth of King Mackerel are highly similar to that of the Bluefish. 

King Mackerel Diet and Size

As an opportunistic carnivore with a voracious appetite, King Mackerel have several choices on their food menu. Depending on the season, they may feast on Blue Runner, Northern Mackerel, Striped Anchovy, Weakfish, Cutlassfish, Jack, Menhaden, and squid.  

This fish is considered of medium size, typically weighing around 30 pounds; some King Mackerel caught weighed a little over 90 pounds. Females weigh more than males. For example, at 7 years old, a female King Mackerel can weigh 22 pounds, whereas the male is only half as heavy.

Interesting Facts About the King Mackerel 

• The sperm and eggs of King Mackerel are spread into the sea; they are fertilized by chance.
• Fertilized eggs of King Mackerel hatch in less than a day!
• King Mackerel started being marketed fresh only in 2005. Their grayish flesh has a high fat content.
• Along with Tilefish, Shark, and Swordfish, King Mackerel should be avoided by children and pregnant women due to their high mercury content.
• The King Mackerel is often mistaken for the Atlantic Spanish Mackerel and Cero Mackerel. To distinguish them, know that the last two species’ lateral aliens slope gradually from the gill’s top edge to the tail, whereas the King Mackerel’s stops mid-body.

King Mackerel — Fishing Techniques

King Mackerel belong to the most sought-after gamefish in Texas to North Carolina. They are popular due to their speed which is matched only by the Wahoo, their distant relative. 

The most common ways of capturing King Mackerel are by jigging, trolling, and using live or dead bait, spoons, and other artificial lures.

Commercial anglers use gear consisting of run-around gill nets. Recreational anglers typically troll using large planers, heavy tackle, and lures. 

If you plan to use live bait, make sure to tie two hooks to a strong metal leader. The first hook (single/treble) must be attached to the live bait’s mouth and/or nose. The second hook (treble) must be put through the bait’s back or allowed to dangle. You must do these because King Mackerel are known to bite the rear section of a live bait.

King Mackerel Habitat and Distribution

As a subtropical fish, King Mackerel are found mainly in the Atlantic Coast along the US. They are highly abundant in Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, and are also found in North Carolina. This fish also inhabits the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Maine, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

King Mackerel are commonly found in depths ranging from 40 feet to 150 feet. The bigger King Mackerel are usually found inshore, particularly in harbors and inlets with waters as deep as 590 feet. They occur in waters with temperatures in the range of 68 to 84°F. 

Sea Trout

Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) Fish Description

Also known as Spotted Sea Trout or Speckled Trout, Sea Trout are anadromous, meaning they migrate from the sea to spawn in freshwater. 

The most distinct feature of Sea Trout is their torpedo-shaped (fusiform) and elongated body. They are similar to brown trout but have a much more silvery appearance. They have an adipose fin which is a feature present in all species of trout. They have numerous spots all over the body.

This fish closely resembles the Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon. What makes it different from the others is that the rainbow trout possess black spots on its tail, whereas the Atlantic Salmon has no red tinge on its adipose fin.

Sea Trout Diet and Size

Sea Trout love to feast on shrimps, prawns, small crabs, and fish. They also feed on zooplankton and zoobenthos.

Adult Sea Trout can grow from 14 to 24 inches long and weigh a little over one pound to 5 pounds. Some Sea Trout were found to have weighed up to 40 pounds in certain instances.

Interesting Facts About the Sea Trout 

• As an anadromous fish species, the Sea Trout shares this characteristic with the Sea Lamprey, Striped Bass, and Salmon.
• Some salmonids like the Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus alpinus), Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are also commonly called Sea Trout.
• Male Sea Trout who are in breeding season develop a skype, which is a hook-like protrusion on their lower jaw.
• When in freshwater, Sea Trout are olive in color, whereas they are silvery when they are in salt water.
• Young Sea Trout remain in freshwater for almost five years before going back to sea; during this journey, they can travel up to 40 kilometers in a day.
• The Sea Trout is considered the first fish to have undergone artificial reproduction; the pilot activity is said to have occurred in 1739 in Germany.

Sea Trout — Fishing Techniques

Sea Trout are considered common table fare; they are usually processed and frozen. Because of this, this species has become popular among commercial fishers. Freshwater anglers basically catch Sea Trout via fly fishing.

Commercial anglers usually use spinners, lures, and live bait like herring and mackerel strips dipped into the water reaching the sea bed. Since Sea Trout are good fighters who always like to bait, you are recommended to utilize artificial lures; the most effective are jerk baits, topwater plugs, plastic shrimp, spoons, and plastic tail grub jigs. 

When sea trout fishing, look for them in grass flats or shallow waters at night. If you have a hard time, you can try trolling at idle speed along these areas. Remember that during winter, Sea Trout form big schools and are usually found in waters as deep as 164 feet.

Considered one of the most highly rated fish, the Sea Trout is prized among anglers. In some countries like Germany, however, this species is protected and highly regulated. 

Is Sea Trout Good to Eat?

Sea trout or Speckled trout is a popular game fish found in many coastal areas worldwide. One question often arises is whether sea trout is good to eat. It's important to understand that sea trout can vary significantly in taste depending on where they were caught and what they've been feeding on. Generally speaking, sea trout has a mild and delicate flavor that many people find appealing. Additionally, because sea trout are typically smaller than other salmonids like salmon or steelhead, their flesh tends to be more tender and less oily.

Speckled Trout are a tasty fish that is very good to eat with moderate-flaky, white meat. It is softer than other inshore fish, so it is important not to overcook it, or it will become very mushy.

Regarding nutrition, sea trout is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have been linked to various health benefits, including improved brain function and heart health.

Sea Trout Habitat and Distribution 

Sea Trout thrive best in cold lakes and rivers (they like temperatures between 33.8 to 80.6°F); they spawn on the gravel bottoms of streams and rivers. They usually spawn in November to December. Sea trout in South Carolina typically live in estuaries all year, but they may congregate to overwinter in deeper channels and rivers or the main estuary, potentially increasing fishing pressure. 

Sea Trout have vast and fairly distributed populations in Europe, especially along the coasts of Iceland, the UK, and the Atlantic and Baltic areas. They are abundant in the Caspian and Black Seas but are not present in the Mediterranean. Certain populations of Sea trout have also been reported in the US, particularly in the Canadian rivers, Columbia River, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Sheepshead

Sheephead Fish (Archosargus Probatocephalus) Description 

The Sheepshead is a beautiful fish with a deeply compressed grey body. They have five to seven dark bars on the sides of its body, giving it the nickname of convict fish. They also have sharp dorsal spines, but what they are really famous for are their human-like teeth. 

Size 

Sheepshead are common at 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. However, if you are lucky, you could come across one at 20 pounds, 35-inches. They live a relatively long life, about 20 years. 

Spawning 

Sheepshead form spawning groups of up to 10,000 fish. They migrate to structures at channel passes and offshore reefs, jetties, and oil platforms. They primarily spawn in the early spring from February through April. 

Interesting Facts 

• Sheepshead fish are nicknamed convict fish for their gray and black stripes.
• Sheepshead Bay in New York got its name from these fish there were once abundant. However, the bay's popularity caused water pollution, and the Sheepshead have all but disappeared from the bay.
• The delicate white flesh and delicious mild flavor of the Sheepshead make it excellent table fare, but their tough scales and strong fin spines make this species difficult to clean or fillet. Because of this, it is sometimes passed over in favor of other food fish.

Habitat and Distribution

You will find these fish around structures of any kind, docks, bridges, petroleum rigs, and reefs. Any barnacle-covered pilings make for great places to catch some big Sheepshead fish. Although they usually stay near cover, occasionally, they will also come closer to shore to feed on sand fleas (a type of crab). 

Sheepshead are found along the entire east coast of the United States and around Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The highest concentrations are found in south Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the large number of artificial structures and pier pilings in northwest Florida, you will also find large concentrations. They can also be found as far north as Nova Scotia. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Sheepshead

If your fishing from a boat, pull up to the structure without dropping an anchor, if possible, as it will startle the fish. They seldom go after baits too far from their cover, so get as close as you can. Anglers on land can still catch the big one off the dock or seawall. Just as the boat angler would do, cast your bait as close to the pilings as possible. Using light tackle, let the bait hit bottom, then slowly bring the bait up in 1-foot increments to determine where the fish are suspended in the water as they are pelagic. They may lurk near the bottom or hover in any depth. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. They will nibble on the bait in an attempt to loosen it from the hook, so always have it set up firmly. They also have powerful mouths and jaws, so once you feel the fish's weight nibbling at the bait, set the hook aggressively.

Look for these King-of-the-Reef fish around structures where they love to feed on barnacles, small stone crab, and fiddler crab. They also eat shrimp, mollusks, minnows, clams, and squid. When choosing a bait, a natural one is the best way to go. However, if you are looking for a jig to use, consider a shrimp-tipped jig. The heavier weight helps keep the bait down and from being dragged with the current. If your local laws allow, you may even scrape barnacles off the pilings with a rake to create a seeping area of meat pieces in the water. The Sheepshead will quickly hone in on the scent, and you will have them come to you. 

Sheepshead Good to Eat?

Sheepshead is an excellent choice for those who love delicious, sustainable seafood options. This fish has a mild flavor that makes it suitable for any palate. Its white, sweet and succulent flesh is a perfect complement to any dish. Sheepshead is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to maintain a well-balanced diet. It is also low in mercury, which means you can enjoy it without worrying about any potential health risks.   A diet rich in Sheepshead fish can help in improving heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart diseases. It can also support brain function, boost immunity, and aid in muscle growth and repair. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, Sheepshead fish is an excellent addition to any meal.  So, if you have not tried this fish yet, it is time to do so and discover its exceptional taste and health benefits.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) Fish Description

A Southern Flounder is a flat, oval fish and is a part of the Paralichthyidae family. It is known for having both of its eyes on the left side of its head. It has an underdeveloped pectoral fin or has none at all. It also does not have any spines on its fins, and its caudal fin is separate.

The Southern Flounder is often mistaken as a Summer Flounder but one of its distinguishing factors among other flounders is its numerous light and dark blotches and spots on their dark side. Other flounders have oscillated spots, which is absent in a Southern Flounder.

It is a known predator, and it ambushes its prey from the bottom, camouflaging itself under sand or mud. It feeds on worms, shrimp, blue crabs, and smaller fishes like anchovies, menhaden, and mullets.

Interesting Facts About Southern Flounder

• A female Southern Flounder can lay up to 9,000 eggs at once.
• It can change its color and mimic the substrate they are in. This helps help hide from predators and also hunt for prey.
• Flounders are anguilliform swimmers. They swim using their bodies and caudal fin.
• Its eyes are both found on one side – also called their ocular side.
• Most Southern Flounders are 'left-handed' (both eyes on the left side), but there are also 'right-handed' Southern Flounders in rare cases.
• A male Southern Flounder's life is shorter than its female counterpart. It can live for at most three years only. 
   

Size

A Southern Flounder typically ranges from 15 to 18 inches and can grow as long as 33 inches. Typically, they weigh around 5 lbs. but it recorded an all-tackle weight of 20 lbs—9 oz.

Habitat and Distribution

The Southern Flounder is found in the waters along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. It is commonly found in sandy, rocky, or muddy bottoms of shallow waters of coastal marine areas, bays, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. This makes it easier to catch and feed on prey. Most adult Southern Flounders prefer staying offshore during the winter season.
 

Southern Flounder -  Fishing Techniques

The best technique to catch a Southern Flounder is still fishing or drift fishing since they settle at the water's bottom. Anglers can use live fish and artificial lures as bait. It is best to use a single-hooked, slip lead, or free-line rig with heads ranging from  1/4 "- 3/8".  It is advised to use light-to-medium lines with reels that can spool 150 yards per 10 lbs. Anglers can also fly fish using medium lines.

Bull minnows, mullets, and shrimps are the best baits to catch flatfish like flounders.