Saltwater Fishing Guide

Fish Species in Florida

Discover the fish species you can catch in Florida's saltwater. From the Atlantic to the Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys — Florida offers incredible saltwater fishing diversity.

Atlantic Species

Florida's Atlantic coast — from the Space Coast through Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale to Miami — is home to a wide variety of species that can be caught from shore, pier and boat.

Redfish

Channel Bass

Sciaenops ocellatus

One of the most popular catches on Florida's Atlantic coast. Found near mangroves, river mouths and shallow flats. Recognizable by the distinctive black spot near its tail.

All Atlantic coastSeptember – November (best during the fall run)

Spotted Seatrout

Speck

Cynoscion nebulosus

A common and popular catch along the entire Atlantic coast of Florida. Found around grass flats and shallow bays. A great fish for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

All Atlantic coastYear-round

Snook

Linesider

Centropomus undecimalis

An iconic Florida gamefish, prized for its hard fight and great taste. Found around bridge pilings, mangroves and river mouths. Subject to seasonal closures that vary by area — always check current FWC regulations before harvesting.

Treasure Coast to MiamiOpen season varies by area and date

Flounder

Doormat

Paralichthys lethostigma

A flatfish that camouflages on sandy bottoms, typically caught around bridges and channels. Excellent on the plate and popular with shore anglers.

All Atlantic coastOctober – December

Sheepshead

Convict Fish

Archosargus probatocephalus

Easily recognized by its striped body and human-like teeth. Found around piers, bridge pilings and wrecks. Feeds on crustaceans and shellfish.

All Atlantic coastJanuary – March

Black Drum

Drum

Pogonias cromis

A relative of the redfish that grows much larger. A common catch from piers and bridges along the entire Atlantic coast. Smaller specimens are excellent on the plate.

All Atlantic coastYear-round

Pompano

Florida Pompano

Trachinotus carolinus

A fast, silvery fish caught in the surf on sandy beaches. Considered one of the tastiest fish in Florida.

Space Coast to Palm BeachOctober – April

Bluefish

Chopper

Pomatomus saltatrix

An aggressive predator that runs in schools along the northern and central Atlantic coast. A great sport fish — sharp teeth call for a wire leader.

Northeast and Central Atlantic CoastNovember – March

Gulf Coast Species

The calm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa to Naples offer excellent pier and shore fishing, and are home to tarpon, cobia and mangrove snapper.

Mangrove Snapper

Gray Snapper

Lutjanus griseus

One of the most common snappers in the Gulf. Found around piers, bridges and mangrove roots. A wary fish, but excellent on the plate.

All Gulf CoastYear-round

Redfish

Channel Bass

Sciaenops ocellatus

In the calm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, redfish are one of the most sought-after catches. Typically caught on flies and lures around grass flats and river mouths.

All Gulf CoastSeptember – November (best during the fall run)

Cobia

Ling

Rachycentron canadum

A powerful fish that migrates along the Gulf coast in spring. Often shows up around piers and buoys, hunting baitfish schools. Needs sturdy tackle.

Gulf Coast piers and passesMarch – May

Whiting

Sea Mullet

Menticirrhus americanus

A reliable catch from Gulf coast beaches year-round. A great fish for beginners, caught on shrimp pieces fished on the bottom.

All Gulf CoastYear-round

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish

Scomberomorus maculatus

A fast pelagic fish that runs in schools close to Gulf coast piers and beaches. Great on light tackle — sharp teeth call for a wire leader.

All Gulf CoastApril – June and October – November

Tarpon

Silver King

Megalops atlanticus

Tarpon, nicknamed the "Silver King," is one of the most sought-after gamefish in the world. Every spring migration, one of Florida's biggest schools passes through Boca Grande Pass.

Boca Grande to HomosassaMay – July

Florida Keys Species

The Florida Keys, sitting between the Atlantic and the Gulf, offer unique species like bonefish, tarpon and yellowtail snapper on shallow flats and coral reefs.

Bonefish

Grey Ghost

Albula vulpes

Nicknamed the "Grey Ghost" for its wariness and silver color that blends with the sand. Fishing the shallow flats of the Florida Keys is one of the most demanding and prized disciplines in fly fishing.

Florida Keys flatsYear-round

Tarpon

Silver King

Megalops atlanticus

The Florida Keys are home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. Mostly caught on the flats and in the channels between the islands, often on fly.

Florida KeysMay – July

Yellowtail Snapper

Yellowtail

Ocyurus chrysurus

A fast and abundant species around the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. A popular target thanks to its excellent taste too.

Florida Keys coral reefsYear-round

Mutton Snapper

Mutton

Lutjanus analis

A strong, wary snapper found around the reefs and sand flats of the Florida Keys. Requires light tackle and patience, rewarded with an excellent catch.

Florida KeysYear-round

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