Species & fishing regulations

Sarda sarda

Distinct from little tunny. Cool-water pelagic; spring/fall surface-feeding fishery off NC/SC/GA/NE FL. Light-tackle target around inlets and nearshore. Less common but legitimately targeted in mid-Atlantic and northern SE Atlantic.

12 regulations on file →

Thunnus obesus

Daytime deep tuna — feeds at the thermocline (typically 250-800 ft). The 20°C isotherm depth is exactly where bigeye stack. Night chunking on the shelf edge for shallower water work.

7 regulations on file →

Thunnus atlanticus

Stacks on thermocline structure. Look for bird shows on bait.

10 regulations on file →

Thunnus thynnus

Premier winter/early-spring pelagic off NC Outer Banks (Hatteras/Oregon Inlet). Charter-driven Nov-Apr fishery. NMFS-managed Highly Migratory Species; legitimate recreational target in NC waters. Distinct from yellowfin/bigeye/blackfin.

12 regulations on file →

Euthynnus alletteratus

Surface-feeding pelagic targeted by light-tackle and fly anglers from NC south through FL Atlantic and into Gulf. Strong fall fishery off NC/SC; year-round bite throughout SE Atlantic and Gulf. Often called 'false albacore' (albies) or 'bonito' incorrectly in Gulf.

12 regulations on file →

Coryphaena hippurus

Bait-runners on temperature breaks and weedlines. Look for clean blue water just inside SST gradient fronts.

12 regulations on file →

Elagatis bipinnulata

Pelagic jack of tropical/subtropical waters. Targeted around offshore structure, FADs, and weedlines in FL Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean. Also caught at oil rigs in N Gulf.

12 regulations on file →

Acanthocybium solandri

Loves moving water on structure. New/full moon, dawn/dusk, sharp temperature breaks.

12 regulations on file →

Thunnus albacares

Anomaly-driven. Warm-core eddies spinning off the Gulf Stream are the play.

10 regulations on file →

Makaira nigricans

Deep blue water, warm-core eddy interiors, big bait.

11 regulations on file →

Istiophorus platypterus

Wintertime push down the SE FL coast. Tail in the trough on north wind days.

11 regulations on file →

Xiphias gladius

Where subsurface data really matters. Drop to the deep scattering layer, mind the thermocline.

11 regulations on file →

Kajikia albida

Often mixed with sailfish on lighter tackle in the same water.

11 regulations on file →

Lutjanus buccanella

Deep-water snapper (200-650 ft) of S FL, Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf. Caught alongside silk and queen snapper on deep-drops. Distinctive black blotch at pectoral base.

12 regulations on file →

Mycteroperca bonaci

The premier Keys grouper — out-sizes gag, prefers reefs and ledges. Live bait on heavy gear, fast retrieve off the bottom.

8 regulations on file →

Centropristis striata

SE Atlantic structure fish — live bottom + wrecks 60–200 ft. Squid + cut bait on jigs. Federally regulated (SAFMC) with seasonal closures.

8 regulations on file →

Caulolatilus microps

Shallower cousin to golden tilefish, on hard bottom rather than mud. 250-800 ft sweet spot — the 15°C isotherm is your depth target.

6 regulations on file →

Mycteroperca microlepis

Cold-side bias compared to red grouper. Live bait on bottom.

12 regulations on file →

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

Lives in self-dug burrows on soft bottom along the shelf edge. Cold water (50-60°F at depth) — the 10°C isotherm tells you the floor temp. Long drops, big sinkers, electric reels.

6 regulations on file →

Etelis oculatus

Deep-drop snapper (600-1400 ft) from Bahamas through FL Keys to Caribbean. Premier deep-drop target; long red body. Open year-round in FL state and federal waters. Targeted off Keys, Bahamas, and S FL Atlantic deep drops.

12 regulations on file →

Epinephelus morio

Warm-side bias. The 'old reliable' on the Gulf side.

12 regulations on file →

Pagrus pagrus

Deep-reef snapper-grouper complex fish (66-500+ ft) commonly caught while bottom fishing for grouper from NC south through FL Atlantic and Gulf. SAFMC/GMFMC managed; heavily regulated. Also found in Bahamas reefs.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus campechanus

Tightly regulated. Always season-check before recommending.

12 regulations on file →

Mycteroperca phenax

Considered the premier eating grouper. Deeper than gag, light bite, often hooks on dropper rigs while jigging for AJs.

8 regulations on file →

Lutjanus vivanus

Deep-water snapper (350-1000 ft) of S FL, Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean and Gulf. Also called yelloweye snapper. Common deep-drop catch. Federally managed in snapper-grouper complex.

12 regulations on file →

Hyporthodus niveatus

Among the deepest of FL groupers. Federal Atlantic has a recreational ACL-based season — verify before you go. The cold-water tunas + tilefish share depth zones.

8 regulations on file →

Epinephelus drummondhayi

Deep grouper (200-400 ft) from NC to FL Keys including Gulf and Bermuda. Targeted by deep-droppers; 1 per vessel limit in most states. Federally managed; legitimate (if regulated) recreational target throughout SE Atlantic and Gulf.

12 regulations on file →

Rhomboplites aurorubens

Schooling bottom species. Multi-hook chicken rigs with squid, often a quick limit while waiting on bigger groupers.

11 regulations on file →

Hyporthodus nigritus

Species of concern — restrictive limits (1 per vessel). Can grow to 400+ lbs. Mark on sonar over deep relief, single live bait near the bottom.

6 regulations on file →

Polyprion americanus

Deep-reef species (1300-2000 ft) targeted off SE Atlantic, especially the Charleston Bump/Blake Plateau (SC, GA, NC offshore). Specialized deep-drop fishery; SAFMC-managed.

12 regulations on file →

Hyporthodus flavolimbatus

Premier deep-drop grouper (450-850 ft) from NC through Gulf and Caribbean to Brazil. Widely considered best-eating grouper. Active recreational fishery in Gulf and SE Atlantic; managed by GMFMC/SAFMC.

12 regulations on file →

Alectis ciliaris

Bullnose reef fish — deep wrecks 100–300 ft. Big live baits (blue runner, threadfin) on a drift; powerful first run. South FL Atlantic + Keys + Bahamas year-round.

3 regulations on file →

Seriola rivoliana

Deeper AJ-family cousin. Stronger meat, less prone to ciguatera in FL waters. Vertical jigs over deep wrecks.

4 regulations on file →

Seriola dumerili

Aggressive on bait drops over high-relief structure.

12 regulations on file →

Chaetodipterus faber

Common schooling fish around buoys, towers, nearshore reefs, jetties, wrecks, and pilings from Massachusetts through the Gulf and Caribbean. Heavily targeted on small jigs/clam strips in summer; managed by SAFMC. Range: MA south to Brazil including northern Gulf of Mexico, Carolinas, Florida, Bahamas.

12 regulations on file →

Seriola zonata

Smallest of the FL AJ family. Often mixed with lesser AJ on wrecks; same slot limit. Light tackle fun.

5 regulations on file →

Caranx ruber

Most common Caranx in West Indies/Bahamas. Clear shallow-water reef jack; popular light-tackle target on flies/jigs in Bahamas, FL Keys, S FL. SAFMC-managed.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus cyanopterus

Largest snapper species (to 125 lb). Targeted on wrecks/deep ledges in S FL, Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean. Late-summer spawning aggregations are well-known targets. Also caught in N Gulf wrecks/LA rigs.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus jocu

Reef/wreck snapper of FL, Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf. Found in patch reefs and shallow structure; targeted in S FL and Bahamas. Part of the snapper aggregate bag limit.

12 regulations on file →

Epinephelus itajara

Apex inshore reef predator (up to 800 lb). Catch-and-release ONLY in US waters. Heavy tackle off wrecks + bridge pilings. Juveniles live deep in mangrove estuaries.

6 regulations on file →

Balistes capriscus

Reef + wreck specialist. Small hooks (their mouth is tiny + sharp), shrimp or squid bait. Federally regulated in Atlantic + Gulf with strict seasons + size minimums.

11 regulations on file →

Sphyraena barracuda

Sight-fish on tropical flats; ambush predator on the reef edge + wrecks. Tube lures + fast retrieves. Wire leader mandatory — they slice mono in one strike.

3 regulations on file →

Lachnolaimus maximus

Sight-spearfishing target — also takes shrimp on a knocker rig over sandy hard bottom. Different rules Atlantic vs Gulf.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus synagris

Common nearshore reef snapper from NC through FL, Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas and Caribbean. Most abundant in south FL and the Gulf. Popular family-fishing target with own bag limits (20/day in most Gulf states); explicitly managed by GMFMC/SAFMC.

12 regulations on file →

Seriola fasciata

Smaller cousin of greater AJ — different slot limit (14-22 in). Often mixed in on AJ wrecks; release greaters during closure.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus analis

Premier Keys + SE FL snapper. Spawning aggregations in spring. Live pinfish or pilchards on knocker rigs over hard bottom.

12 regulations on file →

Epinephelus striatus

Catch-and-release only in US waters but actively encountered/targeted (release fishery) in Bahamas, FL Keys, S FL. Legitimate recreational species in Bahamas where regulations differ. Iconic Caribbean reef grouper.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus apodus

Common shallow-reef snapper around mangroves and coral in FL Keys, Bahamas, S FL, S Gulf. Targeted on light tackle. SAFMC/GMFMC-managed in snapper aggregate.

12 regulations on file →

Tautoga onitis

Cool-water wrasse targeted around wrecks/jetties/rocky structure from Nova Scotia to SC; most abundant Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. Premier NC winter/early-spring wreck species north of Hatteras.

12 regulations on file →

Mycteroperca venenosa

Southern grouper of S FL, Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean. Found on coral reefs and rocky bottom. SAFMC/GMFMC-managed. Not common north of S FL; ciguatera-prone in some areas.

12 regulations on file →

Mycteroperca interstitialis

Reef grouper of S FL, Bahamas, Caribbean and to a lesser extent N Gulf. Distinguished from scamp by yellow mouth. Federally managed; part of grouper aggregate.

12 regulations on file →

Ocyurus chrysurus

Keys signature. Chum hard, drift small baits back, light fluoro. Best on outgoing tide off the reef tract.

12 regulations on file →

Pogonias cromis

Bigger cousin of redfish. Crab and shrimp on the bottom on incoming tide near structure. Spring spawning aggregations are eye-popping.

10 regulations on file →

Albula vulpes

Silver-flash flats specialist. Sight-fish on incoming tide where sand or turtle-grass flats meet a slightly deeper edge. Tailing fish at low light, mudding fish on bright days. Spook fast — long leaders, light landings.

4 regulations on file →

Paralichthys lethostigma

Ambush predator on sandy bottom. Live finger mullet or mud minnow on a Carolina rig, fall flounder run is the prime window.

10 regulations on file →

Paralichthys albigutta

Three-flounder complex in Gulf and SE Atlantic. Predominant ocean flounder in southern NC; common in FL Gulf, AL, MS, LA, TX. Distinct species from southern flounder; NC has separate Gulf flounder season.

0 regulations on file →

Menticirrhus littoralis

Distinct from southern kingfish (black tail-tip). Primary surf species along Gulf coast and Atlantic FL beaches. Common surf-fishing target from Texas to NC; year-round.

0 regulations on file →

Caranx hippos

Absolute brutes on light tackle. Topwaters, big swimbaits, popping corks. Schools blitz bait pods all season.

10 regulations on file →

Elops saurus

Hard-fighting inshore species from NC south through FL, Gulf, Bahamas, Caribbean. Acrobatic, often called 'poor man's tarpon'. Light-tackle/fly target around inlets, beaches, flats. Not bait-only.

0 regulations on file →

Trachinotus falcatus

Spooky flats prize. Tailing on shallow turtle-grass at low light; off wrecks in the heat. Crab on the bottom or a small floating crab fly across the path.

3 regulations on file →

Sciaenops ocellatus

Tailing on the flats on low water, sight-fishing pattern.

11 regulations on file →

Cynoscion arenarius

Gulf-only inshore drum (FL Gulf coast to Mexico). Second-most-caught seatrout in Gulf after spotted. Targeted year-round in MS/AL/LA/TX/FL Gulf bays; FWC/MDMR-recognized species.

0 regulations on file →

Cynoscion nothus

Smaller relative of sand seatrout, Western Gulf only (TX/Mexico). Caught incidentally in Texas bays; included for TX completeness.

0 regulations on file →

Centropomus undecimalis

Ambush feeders. Light strong, tide running.

4 regulations on file →

Menticirrhus americanus

Surf-and-pier sport target from MA to Argentina; abundant Atlantic and Gulf coast surf zones. Called 'whiting' on E coast, 'sea mullet' regionally. Light-tackle target; aggregate bag limits in SC/GA.

0 regulations on file →

Cynoscion nebulosus

Florida's #1 inshore target. Topwater dawn/dusk, soft plastics on the flats, live shrimp under a popping cork.

9 regulations on file →

Morone saxatilis

Saltwater migration in NC/SC sounds + rivers, fall/winter primarily. Live eels at night around bridges + jetties; chunked menhaden on tide. Mostly catch-release south of VA.

3 regulations on file →

Paralichthys dentatus

NC primary species. Drift bucktail+gulp over clean sand near inlets. May–October off the beach; summer migration to nearshore wrecks for the bigger fish.

3 regulations on file →

Megalops atlanticus

Migratory body, tide-driven. Bridge fights on outgoing, beach push on calm dawns.

11 regulations on file →

Cynoscion regalis

Primary inshore drum from NC north (also caught SC/GA). Regulated by NC, SC, GA; required harvest reporting in NC. Distinct from spotted seatrout. Targeted in surf, inlets, sounds along mid-Atlantic and southern Atlantic.

0 regulations on file →

Pomatomus saltatrix

Chopper bait-blitzes off the beach + inlets. Wire leader or sacrifice a few lures — they cut anything. Fall + spring migrations along NC/SC/GA/FL Atlantic.

7 regulations on file →

Scomberomorus regalis

Smaller cousin of king/Spanish — tropical reef-edge pelagic. Hard hits on small jigs and live pilchards over patch reefs in FL Keys + Bahamas. Year-round in warm water.

2 regulations on file →

Rachycentron canadum

Sight-fishing on cruisers during spring migration.

12 regulations on file →

Trachinotus carolinus

Surf-fishing prize. Sand fleas on long rods, dropper rigs through the troughs. Migrate north spring + south fall.

10 regulations on file →

Caranx latus

Schooling jack of S FL, Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean. Common around bridges, channels, reefs. Fights hard on light tackle; commonly caught alongside crevalle in tropical waters.

12 regulations on file →

Scomberomorus cavalla

Nearshore live-bait pattern. Smoker kings late spring through fall.

12 regulations on file →

Lutjanus griseus

Spans the entire water column from inshore mangroves to offshore reefs. Light leader, small live bait, mind tide direction.

11 regulations on file →

Archosargus probatocephalus

Spring spawning aggregations on structure. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, oysters on small jigs. Subtle bite, fast hookset.

10 regulations on file →

Scomberomorus maculatus

Spring + fall blitz species. Trolled spoons, gotcha plugs, small live baits. Birds working = fish underneath.

12 regulations on file →

Lobotes surinamensis

Sight-fishing on floating structure. Live shrimp or small jigs pitched within a few feet — they sulk on the surface looking lazy until the strike.

10 regulations on file →