🐟 Southeast Florida Fish Species Guide

Identification guide for common catches in Stuart, Jupiter, Jensen Beach, and Fort Pierce waters

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Mahi Mahi
Offshore

Mahi Mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Size: 20-40 lbs avg
Season: Year-round peak Apr-Jul
Habitat: Open ocean, weed lines

ID Tips:

  • Brilliant gold and green coloration
  • High, compressed forehead (bulls)
  • Long dorsal fin extends full body length
  • Rapid color changes when excited
Snook
Inshore

Common Snook

Centropomus undecimalis

Size: 5-15 lbs avg
Season: Sep 1 - Dec 14, Feb 1 - May 31
Habitat: Mangroves, inlets, bridges

ID Tips:

  • Prominent black lateral line
  • Yellow-green to silver coloration
  • Large mouth extends past eye
  • Concave head profile
Red Snapper
Bottom Fish

Red Snapper

Lutjanus campechanus

Size: 3-8 lbs avg
Season: Check current regulations
Habitat: Hard bottom, reefs, 60-200ft

ID Tips:

  • Bright red to pink coloration
  • Red eyes and fins
  • Triangular anal fin
  • No black spot on dorsal fin
Tarpon
Game Fish

Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus

Size: 80-200 lbs avg
Season: May-September peak
Habitat: Inshore waters, passes, flats

ID Tips:

  • Large silver scales
  • Upturned mouth
  • Long dorsal fin ray
  • Massive size and acrobatic jumps
Gag Grouper
Bottom Fish

Gag Grouper

Mycteroperca microlepis

Size: 5-20 lbs avg
Season: Check current regulations
Habitat: Reefs, ledges, 60-250ft

ID Tips:

  • Gray to brown with darker markings
  • Large mouth with thick lips
  • Squared-off tail
  • Can change color rapidly
Cobia
Game Fish

Cobia

Rachycentron canadum

Size: 20-40 lbs avg
Season: March-May peak
Habitat: Near structure, rays, sharks

ID Tips:

  • Dark brown shark-like appearance
  • White stripe along side
  • Flat, broad head
  • Often follows rays and sharks
Sailfish
Pelagic

Atlantic Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Size: 30-60 lbs avg
Season: Nov-April peak
Habitat: Blue water, current edges

ID Tips:

  • Large sail-like dorsal fin
  • Long, pointed bill
  • Blue-black back, silver sides
  • Vertical bars when excited
King Mackerel
Pelagic

King Mackerel

Scomberomorus cavalla

Size: 10-30 lbs avg
Season: Oct-April peak
Habitat: Open water, reefs, trolling

ID Tips:

  • Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body
  • Sharp, triangular teeth
  • Lateral line drops sharply
  • No spots (unlike Spanish mackerel)

🚨 Important Fishing Regulations

Size & Bag Limits

Always check current FWC regulations before fishing. Limits change seasonally and by species.

View Current Regulations →

Licenses Required

Florida saltwater fishing license required for ages 16+. Some species require additional permits.

Get Your License →

Seasonal Closures

Many species have closed seasons for spawning protection. Check before targeting specific fish.

View Seasons →

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