Species
SNOOK
Snook are found from central Florida south, usually inshore in coastal and brackish waters. They are also common along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges. Snook are also on reefs and around pilings nearshore. They congregate in large schools during summer in deep passes and inlets to spawn. Snook begin life as males, but between 18 and 22 inches long some become females. Spawning occurs primarily in summer. Snook school along shore and in passes during spawning season. They feed on fish and large crustaceans. The Florida State record is 45 lbs. 12 oz., caught near Sebastian, Florida.
REDFISH
Redfish are one of the premier gamefish in the SFL known for their drag screaming fun fight. They are bright or dark gold red color on the back, which fades into white on the belly. Also known as Red Drum, they have a characteristic false black eye near the tail to trick predators such as Dolphin and sharks. A Three-year-old Red Drum typically weighs around six to eight pounds. When they are near or over twenty-seven inches, they are called "Bull Reds". The Florida State record is 52 lbs. 5 oz., caught near Cocoa, Florida.
SPECKLED TROUT (SEA TROUT)
Seatrout found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass covered mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective. Larger fish commonly known as Gator Trout can reach lengths of 30 inches or more. The Florida State Record is 17 lbs. 7 oz, caught near Ft. Pierce Florida.
MANGROVE SNAPPER
Mangrove or "Gray Snapper" fishing can be some of the most exciting fishing in our waters. Mangrove's can be found on bridges, reefs & wrecks. Mangrove Snappers are very feisty and will often strike live or dead bait with reckless aggression. Catching mangrove is easiest if you chum them up to the surface. Once you get them fired up and in a feeding mood it can be an epic experience. Capt. Chuck is a true pro at Mangrove Snapper fishing as this is one of his specialties. The Florida State Record is 17 lbs. caught in Port Canaveral Florida.