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ATLANTIC SAILFISH
Probably the best known gamefish in the keys this fighter can reach a weight
of 100 pounds; but averages around 50 He is generally found in water over six fathoms. However, it is not uncommon
to find him hunting food in the shallow waters of the reef. Fall and winter are the best times of year to tangle
with a sailfish, but they are caught year-round. |
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BLUE MARLIN
Found in the Gulfstream and in the open ocean this grand-daddy of gamefish averages 150-250 lbs. (Florida Record:
980 lbs., 8 ozs.) Spring and summer are the best time to hook up with one, and be ready for a battle. |
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WHITE MARLIN
Like its big brother the blue marlin, the white marlin is also found in the gulfstream or open ocean. Reaching
weights up to 170 pounds it averages around 85 lbs. (Florida Record: 161 lbs.)A great jumper and fighter, its edibility
is only good and so it is not often eaten. |
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KING MACKEREL
Winter is the best time to catch a king. Traveling in schools they average 12-20 lbs. but can exceed 50 pounds.
(Florida Record 90 lbs.) Caught in waters offshore, they are an excellent eating fish and are considered by some
the best for smoking. |
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DOLPHIN
Also a schooling fish, the dolphin is found in all warm waters usually 250 feet or deeper. Caught all year in the
keys, summer is the best, and it is not unusual to catch a dozen 10 - 12 pounders, and a good 35 - 50 lb. bull.
A great eater. |
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“SILVER KING” TARPON
This Backcountry fighter may be found along the entire Florida coast in estuaries and among mangroves. Tarpon can
be caught year round but summer is the best time of year to catch the big ones by casting on the shallow flats.
Typical catch is 50 to 70 pounds. Edibility is poor. |
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BONEFISH
Primarily Inshore fish inhabiting shallows of the Florida Keys - often in waters less than 1 foot deep, usually
over lush grass flats, occassionally over white sand. Considered too bony for the average eater. |
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SNOOK
Late spring thru fall is the best time to hook this fish along the mangroves or shorelines of the Keys. Also found
in sheltered waters and occasionally fresh water. The edibility of this fish is excellent. |
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MANGROVE SNAPPER
This edible delight is found all year round mostly inshore or around reefs. Averaging 1 to 4 pounds, they can be
found in holes, channels, bridges, pier areas, magroves and shorelines. |