Saltwater Fishing

Welcome to Florida's Saltwater Fishing!

News Updates:

Gray triggerfish 2-fish bag limit effective June 10 in Gulf state waters. Season closure starts June 10 and runs through July 31.
Goliath grouper survey being conducted by University of Florida. Take this survey.

Fish of the Week - Black Drum

Pogonias cromis

Features:

High arched back
10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels
Gray or black colored body in adults
Young have 4 to 6 vertical bars
Scales large
Has cobblestone-like teeth capable of crushing oysters

Similar Fish: Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. Vertical bars on juvenile black drum are somewhat similar to those on sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus; and spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber.

Size: Common to 30 pounds.

Habitat: Inshore fish common to bays and lagoons. Bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also offshore.

Notes: Largest member of the drum family. Spawns nearshore in winter and early spring. Feeds on oysters, mussels, oysters, crabs, shrimp and occasionally fish. Longevity to 35 or more years.

Art by Diane Rome Peebles

From mangroves to salt marshes, Florida is the "Fishing Capital of the World." We hope you'll find the information below handy for planning your next Florida fishing trip, be it commercial or recreational.