Fish Species Information Tips
Read these 125 Fish Species Information Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Fishing tips and hundreds of other topics.
Lay a Scent for Big Catfish
Lay a scent for big catfish if you want to increase your catch of cats. Most of us plop a stinkbait or chicken liver onto the river bottom and let the fish take it from there. You'll increase your chances for a big, lazy cat if you try a simple trick that tournament anglers have discovered. Lay a scent trail by moving your bait. After you've dropped it and haven't had any action for about 20 minutes, move it about 10 yards or so and let it rest again. If you still haven't had a bite, move it again. Your bait is laying a water-borne scent that is giving your bait a lot more exposure than it would otherwise have. In the current, simply toss the bait downstream and keep moving it back to you. Hungry cats will get a whiff of the bait and start moving to locate the source of the scent. By moving your bait upstream you'll be intercepting the cats and make it easier to find.
Try hybrid stripers for fast sub-surface action.
Try hybrid stripers for fast sub-surface action.
The ocean-run striped bass are originally a marine fish that was landlocked interior rivers were first impounded. Fisheries biologists found that though they could survive in fresh water, warmer summer temperatures on big fish led to high mortality. A cross between the native white bass and the ocean striper resulted in a hybrid that was a hardy, deep-bodied fish that routinely topped 12 pounds, or more. During the summer, look for seagulls pointing the way to fleeing shad. The hybrids will chase the shad up to the surface during the summer months. As the hybrids close in the shad will flip out of the water in an attempt to escape. Casting small baits into the fray means taking a hybrid on nearly every cast. Most hybrids are taken on crankbaits of one kind or another, especially Rogues or Rapala Husky Jerks. Half-ounce to three-quarter ounce Rattle Traps are also killers. Small in-line spinners and spoons tossed into the feeding frenzy also take plenty of fish. If it looks like a shad, it'll probably work.
Do Your Homework Before You Go
Would you like to up your odds for that trophy fish? Calling ahead during the planning stage of your next fishing trip may be the most important thing you can do. Searching the Internet will give you a wealth of contact information for people who can save you time and money. Start by calling a state fisheries biologist who will be able to give you an overview of the fishery and what you can expect to catch. Your second call during the trip planning should be to a local bait shop. If the staff can't answer your questions they'll at least know who the local experts are and be able to put you in touch with them. Local sportsmen's clubs and travel bureaus can give you ideas for inexpensive lodging, the best boat ramps and what baits are hot. Best of all, this information is free for the asking!
Shad
American shad(Alosa sapidissima)
Description
American shad are flat-sided fish with a green- or greenish-blue back, a row of 3 to 23 dark spots along its silvery sides, and a white belly. Sharp saw-like scales, or scutes, along its belly, distinguish it from other fish. The American shad is the largest member of the herring family with an average weight of two to seven pounds and an average length of 10 to 30 inches.
Location
Shad are found along the Atlantic seaboard from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in eastern Canada to Florida and along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska.
Habitat
American shad tend to inhabit areas near the bottom in the main river channels. They are very sensitive to water temperature and any dramatic changes in the temperature of its habitat can have a very negative impact on the fish. The ideal habitats for juvenile shad are large reservoirs. However, fish ladders and dam bypasses are necessary to assist in the migration of the American shad past dams.
Spawning Habits
In late March or early June, the shad are prompted by rising temperatures to leave the ocean and return to their freshwater place of birth to spawn. These areas of spawn are rivers or streams, both requiring upstream ventures. Upon entering freshwater, the belly of the shad changes from white to a darker color.
The female shad, carrying 30,000 to 600,000 eggs, joins the male in an area with fine gravel or sandy bottoms to mix the sperm and eggs.
Shortly after spawning, adults will either die or return to the ocean. The current carries the fertilized, transparent eggs downstream. The larvae will hatch in 3 to 10 days.
Food Usage/Selection
American shad are primarily plankton feeders. Depending upon the geographical region, their diet will vary. Copepods, amphipods, shrimp, zooplankton, and other small fish are common food sources.
Sporting Qualities
Sport fishing for American shad is on the rise. They are strong fighting and hard running fish. They can be caught in route to their spawning grounds by use of dip nets, if legal in that body of water, or by angling with artificial lures or bait. Many anglers have more success by offering bright and flashy lures. American shad can be found in large numbers in areas that temporarily or permanently obstruct their run upstream, such as below a shallow riffle, falls or a dam. They can also be found in areas with a deep bend pool and a moderate current.
Brown Trout
Science Name: Salmo trutta
Other Names: German brown, Loch Leven trout, brownie, sea trout
Ideal Temp: 56 to 66
World Record: 40 lbs. 4 ounces Ark.
Environment: stream, lake
Techniques: light fly, light tackle, casting
Coho Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Other Names: silver salmon, blueback
Ideal Temp: 53 to 58
World Record: 33 lbs. 4 NY
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: medium casting, medium fly
Range: Great Lakes and western North America
Spotted Seatrout
Science Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Other Names: Speckled Trout
Ideal Temp: 55 to 80
World Record: 17 lbs. 7 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, castting, fly
Brook Trout
Science Name: Salvelinus fontinalis
Other Names: speckled trout, brookies, Eastern brook trout, coaster, salter
Ideal Temp: 61 to 70
World Record: 14 lbs. 8 ounces ONT.
Environment: Streams, rivers, lakes
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly fishing
King Mackerel
Science Name: Scomberomorous cavalla
Other Names: kingfish, southern mackeral
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 93 lbs. Puerto Rico
Environment: reef, offshore
Techniques: medium tackle, heavy tackle, trolling,
Atlantic Bonito
Science Name: Sarda sarda
Other Names: common bonito, katonkel, belted bonito
Ideal Temp: 62 to 80
World Record: 18 lbs. 4 ounces, Azores
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: medium tackle, trolling
Blue Catfish
Science Name: Ictalurus furcatus
Other Names: channel cat, hump-back blue, forktail cat, great blue cat, silver cat
Ideal Temp: 75 to 85
World Record: 111 lbs, Al.
Environment: rivers
Techniques: light tackle, medium tackle
Striped Bass
Science Name: Morone saxatilis
Other Names: striper, rockfish, rock, linesides
Ideal Temp: 65 to 70
World Record: 78.5 lbs. NJ
Environment: inshore, coastal, lake
Techniques: Surf fishing, casting, light tackle
Suwannee Bass
nce Name: Micropterus notius
Ideal Temp: 70 to 80
World Record: 3 pounds, 14 ounces, Fl.
Environment: streams and rivers
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Florida and Georgia
Sockeye Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus nerka
Other Names: Red salmon , blueback salmon, kokanee, koke, red fish and silver trout
Ideal Temp: 50 to 55
World Record: 15 lbs. 3 ounces, Alaska
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: western North America
Atlantic Croaker
Science Name: Micropogonias undulatus
Other Names: croaker, hardhead
World Record: 3 lbs. 12 ounce, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Red Snapper
Science Name: Lutjanus campechanus
Other Names: American red snapper, northern red snapper, mutton snapper
Ideal Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 50 lbs. 4 oz, Louisiana
Environment: reef
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Sockeye Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus nerka
Other Names: Red salmon , blueback salmon, kokanee, koke, red fish and silver trout
Ideal Temp: 50 to 55
World Record: 15 lbs. 3 ounces, Alaska
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: western North America
Redeye Bass
Science Name: Micropterus coosae
Other Names: Coosa bass, shoal bass, Flint River smallmouth, Chipola bass, black bass
Ideal Temp: 65 to 70
World Record: 8 lbs. 12 ounces, Fl.
Environment: stream, river, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Southeastern United States
Gray Snapper
Science Name: Lutjanus griseus
Other Names: mangrove snapper
Ideal Temp: 70 to 80
World Record: 17 lb. Florida
Environment: inshore and reefs
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Black Grouper
Science Name: Mycteroperca bonaci
Other Names: Rock Grouper
World Record: 114 lbs. Texas and Florid
Environment: reef
Techniques: drift, bottom fishing, trolling
Peacock Bass
Science Name: Cichla ocellaris
Other Names: Butterfly Peacock
World Record: 11 lbs. 8 FL.
Environment: lakes
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Florida
White Catfish
Science Name: Ameiurus catus
Other Names: forked-tail cat, catfish
Ideal Temp: 76 to 85
World Record: 18 lbs. 14 ounces, Fl.
Environment: stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle
Skipjack Tuna
Science Name: Euthynnus pelamis
Other Names: Artic bonito and oceanic bonito
Ideal Temp: 65 to 85
World Record: 45 lbs. 4 oz, Mexico
Environment: offshore
Techniques: medium tackle, trolling
Black Sea Bass
Science Name: Centropris tisstriata
Other Names: sea bass, black fish, black bass, rockfish, talywag
World Record: 2 lbs. 11 oz, Gibraltar
Environment: inshore, coastal, reef
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Bigeye Tuna
Science Name: Thunnus obesus
Other Names: bigeyed tuna, bigeyed tunny
Ideal Temp: 62 to 75
World Record: 435 lbs. Peru
Environment: offshore
Techniques: heavy tackle trolling, downrigger
Largemouth Bass
Science Name: Micropterus salmoides
Other Names: Black Bass, Florida bass, green bass, bigmouth, bucketmouth
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 22 lbs. 4 ozs. Ga.
Environment: stream, river, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting,
Summer Flounder
Science Name: Paralichthys dentatus
Other Names: Fluke
Ideal Temp: 65 to 80
World Record: 22 lbs. 7 ounces NY
Environment: coastal, offshore
Techniques: light tackle, bottom fishing
Vermilion Snapper
Science Name: Rhomboplites aurorubens
Other Names: beeliner, mingo, cajon
World Record: 7 lbs. 3 ounces Alabama
Environment: reef
Techniques: bottom fising, light tackle
Atlantic Salmon
Science Name: Salmo salar
Other Names: salmon, Ouananiche, or Sebago when landlocked
Ideal Temp: 50 to 60
World Record: 79 lbs. 2 ounces, Maine
Environment: coastal, stream
Techniques: fly
Range: Northeastern North America
Sheepshead
Science Name: Archosargus probatocephalus
Other Names: convict fish, seabream
Ideal Temp: 60 to 65
World Record: 21 lbs. 4 oz, La.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: medium tackle, bottom fishing
Atlantic Cod
Science Name: Gadus morhua
Other Names: cod, codfish, scrod, codling
Ideal Temp: 40 to 50
World Record: 98 lbs. 12 ounces, NH
Environment: offshore
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Range: Atlantic Ocean
Hybrid Striped Bass
Science Name: Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops
Other Names: Sunshine Bass, Wiper, Whiterock Bass
Ideal Temp: 70 to 75
World Record: 27 lbs. 5 oz. Ar.
Environment: river and lakes
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: east of Mississippi
Channel Catfish
Science Name: Icalurus punctatus
Other Names: spotted cat, blue channel cat, river catfish
Ideal Temp: 82 to 89
World Record: 58 lbs. SC
Environment: river and lakes
Techniques: light tackle
Spotted Seatrout
Science Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Other Names: Speckled Trout
Ideal Temp: 55 to 80
World Record: 17 lbs. 7 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, castting, fly
Greater Amberjack
Science Name: Seriola dumerili
Other Names: Amberjack
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 55 lbs. 12 oz, Bermuda
Environment: reef, offshore
Techniques: medium tackle
Rainbow Trout
Science Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
Other Names: bow, redsides, red-band trout, silver trout, steelhead, kamloops
Ideal Temp: 55 to 70
World Record: 42 lbs. 2 ounces, Alaska
Environment: lake, stream, coastal
Techniques: Light tackle, light tackle fly
Common Carp
Science Name: Cyprinus carpio
Other Names: Carp, German carp, Mirror carp, Israeli carp
World Record: 82 lbs. 3 oz Romania
Environment: lakes
Techniques: medium tackle
Striped Bass
Science Name: Morone saxatilis
Other Names: striper, rockfish, rock, linesides
Ideal Temp: 65 to 70
World Record: 78.5 lbs. NJ
Environment: inshore, coastal, lake
Techniques: Surf fishing, casting, light tackle
Spotted Bass
Science Name: Micropterus punctulatus
Other Names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass
Ideal Temp: 70 to 78
World Record: 9 lbs. 9 ounces, Ca.
Environment: stream, river
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
California Halibut
Science Name: Paralichthys californicus
Other Names: Flatty, barndoor, fly swatter
World Record: 58 lbs. 9 ounces Cal.
Environment: inshore, coastal, offshor
Techniques: drift fishing, trolling
Spotted Seatrout
Science Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Other Names: Speckled Trout
Ideal Temp: 55 to 80
World Record: 17 lbs. 7 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, castting, fly
Red Grouper
Science Name: Epinephelus morio
Other Names: grouper
Ideal Temp: 60 to 88
World Record: 42 lbs. 4 oz, Fl
Environment: reef
Techniques: drift, bottom, and trolling
Gag Grouper
Science Name: Mycteroperca microlepis
Other Names: gag, charcoal belly
World Record: 80 lbs. 6 ounces, Fl.
Environment: bottom fishing med tackle
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Sockeye Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus nerka
Other Names: Red salmon , blueback salmon, kokanee, koke, red fish and silver trout
Ideal Temp: 50 to 55
World Record: 15 lbs. 3 ounces, Alaska
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: western North America
Black Crappie
Science Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Other Names: sun fish, speckled perch, specks, papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, strawberry bass, or white perch
Ideal Temp: 70 to 75
World Record: 4 lbs. 8 ounces Kerr Lake
Environment: river and lakes
Techniques: light tackle, cassting, fly fishing
Range: Most of U.S and Canada
Atlantic Halibut
Science Name: Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Other Names: flattie, common halibut, chicken halibut, giant halibut, right-eyed flounder
Ideal Temp: 40 to 50
World Record: 355 lbs. 6 ounces, Norway
Environment: offshore
Techniques: deep-jigging, trolling, downriggers
Range: Atlantic Ocean
Bluefin Tuna
Science Name: Thunnus thynnus
Other Names: mackerWestern Atlantic bluefin, Nortel
Ideal Temp: 55 to 75
World Record: 1496 lbs. Nova Scotia
Environment: offshore
Techniques: Heavy-tackle trolling
White Croaker
ce Name: Menticirrhus americanus
Other Names: Southern kingfish, whiting
Ideal Temp: 45 to 85
World Record: 3 lbs. 12 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: Surf fishing, casting, light tackle
Longnose Gar
Science Name: Lepisosteus osseus
Other Names: gar, garfish
Ideal Temp: 85 to 90
World Record: 5 lbs. 5 ounces Tx.
Environment: river, lake
Techniques: medium tackle
Pink Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Other Names: humpback salmon, humpy, autumn
Ideal Temp: 52 to 57
World Record: 13 lbs. 1 ounce, Ont.
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Great Lakes and western North America
Blue Marlin
Science Name: Makaira nigricans
Other Names: Atlantic blue marlin, Pacific blue marlin, Cuban black marlin
Ideal Temp: 70 to 86
World Record: 1402 lbs. 2 ozs, Brazil
Environment: offshore
Techniques: Heavy-tackle trolling
Cutthroat Trout
Science Name: Oncorhynchus clarki
Other Names: native trout, cut, red trout, mountain trout, black spotted trout
Ideal Temp: 52 to 60
World Record: 41 lbs. Nevada
Environment: coastal, stream
Techniques: light tackle, fly
Chum Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus keta
Other Names: Dog salmon, autumn salmon, calico salmon
Ideal Temp: 52 to 58
World Record: 35 lbs. British Columbia
Environment: river, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, casting
Spotted Bass
Science Name: Micropterus punctulatus
Other Names: Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass
Ideal Temp: 70 to 78
World Record: 9 lbs. 9 ounces, Ca.
Environment: stream, river
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Pacific Halibut
Science Name: Hippoglossus stenolepis
Other Names: giant halibut, barndoor, hali
Ideal Temp: 36 to 46
World Record: 495 lbs. Alaska
Environment: offshore
Techniques: deep jigging, trolling, downrigger
White Catfish
Science Name: Ameiurus catus
Other Names: forked-tail cat, catfish
Ideal Temp: 76 to 85
World Record: 18 lbs. 14 ounces, Fl.
Environment: stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle
Redfin Pickerel
Science Name: Esox americanus
Other Names: little pickerel, mud pickerel, grass pickerel, banded pickerel, redfinned pike
Ideal Temp: 75 to 85
World Record: 2 lbs. 10ounces, GA
Environment: stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting
Lake Trout
Science Name: Salvelinus namaycush
Other Names: Laker, Mackinaw, gray trout, togue
Ideal Temp: 50 to 57
World Record: 72 lbs NW Terr.
Environment: lakes
Techniques: medium-tackle, bottom fishing, downrigger
Sheepshead
Science Name: Archosargus probatocephalus
Other Names: convict fish, seabream
Ideal Temp: 60 to 65
World Record: 21 lbs. 4 oz, La.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: medium tackle, bottom fishing
Red Grouper
Science Name: Epinephelus morio
Other Names: grouper
Ideal Temp: 60 to 88
World Record: 42 lbs. 4 oz, Fl
Environment: reef
Techniques: drift, bottom, and trolling
Chain Pickerel
Science Name: Esox niger
Other Names: Pike, river pike, grass pike, jack, jackfish, eastern pickerel, chainsides, mud pickerel
Ideal Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 9 lbs. 6 ounces GA
Environment: river and lakes
Techniques: light tackle, casting
Spanish Mackerel
Science Name: Scomberomorous maculatus
Other Names: Atlantic Spanish Mackerel
Ideal Temp: Above 65
World Record: 13 lbs. NC
Environment: offshore
Techniques: light tackle, casting
Longnose Gar
Science Name: Lepisosteus osseus
Other Names: gar, garfish
Ideal Temp: 85 to 90
World Record: 5 lbs. 5 ounces Tx.
Environment: river, lake
Techniques: medium tackle
Smallmouth Bass
Science Name: Micropterus dolomieu
Other Names: Bronzeback, brown bass, black bass, Oswego bass, green trout and redeye
Ideal Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 10 lbs. 14 ounces, Tn.
Environment: streams, rivers, lakes
Techniques: Casting, live baiting
Great Barracuda
Science Name: Sphyraena barracuda
Other Names: cuda, sea pike, giant sea pike
Ideal Temp: Above 65
World Record: 85 lbs. Christmas Island
Environment: reef
Techniques: medium tackle
Spotted Seatrout
Science Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Other Names: Speckled Trout
Ideal Temp: 55 to 80
World Record: 17 lbs. 7 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, castting, fly
Redeye Bass
Science Name: Micropterus coosae
Other Names: Coosa bass, shoal bass, Flint River smallmouth, Chipola bass, black bass
Ideal Temp: 65 to 70
World Record: 8 lbs. 12 ounces, Fl.
Environment: stream, river, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Southeastern United States
Blackfin Tuna
Science Name: Thunnus atlanticus
Other Names: blackfin
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 45 lbs. 8 ounces, Fl.
Environment: offshore
Techniques: medium tackle, trolling
Spotted Seatrout
Science Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Other Names: Speckled Trout
Ideal Temp: 55 to 80
World Record: 17 lbs. 7 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, castting, fly
Sheepshead
Science Name: Archosargus probatocephalus
Other Names: convict fish, seabream
Ideal Temp: 60 to 65
World Record: 21 lbs. 4 oz, La.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: medium tackle, bottom fishing
Striped Marlin
Science Name: Tetrapturus audax
Other Names: striper, Pacific striper, barred marlin, spikefish
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 494 lbs. New Zealand
Environment: offshore
Pink Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Other Names: humpback salmon, humpy, autumn
Ideal Temp: 52 to 57
World Record: 13 lbs. 1 ounce, Ont.
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Great Lakes and western North America
Sockeye Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus nerka
Other Names: Red salmon , blueback salmon, kokanee, koke, red fish and silver trout
Ideal Temp: 50 to 55
World Record: 15 lbs. 3 ounces, Alaska
Environment: coastal, stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: western North America
Flathead Catfish
Science Name: Pylodictis olivaris
Other Names: yellow cat, mud cat, shovelhead cat, johnnie cat, goujon, appaluchion
Ideal Temp: 75 to 84
World Record: 123 lbs. 9 ounces, Kansas
Environment: streams
Techniques: medium tackle
Smallmouth Bass
Science Name: Micropterus dolomieu
Other Names: Bronzeback, brown bass, black bass, Oswego bass, green trout and redeye
Ideal Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 10 lbs. 14 ounces, Tn.
Environment: streams, rivers, lakes
Techniques: Casting, live baiting
Red Snapper
Science Name: Lutjanus campechanus
Other Names: American red snapper, northern red snapper, mutton snapper
Ideal Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 50 lbs. 4 oz, Louisiana
Environment: reef
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Rainbow Trout
Science Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
Other Names: bow, redsides, red-band trout, silver trout, steelhead, kamloops
Ideal Temp: 55 to 70
World Record: 42 lbs. 2 ounces, Alaska
Environment: lake, stream, coastal
Techniques: Light tackle, light tackle fly
Golden Trout
Science Name: Oncorhynchus aguabonita
Other Names: Kern River trout, mountain trout
Ideal Temp: 58 to 62
World Record: 11 lbs. WY
Environment: streams and lakes
Techniques: light tackle, fly
Range: This fish is found at high elevations in a small area of east-central California
Alligator Gar
Science Name: Lepisosteus spatula
Other Names: gar, garfish, garpike, gater gar
World Record: 279 lbs. Rio Grande River
Environment: river, lake
Techniques: med to heavy action rod and reels, bow fishing
Range: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina
Northern Pike
Science Name: Esox Lucius
Other Names: great northern pike, jack, jackfish, pickerel, snake, gator
Ideal Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 55 lbs. 1 ounce Germany
Environment: stream, river, lake
Techniques: live bait, casting, fly
Black Sea Bass
Science Name: Centropris tisstriata
Other Names: sea bass, black fish, black bass, rockfish, talywag
World Record: 2 lbs. 11 oz, Gibraltar
Environment: inshore, coastal, reef
Techniques: bottom fishing, medium tackle
Yellowfin Tuna
Science Name: Thunnus albacares
Other Names: yellow-finned albacore, allison tuna, Autumn albacore
Ideal Temp: 70 to 84
World Record: 388 lbs. 12 oz, Mexico
Environment: offshore
Techniques: Heavy tackle, trolling
Roosterfish
Science Name: Nematistius pectoralis
World Record: 114 lbs. Ca.
Environment: coastal
Techniques: trolling, light tackle, drifting
Black Marlin
Science Name: Makaira indicus
Other Names: Pacific black marlin, giant black marlin (Hawaii), white marlin (Japan)
Ideal Temp: 70 to 85
World Record: 1560 lbs. Peru
Environment: offshore
Techniques: Heavy-tackle trolling
Range: Found in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
White Marlin
Science Name: Makaira nigricans
Other Names: spikefish, Atlantic white marlin
Ideal Temp: 65 to 75
World Record: 181 lbs. 14 oz, Brazil
Environment: offshore
Techniques: medium saltwater tackle, trolling
Reduce Fish Mortality with a Conservation Hook
Catch-and-release fishing is a tremendous way to preserve our fishing resources, but if you kill the fish in the process of releasing it, you haven't accomplished much. Conservation hooks are an easy way to remove the hook. The lack of barb allows the hook to easily back out of the hole that it made while being set, and if you keep pressure on the fish while fighting it, your conservation hook won't be tossed. Just pinch the barb on your barbed hook with a pair of needlenose pliers. The biggest advantage to using a conservation hook is that it'll come out of you more easily, too.
Dog Days Bluegill
Dog days bluegill can be tough to find. July and August seem to usher in fishless days as worms under a bobber and small jigs are left untouched. Many of us just hang up the rod and reel until the hot weather breaks. The secret to fishing for bluegills in the dog days of summer is to go deep. Try a cricket or nightcrawler in up to 30 feet of water around rocks, bridge pilings, wood and other deep structure. Most of the bigger bluegill have abandoned the shallow weedbeds they were frequenting in the spring. If you can locate a thermocline be assured that the big 'gills will be right on top of it.
Crappies On the Edge
Crappies relate to all kinds of edges and if you're interested in finding them, that's where you'll have to look. Edges are breaks in the underwater habitat and can include weedlines, fallen trees, docks, deep rocks, old creek channels and even where clear and muddy water meet. Called papermouths, specks and speckled bass, these sleek panfish will relate closely to wood or man-made structures. Throughout their seasonal movements, living on the edge plays an important part in the crappies' behavior. During those rare times of suspending in open water, crappies can be found with an electronic fish-finder. Otherwise, look for the edges!
Catching Pressured Bass
Many of the bass in heavily fished waters have been caught again and again. The result is often a lake full of bass that seem impossible to catch. Studies have shown that bass can be come “educated” and avoid the bait they've been hooked on, sometimes up to a year after being caught. I proved this to myself by using a standard chugger across the top of a pond, landing two small bass as I went. Once I'd walked the entire shoreline with the chugger I started over again with a floating crankbait. I used it as a topwater, dipping and bobbing with a completely different action than the chugger created but still on the surface. This time around the pond resulted in eight bass. Though not very scientific, my experiment convinced me that bass pass up many angler offerings, not for lack of angler skill but rather for lack of angler creativity. Try something different, present a standard bait in a unique way or simply invent a new cadence or presentation for an old lure. You'll start catching pressured bass.
White Catfish
Science Name: Ameiurus catus
Other Names: forked-tail cat, catfish
Ideal Temp: 76 to 85
World Record: 18 lbs. 14 ounces, Fl.
Environment: stream, lake
Techniques: light tackle
Suwannee Bass
nce Name: Micropterus notius
Ideal Temp: 70 to 80
World Record: 3 pounds, 14 ounces, Fl.
Environment: streams and rivers
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Florida and Georgia
Lake Sturgeon
Science Name: Acipenser fulvescens
Other Names: rock sturgeon, black sturgeon, brown sturgeon, rubber-nose, and smoothback
Ideal Temp: 60 to 65
World Record: 168 lbs. Ont.
Environment: River and lakes
Techniques: Bottom fishing
Chinook Salmon
Science Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Other Names: king salmon, spring salmon, tyee, quinnant, blackmouth
Ideal Temp: 52 to 58
World Record: 97 lbs. 4 ounces, Alaska
Environment: stream and coastal
Techniques: medium casting, medium fly
Brown Bullhead
Science Name: Ameiurus nebulosus
Other Names: creek cat, mud cat, horned pout, red cat, speckled cat
Ideal Temp: 74 to 85
World Record: 6 lbs 1 ounce NY
Environment: river, lake
Techniques: Light tackle
White Sturgeon
Science Name: Acipenser transmontanus
Other Names: Pacific sturgeon, Oregon sturgeon, Columbia sturgeon
Ideal Temp: 62 to 72
World Record: 468 lbs. Ca.
Environment: inshore, coastal, stream,
Techniques: bottom fishing
Blue Tilapia
Science Name: Oreochromis aurea
World Record: 4 lbs. 7 ounces Santiago
Environment: Stream, river, & lakes
Techniques: light tackle, casting
Range: Southern and central Florida.
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