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Dolphin
(aka Mahi Mahi or Dorado)
(Coryphaena hippurus)
Bright blues, greens, and yellows with an entire range of colors thrown in for good measure. One of the most beautiful fish to catch, and great eating, too. Male mahi mahi (bulls) have a snubbed head. Do not confuse this fish with flipper.
Mahi mahi like warm waters, and are one of the best fighters around. They can travel at speeds up to 50 knots. Known for jumping long lengths out of the water while chasing of flying fish, the mahi mahi is one of the top summer species caught offshore in the Florida Keys.
Sailfish
(Istiophorus platypterus)
Florida's state fish, a sailfish is easily identified by the large blue 'sail' shaped dorsal. The dorsal is flat in front. A highly popular target for sportfishermen, especially off the coast of the Florida Keys, Atlantic sailfish are a prized trophy species. Their popularity is a result of the challenge of catching one using light tackle, their penchant for dramatic leaps out of the water, and their stunning beauty. The sailfish is by far the most sought after billfish in Florida and the Florida Keys.
Blue Marlin
(Makaira nigricans)
Blue marlin have a cobalt blue shading on top, and a silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; dorsal fin pointed at front end; pectoral fin and anal fin pointed; lateral line reticulated (interwoven like a net), difficult to see in large specimens; no dark spots on dorsal fin; body covered with embedded scales ending in one or two sharp points.
Blue marlin are considered by many to be the most sought after of all the ocean sport fish. An incredibly strong and powerful fish, blue marlin can run hard and fast for a long period. In addition, they can dive powerfully to deeper water and can make dramatic, acrobatic jumps. With impressive endurance, it is not uncommon to see a hooked fish make up to 40 or more spectacular jumps. This seemingly unending strength and endurance make it a classic test for any angler.
White Marlin
(Tetrapturus albidus)
White marlin are the smallest of the marlin species. Yet, like the rest of the marlin family, they are highly regarded game fish. Although somewhat comparable in color to blue marlin, the white marlin can be distinguished from the blue, as they tend to be lighter in color and shaded more with green.
White marlin are the most commonly encountered marlin along the Atlantic Coast of the United States and share the reputation of other marlin as a good-fighting trophy fish. They combine hard strikes on several natural baits and artificial lure with fast runs, deep dives and acrobatic jumps when hooked. This combination makes the fish a thrilling challenge on light tackle.
Longbill Spearfish
(Tetrapturus pfluegeri)
One of the smallest specimens of the fast-swimming billfish family, the slender longbill spearfish is dark blue above and silver to white on its sides and below. The pectoral, anal and tailfins are dark blue to gray, often with hints of silver. The dorsal fin of the longbill peaks at the front then dips to form a nearly uniform height until it tapers to the back.
The longbill spearfish, though comparatively smaller than other billfish, is still a valued game fish among offshore anglers. They display the same speed, power and acrobatics as marlin. Although their food value is probably good, anglers normally release longbill spearfish due to their scarcity.
They are caught with the same tactics as marlin and sailfish, but are better suited for downsized tackle. Because they are caught so infrequently, most catches occur when fishing for larger billfish with heavier tackle.
Wahoo
(Acanthocybium solandri )
The wahoo is a long, slender species of mackerel with a sharply pointed head and widely forked tail. It has a distinguishable dark blue coloring along its back, with 25 to 30 bright or dusky blue vertical bands that extend down the side. These bands are sometimes referred to as “tiger stripes.” While these stripes are not necessarily apparent in larger specimens, they do become more prominent when a wahoo is excited. The lateral line drops significantly at the middle of the first dorsal fin and extends in a wavy line back to the tail. The first dorsal fin is long and contains 21 to 27 spines. It is separated from the second dorsal fin, which has 13 to 15 rays. The anal fin has 12 to 14 very small rays. They make incredible runs that make ya want to scream "wahoo"!
Blackfin Tuna
(Thunnus atlanticus)
Blackfin tuna are one of the smaller but most abundant tuna species. They are equally tapered toward their head and tail from their midsection, helping them earn the nickname “football.” Coloration is dark metallic blue on the back, silver on the sides and milky white on the belly. The finlets that run from the second dorsal and anal fins are gray, as are the other fins. Light bars and spots alternate on the lower side. The eyes are large and the pectoral fin is moderately long.
Held in high esteem for their fighting ability, blackfin tuna are also valued as table fare. The most effective fishing technique for blackfin tuna is trolling, especially using strip bait, spoons and jigs at high speeds. They can also be taken by casting, especially with live baits such as mullet and ballyhoo. Chumming from the boat is often undertaken to draw in the schools of blackfin tuna.
This site is dedicated to my beautiful little boy Colton, who may be gone from my world physically, but will be in my heart, soul, and on my boat with me....Forever.
And to my grandma, who let me chase my dreams and always gave me time to catch
"just one more."
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