(Click Image To Enlarge)The fish held by Joelle in the above photo is one of three species now being counted by Anglers in the  AAP data collection program.  photo:jerry mcbride

AAP is now collecting data for Redfish, Trout & Snook

Later this year, Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon will be added to the AAP data collection tool. If you have any doubt about the species pictured to the left, check out the descriptions below. 

How to Collect Data for the AAP?  First, identify the species of inshore fish you catch. Then, use the on-the-water and online fish data tools to easily and accurately capture your fish data in the Angler Action Program.  Your trip information will become part of the solution for pressured fish stocks.  Data collected by anglers about all sizes of fish will contribute to sound, science-based fishery management decisions.

Fish on the left?

Spotted Sea Trout

Description: dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw. Size: common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast. *Florida Record: 15 lbs., 6 ozs.

Remarks: matures during first or second year and spawns INSHORE from March through November; often in association with seagrass beds; lives mainly in estuaries and moves only short distances; adults feed mainly on shrimp and small fish; prefers water temperatures between 58 and 81 degrees F and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years.

the Florida record redfish was 51 lbs 8 oz.*  Redfish coloration is lighter in clear waters. photo: rick ryalsRed Drum (Redfish)

Red Drum Description: chin without barbels; copper bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and opening downward; scales large.

Similar Fish: black drum, Pogonias cromis.

Where found: juveniles are an INSHORE fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population OFFSHORE.

Size: one of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.*Florida Record: 51 lbs., 8 ozs.

Remarks: red drum are an INSHORE species until they attain roughly 30 inches (4 years), then they migrate to join the NEARSHORE population; spawning occurs from August to November in NEARSHORE waters; sudden cold snaps may kill red drum in shallow, INSHORE waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish and mollusks; longevity to 20 years or more.

Common Snook are the largest of the 5-6  Centropomus species that inhabit southern coastal waters.  photo: madsnookerSnook

Common Snook Description: distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; grows much larger than other snooks; pelvic fin yellow.

Similar Fish: other Centropomus.  Click here for more about differentiating [Species of Snook].

Where found: from central Florida south, usually INSHORE in coastal and brackish waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on reefs and pilings NEARSHORE.

Size: most catches 5 to 8 pounds.  *Florida Record: 44 lbs., 3 ozs.

Remarks: spawns primarily in summer; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees F; can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and large crustaceans.

*The Florida records quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.