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Atlantic Croaker

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

Generally found north of Tampa Bay on the west coast, and north of Cape Canaveral on the east coast; young fish found in estuaries; older fish (2-3 years) inhabit deep Offshore waters during the winter months and move into bays and estuaries during the spring, summer, and fall.

Size usually less than 2 lbs.

Black Drum

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

Inshore fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also Offshore.

Size common to 30 lbs.

Red Drum (redfish)

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

Juveniles are an Inshore fish, migrating out of the estuaries at about 30 in. (4 years) and joining the spawning population Offshore.

Size one of 27 in. weighs about 8 lbs.

Sand Seatrout

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

A Gulf species, that may occur in the Atlantic waters of extreme southeastern Florida; adults predominantly found Inshore residing in bays and inlets, but may move Offshore during winter months; young occur Inshore in shallow bays.

Size usually less than 1 lb. (10-12 in.)

Silver Seatrout

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms Offshore along both the Gulf and the Atlantic coasts of Florida; migrates into bays during cold months.

Size usually no more than 1/2 lb. (less than 10 in.)

Spotted Seatrout

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

Inshore and/or Nearshore over grass, sand, and sandy mud bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather.

Size common to 4 lbs. on west coast, larger on east.

Silver Perch (yellowtail)

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

Inshore in seagrass beds, tidal creeks and rivers, and marshes.

Size small, not exceeding 9 in.

Weakfish

Family Sciaenidae, Drums

An Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf; adults move Inshore and north during warm months inhabiting the surf, inlets, bays, channels, and estuaries; adults move Offshore and south during cold months; juveniles inhabit estuaries which serve as nurseries.

Size 2-3 lbs.

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