Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Florida
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Tarpon
Verified
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
2
Snook
Verified
World Record
53 lb 10 oz
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Signature Fact
Born male, many later switch sex-so that 40-incher tugging back is almost certainly a she.
3
Redfish
Verified
World Record
94 lb 2 oz
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
Males literally drum-low booms you can feel through the hull on calm spawning nights.
4
Atlantic Permit
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
60 lb 0 oz
Steve Lassley / 2001
Islamorada, Florida
Steve Lassley / 2001
Islamorada, Florida
Signature Fact
Those twin black sickles often poke the air as it headstands, crushing crabs with hidden throat molars.
5
Red Snapper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
50 lb 4 oz
Gary J. Fodness / 1996
Gulf of Mexico
Gary J. Fodness / 1996
Gulf of Mexico
Signature Fact
During summer evenings they drum with their swim bladders, letting scientists track spawning simply by listening.
6
Striped Bass (Striper)
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
7
Gafftopsail Cat
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
16 lb 8 oz
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Signature Fact
Dad does daycare the hard way: he mouthbroods marble-sized eggs and hungry babies, fasting for weeks.
8
Bluefin Tuna
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
9
Goliath Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
680 lb 0 oz
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Signature Fact
It "booms" like a subwoofer-swim-bladder muscles thump so hard divers feel it in their ribs.
10
Queen Snapper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
28 lb 6 oz
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
Signature Fact
Haul one up and its eyes glow neon blue, throwing your headlamp back like deep-sea headlights.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Florida?
Florida saltwater gives you tarpon, snook, redfish, permit, red snapper, striped bass, catfish, bluefin tuna, goliath grouper, and queen snapper.
What is the best time of year to fish in Florida?
Saltwater fishing in Florida stays hot year-round, but summer and fall bring extra action for species like tarpon and snapper.
Where are the best places to fish in Florida?
Florida saltwater is loaded—fish inshore for redfish and snook or head offshore if bluefin, grouper, or snapper are your game.
What gear do you need for fishing in Florida?
Bring medium to heavy spinning or conventional tackle. Go lighter for snook and redfish, but step up for grouper or tuna.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Florida?
Redfish, gafftopsail cat, and snook are some of the more accessible saltwater targets for most anglers in Florida.
