Other Species of Fish Found in South Florida and the Keys

Bonefish, permit, and tarpon may be the the most sought after species on the flats that attract anglers from all over the world to the Florida Keys; snook and redfish may rule the Everglades, but there are many other species that can be a lot of fun to catch and release.

Numerous species of sharks are common in the Keys and Everglades, they can make for some good fishing, especially on fly and light tackle. On the flats, common visitors include bull, lemon sharks and bonnet heads. Barracuda can be a respectable opponent on light tackle, especially the very difficult larger ones that frequent the flats during cool snaps. During the winter months, Spanish mackerel are plentiful in the western portions of Florida Bay and can keep you busy for hours.

Seatrout and ladyfish often share the same shallow water as redfish, snook and tarpon waters and can be a lot of fun on light tackle, especially for younger children that tend to lose interest if not constantly catching some kind of fish. Another species frequently targeted, are tripletail. Tripletail are often found drifting in weed lines or alongside floating debris or buoys year round and can provide a great sight fishing target.

Many additional species such as snapper, sheepshead, grouper, black drum, jacks, and cobia are frequent catches in the Florida Keys and Everglades - you could be surprised by almost anything.

In our numerous freshwater lakes, rock pits, rivers, and drainage canal systems, largemouth bass, and peacock bass prevail. Peacock bass were introduced to South Florida back in 1984 with an extensive stocking project to control exotic species of cichlids and tilapia.