Saltwater Sport Fish of the Gulf Field Guide (Fish Identification Guides)

Saltwater Sport Fish of the Gulf Field Guide (Fish Identification Guides)

Go fishing with the famous field guide that helps readers quickly and easily identify sport fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing is a perfect outdoors activity for all ages and skill levels, and the Gulf of Mexico is one of the world's premier fishing grounds. Reel in fish, and make identifying your catches a snap. The Saltwater Sport Fish of the Gulf Field Guide by Dave Bosanko features detailed information about some 80 species of saltwater sport fish. When you’re not sure what you caught, grab the handy guide and narrow your choices by family. Then identify your prize with the intricately detailed fish illustrations. Further verify the type of fish using the “Similar Species” comparisons. Book Features: Detailed information about sought-after sport fish such as billfish, jacks, snappers, and groupers - Professional-quality illustrations—ideal for fish identification - Fascinating facts about habitat, Gulf distribution, world records, edibility, and more - Tips about equipment, methods, baits, and where to find fish The Saltwater Sport Fish of the Gulf Field Guide is perfect for the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. It is essential for every tackle box and beach bag. Plus, its convenient size makes it perfect for the dock or boat. With this handy field guide, identifying your catch has never been easier or more enjoyable! Dave Bosanko was born in Kansas and studied engineering before following his love of nature to degrees in biology and chemistry from Emporia State University. He spent thirty years as staff biologist at two of the University of Minnesota’s field stations. Though his training was in mammal physiology, Dave worked on a wide range of research projects ranging from fish, bird, and mammal population studies to experiments with biodiversity and prairie restoration. An avid fisherman and naturalist, he has long enjoyed applying the fruits of his extensive field research to patterning fish location and behavior, and observing how these fascinating species interact with one another in the underwater web of life. Red Grouper Epinephelus morio Family: Sea bass family (Serranidae) Other Names: mero americano Description: stout, reddish brown body; scattered white spots over pale blotches; small black spots around mouth; inside of mouth red or orange; hard dorsal fin high with a straight edge; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; dorsal, anal and tail fins blackish with white margins Habitat: rock walls, ledges and wrecks from 20 to 300 feet deep Food: crabs, shrimp, lobsters, octopus and fish Reproduction: matures in 4 to 7 years, then spawns in the open sea Gulf Distribution: the entire Gulf Average Size: 5 to 10 pounds World Record: 42 pounds, 2 ounces, St. Augustine, Florida, 1997 Table Quality good to excellent when baked or grilled with lime juice and butter Notes: The Red Grouper is a large, stout fish closely related to the Nassau Grouper. They are solitary fish that can be found in any water from 10 to 300 feet deep, but they need holes and crevices to hide in. Rock walls, ledges and wrecks are good Red Grouper habitat. Red groupers are a favorite target of spearfishermen in many clear water areas and have been severely overharvested. They are strong fighters when hooked and quick action is needed to keep them from returning to their holes and cutting the line. Fishing Methods: still-fishing and drifting Bait: live fish, crabs, squid and cut baits Where: rock ledges and wrecks Tips: fish a small squid by bringing it up several feet then dropping it back to the bottom