Species Spotlight - Bermuda Chub
The Bermuda Chub (Kyphosus sectatrix) is a tank of a fish! I have only ever caught one, and it was a bruiser, about 5-pounds but it fought like it was 100-pounds. These fish inhabit the reefs of south Florida and the Caribbean. They are a curious fish that often will approach divers and snorkelers for excellent photo opportunities. They can be caught on small pieces of cut bait on small hooks. Their mouths are small and somewhat beak-like so a small hook is required. Due to their reef dwelling nature I would be very aware of ciguatera poisoning and just release them back to their watery homes.
Species Spotlight III - Atlantic Spadefish
A common fish in Florida Waters that are found around any kind of structure is the Atlantic Spadefish. I have rarely seen any articles or stories about these fish but they are great fighters and average table fare. These fish have always been one of my favorite fish to catch just because they fight hard and are cool looking fish. Commonly found on reefs and around bridges they have always been a tough fish for me to seek out and catch except for areas where they are in schools and eating everything around them.
Fishing Report 6/30/08 (Pics)
Went out to do some more beach snookin’ this weekend. Saturday I did it mid day with all of the tourist around, no luck but I did see 2 while I was out there but they were not in feed mode I guess. So I postponed my snookin until Sunday evening. I was in the water at about 6:30pm and about 15 minutes later had a big one follow my white bucktail all the way to me but then spooked when it saw me. Five minutes after that I located a pod of bait near the shoreline and noticed several big swirls. First cast hooked up and landed a nice fish, right at 24″ and a heck of a fighter. Had about 3 tail walks and 2 tail over head aerials. Pics Below. Other than that good reports coming from all over the area on the big three (Snook, redfish, and Trout). Saw some reports of cobia and permit hanging around the offshore reefs.