Fish species

The Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) has large eyes and long pectoral fins. This is why this species is also known as longfin tuna. The largest Albacore can reach up to 140 cm (4.6ft)  and weigh up to 40 kg (90lb).

The Amberjack species are a game fish that are found both in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Jigging and live bait fishing are the best techniques to target these magnificent fighters. Greater Amberjack can weigh up to 170 lb (80 kg).

Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda) is a rapid fish species known for being great hunters. They have striping on their backs with silver-coloured undersides and they grow up to 30 inches long. They have a hydrodynamic body shape, even more so than larger tuna.

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) or simply mackerel have a great back with irregular black bands. They're very common and like the temperate  waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the northern Atlantic Ocean. Mackerel are typically between 25-35cm.

The Australian herring (Arripis georgianus) is a smaller Australasian fish species. It looks similar to the Australian Salmon. The Australian herring isn't biologically related to the herring.

The Australian salmon, Arripis trutta, is also known as kahawai in New Zealand. The species can be caught in cooler waters around the south eastern and south western coasts of Australia and the New Zealand coastline. Although it is referred to as a salmon, this species is not related to salmons.

The great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), often referred to as barracuda, is a long predator that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters where they like to patroll mangroves, reefs and drop-offs. Record barracuda can grow to 1,5m and weigh over 45kg (100lb+).

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is often referred to as one of the most iconic and exciting fish to catch in all of Australia. They live in the northern regions of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The maximum weight is about 60 kg (130 lb).

Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) belong to the tuna family just like Bluefin Tuna, Albacore or Yellowfin Tuna. They can grow up to 200kg (450lb) and over 2 meters long. These pelagic fish are found in temperate and tropical waters (off shore) and are targetted mainly trolling.

Black bass (Micropterus) is a common name for several species like the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass for example. Famous for its great fighting skills, they are a very sought after game fish. Black bass are found in fresh water in the Canada, United States,  Mexico, Portugal, Spain and France. Black bass are mostly caught spinfishing. They can grow up to 60 cm / 25 in.

The black drum (Pogonias cromis) is a popular saltwater species found from the Delaware Bay to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. It is abundant along the Texas coast. Juvenil fish have distinctive dark stripes, but as they grow bigger their color fades to dark gray. The largest known black drum was over 110 lb (50 kg).

Black marlin (Istiompax indica) grows to be as big or bigger than blue marlin, with males reaching lengths of 4.65 meters and weighing up to 750 kilograms (1500lb), females larger. They are part of a group of fish called billfish, which includes varieties of marlin, swordfish, and spearfish.

Blackspotted croaker also known in Australia as black jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus) grow to lengths of 150 centimetres and weigh up to 45 kilograms. Their colour ranges from dark bronze to a salmon-brown on the upper section. Its sides are silver and have a yellowish underside. 

The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is probably the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. The magnificent fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. Blue Marlin is mainly caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).

The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a migratory, live-bearing shark that feeds mainly on smaller fish and squid. They can be found in all the oceans and sees around the world.

The Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a pelagic fish that can grow up to 500kg (1000lb). The biggest Bluefin Tuna ever caught was 780kg (1496lb). These great fighters can be caught trolling, jigging, casting or drifting; mainly off-shore.

The bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) can be caught in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They belong to the Jack family, just like the giant trevally and the horse mackerel. Easily recognisable by their blue fins, these trevallies can grow up to 1 m long and weigh up to 40 kg.

The Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) is known by anglers as being a fast, aggressive and strong fish of the ocean. They are fun to target and give a real challenge to anyone who comes across them while fishing. They inhabit temperate and subtropical waters around the world. Bluefish have extremely powerful jaws with razor sharp teeth. They can grow over a meter and weigh over 10kg.

Famous for its runs, - which is why they're also called the torpedo of the flats - bonefish (Albula vulpes) are the fly fishing favorite. They inhabit inshore tropical waters in Florida, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Riviera Maya in Mexico, Belize, Venezuela and the Seychelles, for example. Bonefish can weigh up to 19 lb (8.6 kg) and measure up to 105 cm (41 in) long.

The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a salmonid fish which actually has two varieties: the salt water version Salmo trutta trutta - also known as the sea trout - and the fresh water species Salmo trutta fario. Some experts even distinguish a third variety: the lake trout Salmo trutta lacustris. Although the most ...

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) originally come from Asia, but since ages they are native to Europe. In the Middle Ages, monks introduced carp into ponds and lakes for food. Carp thrive in virtually any environment and can grow up to 80lb! Carp fishing is extremely popular in the U.K. and in Western Europe.

Catfish are a diverse group of fish which have one thing in common: their barbels. They exist in all kinds of colours and sizes, ranging from the Mekong giant catfish in Asia, the wels catfish in Eurasia to the piraiba in South America. Catfish are the largest freshwater fish and they can grow up to 5m and weigh over 300kg!!

The cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is distributed in warm-temperate to tropical seas (Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean). It is easily recognized by its flattened head and its dark brown body. It feeds primarily on crabs, squid, and fish.

The cobia can grow to up to 2 m (78 in) long and weigh up to 78 kg (172 lb). Cobia is a good eating fish; it has a mild, sweet taste to it.

Cod is a common name for a number of other fish species, like the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the  Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). Cod are caught in colder and fairly deep waters, close to rocky areas, wrecks and drop-offs. Cod can weigh over 50kg.

The common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) is a type of snapper, common in the Meditarranea Sea, but is also present in the eastern Atlantic coastal areas from Cape Verde to Scandinavia. The biggest pandora can grow up to 50cm (20 inch).

The Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus) also has a couple of other common names such Leopard Coral Grouper or Leopard Coral Trout. It is a close relation to fish from the grouper and coral cod families. They can grow to a length of 23 and 62 cm and the general average has been noted at around 40 cm.

The cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) is a sought-after gamefish that inhabits the Atlantic coastal waters from Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. This species can reach a length of 160 cm and weigh up to 50kg. Not to be confused with the Pacific Cubera Snapper.

The common dab (Limanda limanda) is a species of flatfish that inhabits the sandy seafloor of the North Sea, southern Baltic Sea, Bay of Biscay and also Iceland. Although the average catch is a 20 cm dab, there are specimens that weigh up to 40 centimetres (17 in) in length with a weight of around 1 kilogram (2.3 lb). Dab is a very good eating fish.

The dentex (Dentex dentex) is a common saltwater fish in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and sometimes they appear in the Canary Islands, Morocco and Senegal. They have very strong teeth to feed on fish, squid and mollusca. Dentex are a great species for sportfishing and are targetted mainly trolling or jigging. The larger fish are 1m long and can weigh up to 15 kg (35 lb).

Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor), also referred to as Doggies or white tuna, is probably one of the most sought after species for sportfishermen, being jigging and spinning the preferred fishing techniques. Apart from braking your back, landing one of these brutal fighting machines is arguably an unforgettable experience. They can grow as large as 250cm (8 feet) and can weigh a whopping 130kg.

Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are also commonly referred to as dorado, dolphin or dolphinfish. They are recognizable by their bluntly shaped heads, long dorsal fin and their bright colouring, dark blue and green on their dorsal side and yellow on their sides and underside. 

The the European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) is also known as the Mediterranean barracuda. This predator is common in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. They can grow up to 1,65m and weigh over 3,5kg.

The Fingermark bream (Lutjanus johnii) is also known as John's snapper or the golden snapper. The species is found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It can grow to approximately 8 kg and 75 cm in length. Fingermark are a very good eating fish.

The Flathead is of the fish family Platycephalidae. This fish is common in Australia, popular for sport fishing and very good eating.

A Flounder is a flatfish and several species are distinguished. They camouflage themself by lying on the bottom of the ocean floor to ambush their prey and also as protection against predators.

Flounder are very good eating fish and can grow up to 60 centimeters (20 inch).

Frigate tuna or frigate mackerel (Auxis thazard) is a smaller tuna species and can be caught in the tropical oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. They are normally caught trolling small lures and feathers. Frigate tuna can grow up to 65 cm (26 in) and weigh up to 2 kg (5lb).

Distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, the Giant Trevally - also known as GT - (Caranx ignobilis) is the most wanted species for popping lovers. They can be 1,70 cm long and reach up to 80 kg (175 lb)!

Gilt-head Bream (Sparus aurata) is a common species in the Mediterranean Sea and also in the Atlantic Ocean from Britain to Cape Verde. Popular in the Mediterranean cuisine, the fish is easily recognized by the gold bar marking between its eyes. The largest gilt-head bream are 1 metre long and can weigh up to 7kg (15lb).

Grouper is common name for all the bass-looking-fish from the Epinephelinae Family. This family also includes sea bass by the way. Grouper are colorful predators who like to live in rocky areas, reefs, wrecks where they can hide.

Gurnard - from the Triglidae family - are also known as sea robins due to their large pectoral fins which mimic bird’s wings in appearance. Sea robins can be caught by dropping a variety of baits and lures to the seafloor. There are three different types of gurnard - red, grey and tub - which vary in shape, size and colour but rarely exceed 40cm in length.

The Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a fish species that can be found in the Biskay Bay, Northsea, Baltic Sea, Iceland, the south coast of Greenland and the northeast Atlantic coast of the U.S.A. Haddock can grow up to 1 meter  (40in) and weigh up to 14kg (30lb).

The hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is a species found around reefs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. They mainly feed on crustaceans. Hogfish can grow to a maximum of 91 cm (36 in) in total length and about 11 kg (24 lb).

The horse mackerle (Trachurus trachurus) is a common species found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off Europe from Norway to South Africa and into the south-eastern Indian Ocean to Mozambique. They are normally between 20 and 30 cm, although the larger fish can grow up to 70 cm and weigh around 2-3kg.

Humphead wrasse, also know as Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), is found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The live around reefs and channel slopes where they feed on molusks, fish and crustaceans. The largest Napoleon wrasse can grow over 2 meter long and weigh over 180kg!

The Crevalle Jack or Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos) is a very popular sport fish that belongs to the Carangidae fish species. Horse mackerel, amberjack and giant trevally also belong to this family. Jack Crevalle can grow to a length of 120 cm and a weight of 30 kg.

The king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) or kingfish is a common fish species of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. King Mackerel can grow to up to 40kg (90lb) and have razor sharp teeth.

The leerfish (Lichia amia) is known by anglers as being a fast, aggressive and strong fish of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal waters from Western Africa to south Africa. Leerfish are generally found in small and loose groups rather than large schools of fish. They can grow up to 1,70m (5.5ft) and weigh up to 25kg (55lb).

The ling (Molva molva) is a common fish from the North Atlantic one of the largest cod-like fish. They are a popular species caught around the British Isles, Norway, Island, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Ling can grow up to 2 meters (7ft) long and weigh 40 kg (90lb).

The Little tunny or False Albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) is easily identified by the dark spots under its pectoral fins. They like warm temperate and tropical waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The larger Little Tunny weigh up to 35lb and can reach 1,2m.

Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), also known as mangrove jack in Australia, belongs to the snapper family. It is found in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean from the African coast to Samoa and Japan in the north to Australia in the south. Mangrove red snapper can grow up to 1,5 m and reach a maximum weight of almost 9 kg.

The meagre (Argyrosomus regius) - also known as croaker or corvina in Spanish - is a great silver colored sport fish found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Meagre use to feed on squid, crustaceans, sardines and mullet in inshore waters like estuaries and coastal lagoons. This species can become huge! Meagre can grow to 2m (80 in) in length and 50 kg (110 lb) in weight.

Mud Crab

Nannygai is kind of a snapper. Various fish in Australia are called Nannygai.

The nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris), also known as the large-spotted dogfish, greater spotted dogfish or bull huss. This fish is found the atlantic waters of the British Islands, the Northsea, Biscay Bay, Portugal to Senegal. It can also be caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Growing up to 1.6 m (5.2 ft) long, nursehound have a spectacular colored skin.

The perch (Perca fluviatilis), also known as the European perch is a common predatory fish. It is widely spread in Europe and northern Asia. Perch can grow up to 60 cm and reach a weight of 3kg. The are normally caught spinfishing with spinner lures, rubber lures etc.

The permit (Trachinotus falcatus) is a sought after fly fishing game fish. They are usually found in shallow tropical waters such as flats and channels of the Atlantic Ocean. Permit also frequent offshore wrecks. This species is distributed from Florida, Riviera Maya in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua all the way down to the Carribean Islands and Brazil. Permit can grow to about 4ft (1,2m) in length and weigh up to 27kg (60lbs).

Pike (Esox) are a fresh water predator found in the Northern Hemisphere. Several subspecies are distributed in Canada, North America, Europe and Asia. Pike can grow up to 1,5m (59 inch) and weigh over 25kg (55lbs). Trolling, spinfishing, life or dead bait fishing and fly fishing are the best techniques to fish for this fish.

The pink dentex (Dentex gibbosus) is a saltwater fish distributed from Portugal to Angola, Canary Islands and the warmer areas of the Mediterranean Sea such as southern Spain and the Gibraltar Strait area, Morocco, southern Italy, Tunisia and Algeria. The larger fish are 1,2 m long and can weigh up to 18 kg (40 lb).

Pollock (Pollachius pollachius) is a common fish from the North Atlantic. They are a popular species caught around the British Isles, Norway, Island, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Pollock can grow up to 1 meter long and weigh 20 kg (44lb).

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a salmonid fish. River adult rainbow trout can weigh up to 2,5kg (5lb), whereas stealhead and lake rainbow trout can weith up to 9kg (20lb).

The Red Scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) live in sandy and rocky areas from 20 to 180 meters deep. They are found in the Mediterranean Sea and in the eastern Atlantic Ocean between the British Isles to Senegal, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. The species can grow to a maximum length of 50 cm (20 in) and weigh up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). Red scorpion fish feed on small fish, as well as crustaceans and molluscs.

The northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a popular fish often caught reef fishing in the Atlantic waters of Florida, Gulf of Mexico and also the Caribbean. This sought-after game fish can reach 1 m and weight up to 50lb.

Redbanded seabream (Pagrus auriga) is a fish of the bream family Sparidae, just like gilt-head bream, red porgy and dentex. Redbanded seabream are found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the south western Mediterranean Sea. They mainly feed on shellfish and cephalopods. This wonderful fish species can grow up to 1 meter long and weigh more than 12kg.

The redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as red drum is one of the most sought after light tackle game fish. The fish is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from northern Mexico to the Southeast of the US. Red drum are a dark red color on the back and have a characteristic black eyespot near the tail. They feed on crabs, shrimp and mullet.

Just by looking at a roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis), you can immediately tell how they got their name. Their trademark dorsal fin resembles a giant mohawk or the comb of a rooster. Beyond the dorsal fins, the rest of the roosterfish body is unique as well. The biggest roosters weigh more than 60lb.

Sailfish (Istiophorus) are one the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. Often described as the fastest fish in the sea, sailfish can weigh up to 90 kg (200 pounds) and grow up to 3 m (9.7 ft) in length.

Salmon is a generic name for several species from Salmonidae family. In fact there are eight species distributed in the Pacific Ocean (like for example the Chinook salmon, Pink salmon or the Sockeye salmon) and one species from the Atlantic Ocean (the Atlantic salmon).

The sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is for many sport fishermen a trophy fish because of the nice fight they offer but also because they're an excellent eating fish. Sea bass, also known as European bass, are found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from northern Norway to Senegal, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. They can grow up to 1 metre and weigh up to 12kg.

The sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a round gray silvery fish with dark vertical bars on the side. They are found in coastal waters along the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia to Brazil. Southwest Florida is one of the best places to catch this species. Sheepshead can grow to 76 cm (30 in). 

The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) have a strong body with black stripes on the side. The largest skipjack tuna can reach up to 100 cm (40 inch) and weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb). Skipjack are mainly caught trolling lures.

The snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is a great sportfish widespread throughout in western atlantic coastal waters. They are found in creeks, mangroves and shallow waters from North Carolina to Brazil. Snook can grow over 50 inch (1,4m) and weigh over 20kg (50lb)!

The sooty grunter (Hephaestus fuliginosus) is a fresh water fish from northern Australia. The species inhabits the rivers of Queensland and the Norhtern Territory where they feed on plants, roots, crustacians and small fish. They can grow up to 54 centimetres (21 in) long and weigh over 6 kg (14 lb).

The Atlantic Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is a species of mackerels that can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean in the waters of Mexico, Gulf of Mexico to Florida. Atlantic Spanish mackerel have very sharp teeth and can grow up to 13 pounds (6kg) and live up to 12 years old. Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel live in tropical and sub-tropical waters of in Southeast Asia and can grow up to about 2.4 m and more than 40 kg.

Spearfish (Tetrapturus) are a generic name for several species such as the shortbill spearfish and longbill spearfish. These billfish are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world: Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.

Speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus), also known as spotted seatrout. It is a common catch in the coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Speckled trout can grow up to 20-36 inches in length and 3-18 pounds in weight.

The Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) is a very popular fish found in the Atlantic waters of Maryland, Rhode Island, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and New Hampshire (Eastern North America). They have a silvery body with dark stripes running from the gills to the tail. Striped bass grow to 20 to 40 pounds (9–20 kg) with an average length of 20 to 35 inches (50–90 cm).

Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) can be told apart from blue marlin due to their “stripes” of blue that run vertically down their bodies. Striped marlin is lighter than blue marlin, but their body shape and even colouring remains the same aside from the stripes. These marlin can weigh up to 180kg (400lb) and have a maximum length of 4 m (12 ft).

There are 27 species that belong to the sturgeon family. Virtually unchanged for 200 million years, Sturgeon are true living dinosaurs that can reach upwards of 15 feet in length and weigh up to 1800 pounds.

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are probably the most sought after sport fish in the world. They live in the sub-tropical and tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. Swordfish can grow over 3 meters in length and weigh more than 600 kg (1350lb).

Talang Queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) are a Pacific fish that are highly reflective, shiny and are known to travel in schools. At times they fight so hard that they’ll die due to exhaustion before being released back into the water. They also have pointed spines that can inflict wounds if not handled carefully. Queenfish grow to around 15 kilos, but are most commonly encountered around half that size.

The tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is a silver coloured predator who loves hunting for fish and crustaceans in lagoons, rivers, ports, estuaries and other shallow waters. They inhabit the coastal waters in the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Argentina. Tarpon can grow up to 2,5m and weigh over 150 kg (350 lb).

The tope shark or school shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is a type of ground shark found worldwide in temperate seas. Tope can grow up to two meters in length. This shark is a critically endangered species.

This fish is of the Balistidae family. There are about 40 species of triggerfish. The largest trigger triggerfish can grow up to 75 cm (30 inch).

Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), also known as Ono (meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian), are found in many subtropical and tropical waters. They’re identifiable by their blue-green upper body which shifts into silver towards their belly. They also have blue vertical striping along their sides. These predators are torpedo-shaped and have long and largemouths with teeth.

The White Marlin (Kajikia albida) is a very nice predator which can be caught off shore in warmer waters. This powerful fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. They can be caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).

Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is a small member of the cod family. This fish species lives in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the North Sea on the East Coast of Britain. Although record whiting from 70cm have been caught, they use to grow to up to 25cm.

Yellowfin tuna grow fast, up to 400 pounds (180kg)  in about a 7-year lifespan, and they range in length from 59 inches to 88 inches long. They’re known for their torpedo shape, with a pointed nose and a sickle-shaped tail, and have dark blue backs with yellow sides (thus their name) with a silver underside. 

The yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) is a type of amberjack found in the Southern Hemisphere. They can grow up to 180 cm (70 in). Yellowtail kingfish can be caught from New Zeeland, Australia to Chile.

The zander (Sander lucioperca) is a sought after game fish in Europe and western Asia. It's a common fresh water fish distributed from Spain to Finland and from Britain to Kazakhstan. They can be caught with spinfishing, dead bait and live bait fishing. Zander can grow bigger than 1 meter and weigh up to 15kg.