Saltwater Fly Fishing Fish: Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel

Fishing is an old past-time, and many families revel in this pastime on lazy, weekend days. It usually involves a tasty picnic lunch, a beautiful sunset, and boasts of miraculous catches that will be repeated for years. There are innumerable types of fish to be caught, depending on location. One style of fishing is fly fishing, and many people enjoy catching various saltwater fly fishing fish, as it is an activity for all ages, and leads to great stories. It is even more fun if the caught saltwater fly fishing fish breaks a record. These records are usually hard to beat, thus making the tale even more memorable. Spending a day fishing for saltwater fly fishing fish is relaxing and good bonding time for all who participate.

The Common Snook is a saltwater fly fishing fish, typically between five and eight pounds. It has a very distinctive line down its side, making it very easy to identify. It is silver, with rusty yellow fins, and is found in southern central Florida. This fish is a good saltwater fly fishing fish for children, as it prefers to stay close to shore. This is partly because it cannot handle water below 60°F, and the shallows are always warmer. The sun keeps them at a nice temperature, so this fish can relax and feed in comfort. Also, this saltwater fly fishing fish feeds primarily on smaller fish and big crustaceans and they tend to be in the shallower water as well. This fish is perfect for beginners and stays in a school. After all, fishing is challenging enough without having to learn how to control a boat. The largest one ever caught was 44lbs, 3oz.

The Redfish is just that—red. This saltwater fly fishing fish is also known as the Red Drum Fish and is a remarkable reddish-copper color. It lives from Massachusetts to Mexico and typically weighs less than forty pounds. It is very difficult to catch, which makes a great show for spectators and a frustrating fight for anglers. And while shallow-water residing fish are typically easier, the Redfish is completely different. They are as spookable as the most skitterish horse, and while it is easier for anglers to see them, they can also see anglers. This species of saltwater fly fishing fish is excellent when blackened on the grill. Nothing tastes better than a perfectly cooked, self-caught meal.

Another kind of saltwater fly fishing fish is the Tarpon. Weighing in between forty and fifty pounds, it can be quite a handful. An unusual fact is that this saltwater fly fishing fish can breathe air at the surface, in addition to having a high tolerance for a large salinity range. It is also found closer to shore, but due to its size, an inexperienced angler may have a harder time successfully capturing it. This saltwater fly fishing fish is typically a beautiful shade of dark blue or green, making it almost too pretty to eat. It does grow much slower than other kinds of saltwater fly fishing fish; it takes between seven and thirteen years for it to reach adulthood.

Lastly, there is the Spanish Mackerel. A delicious, once over-fished delicacy, its population is finally stable. Unfortunately, this tasty treat should be only eaten on rare occasion, as there is a danger for mercury poisoning if one is not careful. This saltwater fly fishing fish is usually found on the North Atlantic coast, but there are a few as south as Bermuda. It is related to the common tuna and stays in relatively large schools. This saltwater fly fishing fish has unique, orange spots on its silvery sides, and looks attractive both in the water and on the plate.

All four kinds of saltwater fly fishing fish make delicious meals and fun memories in their capture. The long-held tradition of a Sunday afternoon on the water can be maintained, while providing a wonderful meal for the family. Saltwater fly fishing fish can be prepared many ways, but no matter what, the most important thing is that fun is had during the whole processes. These fish not only provide nourishment—they also help bring families closer together.


Sources:
Common Snook. Indian River County, Florida. 5 July 2007. http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/snookcom.ht ml
Family Elopidae, Tarpons. Indian River County, Florida. 5 July 2007. http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/tarpon.html
Fish-Species Red Drum. Fish 4 Fun. 1999-2007. Fish4Fun, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. 5 July 2007. http://www.fish4fun.com/reddrum.htm
Spanish Mackerel. Land Big Fish. 2001-2007. 5 July 2007. http://www.landbigfish.com/fish/fish.cfm?ID=133