Category: Blog

Halibut and flounder are two very similar fish in quite a few ways. They share a variety of different characteristics and look virtually identical in shape and proportions, except for a few differences.

Flounder can be found in many different locations throughout the world while halibut are mostly confined to the waters of the north that are known to be cold and deep.

Both fish are heavily-favored by those who love to enjoy a good seafood meal with tasty fish fillets.

Halibut and flounder each have plenty of flavor in their meat, yet there are some stark differences in relation to the overall texture and consistency of flounder and halibut meat.

If you’re interested to learn the major differences between these two fish, we’ve compiled most of the facts related to either species to bring you this article on the major differences in halibut vs flounder.

What is a Halibut?

Halibut are a member of the flatfish or flounder family and very closely resemble the common flounder that are caught throughout most beaches and inlets of coastal waters around the United States.

Halibut are perhaps one of the most popular fish that can be found in the cold waters surrounding Alaska and nearby areas. They are known to have the capability to grow to massive sizes and are said to be able to live up to 30 years in some cases.

They are a very peculiar fish in that, when they are born, they swim vertically just like most other fish until they reach an age of about five weeks.

After this time, one of their two eyes starts to move across their head to the other side and halibut will then begin swimming horizontally in the same way flounder are known to do.

Halibut spawn in the frigid winter months in exceptionally deep water of about 1,200 feet or sometimes more.

Most halibut weigh at least 50 pounds when they reach full maturity and some can go on to reach unreal sizes in the cold, dark waters off the Alaskan coast.

The largest halibut ever caught is said to be a 515-pound behemoth that was landed off the coast of Norway in 2013.

What is a Flounder?

Flounder are known to live along most coastlines throughout the world from North America all the way over to the European coast.

There are many different species of flounder and they are among the most hideous-looking fish in the ocean that can be found near the shoreline in many places.

These fish live along the coast and will often make their way up into the estuaries around where some rivers empty into the sea. They have peculiar habits and are known as one of the most highly-adapted ambush predators in the entire ocean.

Their feeding habits take them very close to the shoreline during the warmer months out of the year, but anglers have been known to catch them in very deep waters during the winter when they retreat back into the deep where they are also known to spawn during the cold months.

Flounder are known to eat a number of small creatures that range from crabs and sand fleas to small bait fish that happen to swim within striking distance.

The fish will bury itself down into the silt or sand along the bottom so that just the eyes are visible, which allow it to peer out and watch for unsuspecting baitfish to swim by.

Many anglers are able to spot them or see where flounder have been laying due to the fact that their body leaves an outlined imprint in the bottom, which is known as a ‘flounder track.’

They are a favorite target of many sportsmen in the United States and are capable of growing to more than 20 pounds in some cases. The world record flounder is said to be a 22-pound monster that was landed off the coast of New York in 1975.

The Difference Between Halibut and Flounder

Halibut are much larger than flounder, but are also known to have a slightly different body shape, as well as some other differentiating factors that set them apart from one another.

There are many similarities between halibut and flounder, but there are also some differences you need to know when it comes to comparing these two types of fish.

What does a halibut look like?

Halibut can grow to massive sizes with some anglers reporting the existence of 600-pound giants roaming the deep waters off the Alaskan coast. They share the same brownish coloration that many flounder have on one side of their body where their eyes are located.

A halibut’s eye’s will almost always be ‘right-facing’, or in other words, they will be situated on the right side of their body.

The other side of their body is a pale white color that is starkly different than the other side. Most anglers can tell a halibut vs flounder apart just by the sheer size of each fish, but when you catch one that is smaller, it can sometimes be tough to tell which one you’ve got in your boat.

One sure way to distinguish halibut from flounder is to note their distinct diamond shape. This is formed by the pointed dorsal and anal fins that are located in perfect vertical symmetry from one another.

Each fins are pointed straight out away from the fish’s body and will taper back towards the tail.

The halibut’s tail is much larger than a flounder’s and is also one of the best ways to tell the difference between these two fish. A halibut’s tail will have pointed ends and is very large in proportion from the size of a flounder’s tail.

What does a flounder look like?

Flounder share many similarities to halibut with a few exceptions. They don’t grow to be nearly as large as their massive halibut cousins and will only reach about 15 to 20 pounds in most cases.

If you have a fish that’s smaller than this and you aren’t sure what kind it is, there are a few identifying factors you can look for.

Compared to halibut, flounder have a very rounded body shape that is evident if you were to compare the two fish side-by-side. Their dorsal and anal fins run the length of their bodies and are not pointed at any location in the same way a halibut’s fins are.

The flounder’s tail is also rounded and is much smaller in proportion from the halibut’s tail, which can be very large and pointed outward. While a halibut’s eyes are almost always situated on the right side of the fish’s body, flounders’ eyes can be located on either the right or left side of its body.

Are halibut good to eat?

Halibut is just as edible as flounder, but answering the question of whether one tastes better than the other is one that might be hard to assess. Halibut are well-known for being packed with essential, healthy nutrients that our bodies need to function properly.

Their meat is also lacking in the type of fat that you commonly find in most other fish, especially ones that live most of their lives in the cold, deep waters such as the Alaskan coast.

These fish have a taste that’s described as very mild and somewhat sweet. It’s not overly fishy like some other sportfish and many people who are sensitive to strong fish tastes are able to enjoy halibut in a variety of different cooking methods.

Their meat is known to be very firm and will hold together when grilling quite well compared to flounder, which is very flaky. You can cook halibut on the grill, in the frying pan, or in a variety of different ways and enjoy these giant deep-water fish.

Are flounder good to eat?

Despite their reputation as one of the ugliest fish in America, flounder have a reputation for being one of the tastiest fish you can find along the country’s coast.

Like halibut, flounder are known to have a very pleasant, sweet tasting filet that is also very mild compared to other fish. Many people prefer flounder meat over most others because it is incredibly soft and tender instead of being firm and chewy.

There is no fish that’s quite as tasty as fresh-caught flounder and it’s a must-have menu item for any reputable seafood restaurant along the eastern coast of the United States, especially in Florida.

Flounder have slightly more fat in their meat compared to halibut and you obviously won’t get the same massive amounts of meat off of a flounder as you will a mature halibut.

Flounder can be grilled, fried, baked, or cooked in virtually any way you desire and their meat will likely be as tasty as any fish you can catch along the United States coast.

Flounder fillets will often fall apart while eating them, especially when they’ve been grilled. Many people prefer to leave the skin on when grilling flounder to help hold the meat in place until it’s ready to be served.

A lot of anglers seem to be confused between Permit vs Pompano, while both fish are of similar size and shape there are some subtle differences that can help you to tell them apart.

Many avid surf fishing anglers will tell you that pompano and permit are easily among their favorite targets.

In most cases, when you’re able to catch one of these fish, you’re likely to find a large school of them and can catch many fish in a short amount of time.

If you’re familiar with both species, you’re already aware that pompano and permit look virtually identical except for a few identifying factors.

Being able to tell whether you’ve caught a permit or pompano is important if you’re fishing for one species that’s in season while the other is not.

These fish look so much like one another that seasoned anglers often get confused on whether the fish they have just caught is a permit or pompano.

If you’re one of these anglers who isn’t very familiar with these species, we’ve put together this article to help explain the major differences in permit and pompano so that you can quickly and easily tell them apart when you catch either one.

Permit vs Pompano

The tail fins of permit are deeply forked and V-shaped. Pompano tails are wider, at least as broad as their bodies. Permits have a prominent hump over each eye. Pompano have a lot more consistent slope from back to nose.

Permit can also grow to a considerably larger size than Pompano.

What is a Permit Fish?

Permit fish(Trachinotus falcatus) which belong to the Carangidae family are a game fish that can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts down through the Caribbean Islands and as far south as Brazil.

Permit are one of the more popular sportfish species you’ll find around Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. As we noted already, they appear to be nearly identical to the pompano, yet they are not quite as popular.

Pompano are sought by commercial fishing ventures and are one of the species you’ll find on the menu at most seafood restaurants along the coastal areas.

One of the main differences in these two fish species is the fact that permit are capable of growing much larger than pompano.

They are known to reach sizes that are up to 15 or even 20 pounds in some cases, which is exponentially larger than the biggest pompano you’ll find swimming along the coast of the southern United States.

You can usually find permit in the same locations where you can typically expect to locate other popular sportfish species along reefs, grass flats, offshore wrecks, deep channels, oil platforms and other spots.

Biologists actually know very little about permit compared to their smaller cousin, the pompano, but they are currently working to understand the fish’s habits and behavior in relation to their habitat.

Most anglers target permit along the flats around the Florida coast since this seems to be their favorite spot to hang out at certain times of the year.

What is a Pompano?

Pompano fish(Trachinotus carolinus) belong to the Carangidae family and is found along the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Pompano are known to be one of the most sought-after sportfish along the coast of Florida and the southeastern United States.

Their body shape appears to be nearly identical to permit and they have some of the same basic feeding habits throughout the year.

As we mentioned, pompano are not capable of growing to the sizes that permit can and the largest known Florida pompano species that reaches 8 pounds is considered a trophy fish.

Also Read: Pompano vs Jack Crevalle

Pompano have a reputation for traveling in very large schools that sweep across the coastal areas from the Caribbean Islands all the way north to Virginia.

Anglers from all over the United States, as well as from different parts of the world, will come to the Florida coast or in other locations throughout the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic side to catch what’s known as the ‘pompano run.’

They are among the most popular surf fishing species because anglers are able to catch them in very large quantities very near to the shore. Pompano love to feed on crabs, sand fleas, and a range of other sea creatures that you’ll find near the shore.

In fact, they will voraciously feed on everything in sight along a stretch of coastline as they are migrating through to the point where it seems like they have desolated all other forms of life outside of fish.

Anglers can usually catch pompano while surf fishing or inshore fishing, but they are not known to venture very far out to sea in the same way permit do. You can usually catch pompano by fishing along oyster beds, sandy beaches, grass beds, and similar places.

If you notice a patch of water that seems to be especially cloudy with debris and other matter, you might be looking at an area where pompano are feeding or searching for food.

When pompano feed, they are known to greatly disturb the ocean floor as they look for sand fleas and crabs or other creatures. In doing so, they will create vast sections of turbid water that gives away their position.

What’s the Difference Between Permit and Pompano?

The main differences between permit versus pompano will be in their body’s design and the fins. Both fish have slightly different-looking fins that will usually give you a hint as to what species of fish you’ve caught.

Most anglers will determine the species of these fish by looking at the alignment of the dorsal fin and the anal fin. Pompano have shorter dorsal and anal fins that point outward away from their body.

These fins on a permit species will not have the characteristic point, but will instead have more of a curve and will actually point back to their tail instead of away from their body.

Permit will also have a slight bump on their head just above their eye that makes their body shape appear more square than the pompano.

If you compare each fish side-by-side, you’ll be able to see that pompano have a much more gradually-sloping head shape and a shorter profile than permit.

The tail of permit are more deeply-set with a V-shape than pompano. The permit’s tail will be shorter and have a more acute angle in the V of their tail while the pompano’s tail will also feature the same V-shape, but will be more of an open angle.

What does a permit fish look like?

Permit are much larger than pompano and can grow to sizes that sometimes dwarf the Florida pompano.

Their body has a very bright, silver-colored skin that makes them stand out when looking at both permit and pompano in close proximity. The overall coloration of permit are not is not as diverse as pompano and they can sometimes grow up to 3 feet in length.

Smaller permit will usually have a slightly-orange patch of skin along their bellies, as well as their fins or on the underside of their mouth.

This patch of skin can sometimes look yellow in color, but is small and not as prominent as you’ll find in a pompano.

What does a pompano fish look like?

Pompano are known to be much more colorful than the permit and their overall appearance is not quite the same when you’re looking specifically at the hue of each fish.

Pompano have a more greenish or gray color along their back that certainly sets them apart from permit.

Their body shape is nearly identical at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find that pompano have a more gently-sloping head shape and their body is not as wide as a permit.

The fins of a pompano are also darker in color than permit. They have very similarly-shaped dorsal and anal fins, but their fins will not be aligned together.

The dorsal fin will be more forward on their back while the anal fin will be set closer to the tail. In permit, the dorsal and anal fins will perfectly align in vertical fashion.

Do Permit Taste Good?

Permit are known to be very tough fighters and they also have more muscle than pompano. They are described as having a good taste and are one of the more popular fish when it comes to sportfish angling.

According to avid anglers and those who have tried both species of fish, permit are usually the lesser of the two when it comes to overall taste. Their meat is often more tough than pompano and the flavor is often stronger as well.

You can enjoy them grilled, fried or cooked a number of other ways, but they won’t have the pleasant, sweet taste that pompano offer.

Do Pompano Taste Good?

Pompano is the clear winner when it comes to which fish has the best-tasting meat.

They can be cooked in a wide variety of different methods and pompano is a common menu item for many seafood restaurants along the Florida coast all the way up the eastern side of the United States.

Also Read: Are Pompano Good to Eat?

Their meat is described as having a more delicate taste that isn’t as strong as permit.

It’s more desirable for most people and pairs nicely with various spices and other flavor elements. The meat is also softer and is more suited for making raw sashimi than permit fillets will be.

Conclusion

We hope that you now understand the difference in Permit vs Pompano and that you know what characteristics to look for when trying to tell them apart.

Can you eat marlin and what do they taste like?

Blue marlin are perhaps the most sought-after game fish species in the world. They are known for their distinct pointed nose and torpedo-like body that’s built for speed and power.

Anglers from all over the world venture to remote areas and fish for hours on end without so much as a bite just to have a shot at catching this majestic fish. Once you do finally catch one, the most common question from anglers is, are marlin good to eat?

Though they are packed with thick meat along their muscular bodies, marlin are actually one of the fish that many experts tell you to stay away from.

Some species of marlin are known to have very high levels of mercury and should not be consumed by anyone.

However, there are some marlin that you can eat and they are sometimes described as being among the better-tasting fish you can catch in open offshore waters.

If you want to learn more about marlins and everything that pertains to preparing, cooking and eating them, read on.

Are Marlin Good to Eat?

Marlin are among the most aggressive species of saltwater fish in the world. Anglers work incredibly hard sometimes to catch them and it is understandable to have the desire to enjoy some of your reward in the form of a freshly-cooked meal.

However, you need to be aware that eating marlin can be dangerous if you don’t know which species of marlin are safe to consume, as well as the right ways you need to prepare them.

They are often compared to swordfish, which are a very popular menu item of seafood restaurants and other eateries.

Marlin is quite a bit more popular in the countries of South America than anywhere else, mainly for the fact that they are more prevalent along the coastline of these nations.

People from some countries like Japan are known to eat marlin raw in the form of sashimi and it is considered a delicacy.

What is Marlin?

There’s no doubt that marlin are considered the Holy Grail of sportfishing for many anglers. The highly-coveted blue marlin is easily a species that is on the bucket list of any serious fisherman or woman.

Black and white photographs of famous anglers from many decades ago show us images with a giant marlin hoisted up several feet above the head of a person at the docks of a marina.

It’s also true that many anglers will often have a marlin mount prominently displayed in their office or home as a symbol of accomplishment since it is no small task to land such a fish.

Also Read: Marlin vs Swordfish

Marlin are known to live in the open waters of the ocean, often many miles from the coastline. They feature a characteristic long, sword-like nose and elongated body with a lengthy dorsal fin that has a high point near the front.

They are capable of swimming at very high speeds thanks to the unique design of their tails, which have very long lobes that make it possible for the tail to reach water that is undisturbed by the fish’s body.

This is a peculiar trait that almost no other fish possess, especially at this size and it gives them an incredible amount of power in the water.

Most anglers target marlin for the distinct combination of massive size and immense powerful swimming ability. It takes a great amount of skill, determination and physical fitness to land such a creature and it’s no wonder why so many anglers view the marlin as the greatest sportfish in the ocean.

Can You Eat Marlin?

Yes, it is true that marlin can be eaten, but anglers should be cautious about which types of marlin they choose to keep and cook.

They also have a strong taste that is not to everyone’s liking, so there are much better fish species out there to eat, if you are planing on catching one it is best done in a catch and release style.

Marlin are known to have quite a bit of meat on their bodies compared to other fish. They can grow to more than 500 pounds and one fish is enough to feed dozens of people in most cases.

Also Read: Can You Eat Starfish?

Striped marlin are known to have a much higher mercury level than most other marlin species and it’s a good idea to refrain from eating large amounts of blue marlin as well, for reasons we will explain later.

You can eat cooked marlin and it’s also safe to consume their meat raw as well. This practice is quite common in many parts of the world, especially around Asia and should be done with caution as you can easily digest too much mercury by eating large amounts of raw marlin or sashimi.

Marlin Mercury Level

The main reason most fish have a higher amount of mercury in their flesh is due to the fact that they live much longer than other species.

A longer life in the ocean is almost guaranteed to result in a higher amount of mercury as it has had more time to accumulate in their meat over the years.

Marlin are capable of growing much faster than most other types of fish and can reach a length of about 7 feet in less than a decade in some cases.

Also Read: Sailfish vs Marlin

It’s important to study up on marlins and learn which areas of the world are known for having very high mercury levels in the water.

Some regions are better than others and you can usually expect marlin caught around the coast of Hawaii to have very low levels of mercury compared to those taken from other parts of the Pacific. Their massive bodies are also known to have high levels of other toxins as well.

What Does Marlin Taste Like?

Marlin is quite unlike most other fish in the sea except for tuna and swordfish. These species share a few common qualities and characteristics with marlin, so it makes sense that they might have a similar taste in some cases.

Some people describe marlin as looking more like swordfish fillets than anything else, but noting that it has a distinctly different taste.

Marlin are usually described as having a taste that is more like tuna than any other fish species. Those with great amounts of experience eating both fish say that marlin typically taste similar to tuna, but possess a stronger flavor that some might find undesirable.

Of course, the taste of a marlin will always have more to do with how they are cooked than anything else and many people report that smoked marlin is among their favorite seafood dishes.

Those who have eaten raw marlin in the form of sashimi say that it tastes more like tuna and the meat quality and consistency are also comparable.

The general taste of marlin is often too strong for most people and there is a good reason why they are not usually on the menu of many restaurants outside of the regions where the species is commonly caught.

Many anglers argue that marlin is a sportfish that should be released instead of being eaten. This line of thinking is becoming more common among anglers that regularly fish for marlin as there is a definite concern about the shrinking numbers of marlin in areas where they were once plentiful.

Over the last several decades, many anglers have kept most of the marlin they’ve caught in order to have them mounted.

The large numbers of marlin that are harvested each year is beginning to take a toll on the overall population of the fish and places that were once teeming with marlin are now seeing sparse numbers of the majestic fish.

How to Cook Marlin

Like most other types of popular game fish species, there are many different ways to cook and prepare marlin. Some are more prevalent than others depending on where you are in the world, but there are plenty of impressive recipes for marlin that will delight your taste buds.

Smoke marlin is likely the most popular form of cooking these fish and is a common practice around areas like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where anglers from all over the world travel to catch trophy-sized marlin weighing hundreds of pounds.

Grilling marlin is perhaps the second-most popular method of cooking these fish as it allows you to add in a wide variety of different spices and other elements like lemon and orange flavoring.

Pan-seared marlin steaks are a popular menu item at many restaurants in Hawaii and other areas where marlin are commonly caught. This cooking method is another one that’s highly recommended for producing a better-tasting product than almost any other way of preparing the fish.

You can also enjoy raw marlin in small quantities in the form of sashimi, poke, or carpaccio, but it’s very important that you consume the meat as fresh as possible to avoid harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

We hope we have given you some answers to the question; can you eat marlin? They are edible but some species have higher mercury level than others and are best avoided, they also have a very strong taste that not a lot of people like.

Florida is easily one of the top destinations in the United States where anglers flock to each year to catch a number of popular fish species that can be found in the coastal waters surrounding the state.

There are huge varieties of fish along the coast of the Sunshine State and you really never know what you might catch when you drop a hook in the water.

Anglers can catch a wide range of game fish species from the surf, but to go after the state’s most prized fish species, you’ll need a sportfishing boat that can travel at least 10 miles away from the coastline.

Once you get out to deeper waters, you can find reefs, shipwrecks and other areas that are home to abundant numbers of fish in every variety.

Many charter captains know exactly how to target the most sought-after fish in these waters, but you can also have quite a bit of luck fishing from your own boat as long as you have the right electronic equipment to put you in the best spots.

If you’re planning a trip to the Florida coast and are wondering what species is the best Florida fish to eat, you’re in luck.

We’ve compiled this article based on our own experience and the feedback from anyone who has enjoyed any of the state’s saltwater fish as a culinary dish.

Here are our picks for the top 5 best-tasting fish to eat in Florida.

Best Florida Fish to Eat

1. Grouper

Our favorite fish to eat from the Florida coast is grouper, although you might hear others say differently.

These fish might not be the most beautiful-looking species along the coast of the Sunshine State and they can often look downright ghoulish in some cases. However, when we’re talking about the overall best-tasting fish you can catch, it’s hard to beat grouper.

Their appearance might vary in size and color as there are lots of different species of grouper you can catch off the Florida coast.

At certain times of the year, you can venture out to the reefs and other areas where they are known to congregate and feed in large numbers and catch your limit of grouper within a very short amount of time.

Grouper has a very light, pleasant taste that’s somewhat sweet and pair’s perfectly with the right spices and flavor elements. They can be filleted and eaten in a huge variety of ways and you can expect to find grouper at the top of every seafood restaurant’s menu in the state of Florida.

They have an abundance of meat on each fish and the most popular variety of grouper are the gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, speckled grouper, and snowy grouper. These fish can grow to immense sizes and the Goliath Grouper can reach freakishly-large length and weight in some cases.

2. Snapper

Every summer, anglers from all over the United States, and the rest of the world, travel down to the state of Florida near the middle of June as this marks the beginning of snapper season.

Good luck finding a fishing charter that isn’t booked well in advance for the dates ranging from mid-June to August as there will be anglers fighting to get a spot on a boat and load their cooler with the coveted red snapper.

There are other varieties of snapper you can catch along the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Atlantic coast, but it is red snapper that is king among these particular species of fish.

You typically have to travel a few miles away from the shoreline to have the best chance at catching snapper as they are known to reside in deepwater reefs that are at least 100 feet in depth or more.

Snapper filet meat is more soft and sweet-tasting than almost any other fish you’ll find swimming around the Florida coast and you can enjoy it grilled, fried, or cooked in a huge variety of other methods, especially in fish tacos. It’s best served with a slice of lemon or orange as the citrus juices help to enhance the fish’s naturally sweet flavor.

The coast of Florida is teeming with red snapper due to the fact that they are under strict federal protection that limits each angler to only keep two red snapper per day.

However, you can easily catch a limit of vermillion snapper or white snapper in the same waters and these fish are known to taste very similar to their larger cousins with reddish scales.

3. Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

Next on our list is one of the most visually striking fish you’ll find along the Florida coast. The mahi-mahi, also called dolphin fish, is a species that most serious saltwater anglers have on their bucket list to catch.

This is mostly because the fish has a vibrant greenish-yellow coloration that seems to become more prominent the longer they are kept out of the water. Every now and then, an angler will catch a blue mahi mahi, which is quite rare and considered a trophy by anyone’s standards.

These fish are found in virtually every seafood restaurant in the Sunshine State and they are also among the more pricey fillets since anglers have a tougher time catching them compared to others.

The mahi mahi is one of the most common species whose fillets are used to create the famed fish tacos that is a must-try for anyone visiting the state of Florida.

Their meat tastes very mild and sweet, which is more preferable to anyone who doesn’t like a very fishy smell or taste coming from their meal.

They often taste best when blackened or cooked as ‘goldened’ fillets. You can also fry and grill them with the same combination you might normally use for any other highly-prized Florida fish.

4. Tripletail

The next fish on our list is one that’s described as more mysterious than any other species you might find along the Florida coastline.

These short, stocky fish have very dark coloration and get their name from their unique tail that is flanked by large fins directly on either side, making it appear like the tail has three separate parts.

Tripletails are harder to catch than any of the fish we’ve already listed, but most would argue that they taste better than grouper or snapper when prepared and cooked properly.

The main reason we’ve decided to place them at our No. 4 spot is simply because it is a bit harder to catch and not very many people will have the opportunity to try it unless you’re an avid Florida angler.

Their meat is described as more firm and flaky than most of the species we’ve already mentioned, but it offers an intense flavor that will pique anyone’s taste buds.

Since their fillets fit very easily in most pans, they are often pan-seared with a variety of different flavor additives, although it is recommended that the key to cooking and enjoying tripletail is to remember that ‘less is more’ when it comes to seasoning and spices.

5. Flounder

Another fish species that you won’t have any trouble finding in Florida restaurants is flounder.

These are one of the more peculiar species that are found along the coast of the Sunshine State and many anglers relish the chance to fish for them as they require serious skill in order to catch them.

Flounder are most commonly found along the shallow coastal waters very close to shore during the warmer months out of the year, but will move away toward deeper waters in the winter where they will spawn.

They are certainly not the prettiest fish and have a somewhat freakish appearance compared to others on our list, but don’t let their looks stop you from trying this outstanding fish filet.

Their meat is described as being very tender and white and is capable of being cooked in a wide variety of different ways to allow you to best enjoy their flavor.

The filets will usually flake very easily, so it’s important that you don’t overcook flounder meat.

Also, keep in mind that these fish offer a naturally sweet and pleasant taste, so there’s really no need to overload it with abundant quantities of spices.

Simply add some citrus juices and slices to the filet in order to enhance the flounder’s already-sweet flavor and enjoy.

Conclusion

We could continue this list with at least a dozen or more species that we highly recommend you try when taking a trip to the Sunshine State, but our top 5 choices are likely to please anyone who enjoys a good seafood dish.

If you plan to sample these different species at any Florida restaurant, you’ll have plenty of different methods which you can have them cooked and prepared.

If you plan to target these fish yourself and cook them at home, be sure to look up some of the many online videos and articles that will help you get the most out of these fish fillets as catching them is no small feat.

There’s nothing like enjoying your catch as a freshly-cooked dinner at the end of a long day of offshore fishing.

Barracuda have a reputation as being one of the most ferocious fish in the sea. This might be due to their gnarly appearance which includes long, pointed teeth and a very large mouth.

Many anglers unintentionally catch barracuda when they are targeting other fish species in the open ocean. It’s understandable for most to pose the question ‘are barracuda good to eat?’

You might not initially think of eating barracuda since their bodies are long and slender with less meat than most of the other sportfish species you’ll find while offshore fishing.

They are not a common menu item at many seafood restaurants around the world, but you actually can eat barracuda. Instead of simply discarding the fish back into the water, you could choose to keep it and cook it along with the other game fish species you’re going after.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know when it comes to catching, cleaning and cooking barracuda.

Are Barracuda Good to Eat?

Barracudas are known to be one of the more aggressive predatory fish in the ocean, most anglers view them as a nuisance that tends to find their hook when the angler is hoping to catch other species of fish.

However, there are many anglers who specifically target barracuda and relish the opportunity to catch them since they fight more vigorously than most other fish you’ll find offshore.

These fish are very edible and some anglers actually enjoy catching and cooking them with the right method and recipe. As a predatory fish, barracudas do have quite a bit of toxins and mercury in their flesh, as you might expect.

Some of the smaller species of barracuda will not contain as many toxins at the same level a very large, mature barracuda might.

There are people in various parts of the world who are known to eat barracuda on a regular basis. People that live in western Africa and other parts of the world commonly catch barracuda when they are fishing for other species.

Instead of throwing them back, they make use of these apex predators and cook them in a way that allows people to avoid consuming too much of the harmful toxins that might be in the meat.

What is a Barracuda?

Barracudas have a long, slender torpedo-like body that allows them to swim at extremely fast speeds and chase down a variety of different fish that they prey on. They have two dorsal fins and a very large split tail.

The lobes of their tail are long enough to reach water that is undisturbed by their body while the fish is moving through the water. This unique design helps to give them their blazing speed and precision, which they use to target and devour many other, slower fish species.

Barracuda have one of the more frightening appearances of any fish in the ocean besides sharks. Their large, angry-looking eyes and long, toothy mouth can make them seem like an extremely dangerous fish that you would certainly want to avoid while swimming in the ocean.

They are known to attack humans, but such cases are extremely rare and almost always result in the victim being bitten once before the fish swims away.

There are about 20 different species of barracudas known to exist throughout the world. They mostly inhabit tropical waters that stay warm for the entire year, but will sometimes venture up into more temperate waters around the North Carolina coast and as far south as the tip of southwestern Africa.

Their diet consists of other fish, which is one of the main reasons why barracuda might have higher levels of toxins. The barracuda will consume huge amounts of various fish species over the course of their life, but will also often pick up certain toxins that can be extremely dangerous for humans to eat.

Can You Eat Barracuda?

It is safe for humans to eat barracuda, but there are specific things that you should pay close attention to before doing so. As we mentioned above, barracuda are a predatory fish that consume lots of other fish.

In the process of eating so many fish, they will be impregnated with certain toxins that are harmful to us if eaten. If you are planning to eat barracuda, it’s a good idea to target the smaller ones as they will have less potential to have various toxins.

There are many different cultures around the world that view barracudas as a prized fish that are commonly eaten. These cultures know that it’s not a good idea to consume large amounts of barracuda, or to eat the larger of these species.

Also Read: Can you Eat Marlin?

There are certain things that should be taken into consideration and specific ways that barracuda should be cooked if they are to be enjoyed properly.

Unlike most other sportfish species, barracuda are not known to be a fish that you can eat raw in the form of sashimi or sushi. In doing so, there is a serious risk of ingesting meat that is tainted with ciguatera, which is a toxin that’s commonly found in larger predatory fish that consume lots of smaller fish.

To avoid this dangerous toxin, as well as the potential for consuming mercury, people who commonly eat barracuda only take in small portions of their meat.

There is a very real potential to encounter food poisoning by eating large amounts of barracuda or especially consuming it raw, but if you cook and prepare it safely and properly, it can be safely enjoyed.

Barracuda Mercury Level

We’ve already noted that barracuda are another species of fish that are well-known for having high levels of mercury in some cases. Like most other predatory fish, barracuda consume large amounts of fish and, in doing so, often take in various toxins that can be dangerous for humans to eat.

Barracuda can live to more than 12 or 14 years in some cases and are capable of growing to more than 5 feet long and sometimes over 100 pounds. The barracuda that live long enough to grow to such sizes will almost certainly carry more mercury and other toxins in their meat.

Also Read: Can You Eat Tarpon?

This is the reason why many cultures who do consume barracuda typically cook only the smaller of the species that are generally less than 3 feet.

It’s also crucial to avoid eating barracuda in regions where they are known to have higher levels of mercury.

What Does Barracuda Taste Like?

The taste of barracuda is often described as being too strong for most people to enjoy. Their taste is not quite as strong as some species, but it is often described as fishy.

For those who generally prefer the taste of fish that offer a stronger flavor, barracuda is often preferable. When cooked properly with the right spices and other elements, barracuda can have good taste.

Most people prefer to cook barracuda with any number of strong spices such as peppers, garlic, dill and others.

By cooking them in the right way, barracuda can offer as much taste as some of the more popular game fish species like wahoo, amberjack, tuna and others.

How to Cook Barracuda

Barracuda can be prepared and cooked in a variety of methods. Barracuda steaks are a very popular menu item in South Africa and other areas where these fish are known to thrive. Barracudas are very lean and their meat is known to spoil more quickly than other species of fish.

The most common method of cooking barracuda is to cut them into steaks and use butter and oil to cook in a pan.

This is generally preferred as it is the easiest way to add the various spices that are needed to compliment the meat’s taste. Through this method, you can also choose to marinate the barracuda steaks in a variety of different combinations.

Frying barracuda is also very common and is a favorite method of people around the Caribbean and the southeastern United States.

The meat doesn’t have much fat, which means it will stay intact while it’s fried in a light batter. The meat can also be cooked in a stew or steamed with any combinations of vegetables for a protein-packed healthy meal.

There are countless species of sea creatures that you might find if you’re out fishing, snorkeling, or spearfishing around coastal areas. The reefs that are found just off the coast of most beaches are home to abundant numbers of marine life.

Some of these animals are more popular than others when it comes to whether or not people actually want to eat them.

Starfish are one type of creature that most people don’t consider as edible, but can be cooked and eaten.

Some cultures around the world view starfish as having mystical properties and believe that they are able to provide regenerating life energy and vitality.

This is mostly due to the fact that starfish are one of the only known creatures that are capable of regenerating a severed limb after it’s been cut off.

While they are not the tastiest type of animal you’ll find in the ocean, some people do like to catch and eat starfish.

In this article, we will cover starfish and everything that is related to cooking and eating them.

If you’ve never tried to eat a starfish, you might want to take the tips we’ll lay out in this piece and use your knowledge to try this delicacy for yourself.

Are Starfish Good to Eat?

The question of whether starfish are good to eat comes down to one’s personal tastes. Some people prefer seafood that is less fishy and has unique flavors while others embrace the natural, salty taste and often chewy texture of some fish and sea creatures that are edible.

Starfish do have a taste that is unlike any other animal in the sea and some people describe it as one that you will either ‘love or hate’ depending on your own preferences and how it’s cooked.

There are a large variety of starfish species throughout the world and some are actually poisonous. The ones that contain dangerous poison are generally located around Asia and are not found near North America.

However, it’s always good to be cautious and make sure that you are aware of the exact type of starfish species you’re eating before you ever take it from the water and start the cleaning and cooking process.

Starfish are actually loaded with various nutrients that are essential to healthy eating. They are packed with protein and it’s estimated that there are roughly 22 grams of protein in every 3.5-ounce serving of starfish.

As you might have guessed, they have virtually no fat in their bodies and starfish also don’t contain any sugars or carbs either. If you’re looking for a very unique and healthy option when it comes to seafood, starfish is an excellent choice.

What is a Starfish?

Starfish are some of the most peculiar creatures in the ocean. There are roughly 1,800 different species of known starfish that exist throughout the world and they each have their own distinct physiology.

Most people think of starfish as having the same five-pointed star shape and body structure, but some starfish species actually have up to 9 or more arms that might be very long and slender or short and stubby.

Starfish also come in a huge variety of different colors that help them blend in with the ocean like around them or the reefs they live near.

Most people are unaware that starfish are not actually fish, as in creatures with fins and vertebrae, but are actually echinoderms, which are a form of invertebrate animals.

Instead of circulating blood throughout their body, a starfish lives with a water vascular system, which takes in seawater like a sponge and circulates it through a series of channels inside the starfish’s body.

Starfish don’t swim or have any sort of identifying features like fins or tails, but they do actually have a tiny mouth on the center of their underside, as well as eyes, These eyes are not located in the place where we typically expect them to be, but are actually on the end of each of the starfish’s arms.

The eyes work differently than most fish eyes and are mainly intended to allow the starfish to sense light and darkness.

You can sometimes find starfish that have washed up on the beach, but most people who want to eat fresh starfish will go out and catch them in the wild. Starfish are normally found around rocky areas near the beach, as well as lying on the seafloor in and around underwater reefs.

It’s not very hard to find them as they usually stick out from the rest of the marine life around them, but you should be very careful when collecting starfish and make sure that you’re getting a species that is edible and not one that’s poisonous.

Starfish can live for more than 30 years and in the wild and some species are known to grow to more than 10 pounds. You will mostly find starfish in tropical regions and the most common of the many species have the typical 5 arms that look like a star shape.

Can You Eat Starfish?

Starfish are edible and some offer plenty of nutrition in the form of proteins and essential vitamins that are very healthy. Starfish are a delicacy in many Asian food markets and many people prefer them to the common sea urchin, which is also eaten for various reasons.

They have a very distinct texture that is unlike most other sea creatures. Starfish are mostly made up of chewy, moist flesh that has a taste that many have described as being something that most people might not prefer when it comes to seafood.

Also Read: Are Tarpon Edible?

You can eat starfish in a variety of ways. Some people prefer to dice them up into small chunks while others will cook them whole on a stick or in smaller pieces.

Most people don’t eat starfish for the taste, but rather for the health benefits or perceived physiological benefits. These creatures are loaded with B12 vitamins and are a great source of protein energy when cooked properly.

Starfish Mercury Level

Like most other sea creatures, starfish do collect some levels of mercury if they are exposed to a high amount of it in the water. Some fish are known to have very high levels of mercury while others are often very safe to eat at any time.

Starfish are not known to have dangerously high mercury levels and you’re probably safe to eat virtually as much as you want.

What Does Starfish Taste Like?

There’s a good reason why starfish are not among the most popular dishes at most seafood restaurants. Their flesh is known to be described as chewy and often has a very salty taste that is typically undesirable to most people.

Depending on how the starfish is cooked, the meat can have a texture that is more like beef, or it can be very soft to the point that it nearly dissolves in your mouth.

While they are not considered to be the most palatable creature in the ocean, starfish can be cooked with certain spices and other elements so that they have a decent taste that is tolerable to the average person.

Most people who don’t like starfish often point to their mushy texture as the main reason why they will not eat starfish.

How to Cook Starfish

Like most other marine animals, there are a wide variety of different ways you can prepare and cook starfish. In some parts of Asia, they are commonly cut into small chunks and boiled to be added to soup.

Most people around the world will typically grill starfish in order to cook them in a way that toughens their flesh and makes it easier to eat instead of being too chewy.

You can also cut a starfish up into small pieces and use certain combinations of batter and flour to fry them into ‘starfish bites.’ The most common method that’s used throughout the world is to boil them as they make good bits of chewy meat that are perfect in various soups.

You can find plenty of different recipes for starfish online, but if you want to experience an authentic method of cooking these creatures that people usually prefer, it’s best to order them in a Chinese or Asian restaurant.

These restaurants usually offer starfish as a soup or in bite-sized chunks that are grilled or fried according to a specific recipe that can sometimes be quite tasty.

It’s no rare occurrence for surf anglers and anyone fishing around coastal areas to hook something that they believe to be a large trophy fish of species like mackerel, redfish, or some of the other more popular saltwater variations.

Once they get their catch closer to the shore, they realize that it’s just a stingray. Most anglers will simply remove the hook and discard the creature back into the sea, but some ask the question ‘are stingrays good to eat?’

They are commonly found along virtually any coastline throughout the world and some stingrays can grow to be massive in size.

The prospect of eating them might sound foreign to some, but it’s actually quite popular in some parts of the world.

Many anglers who have eaten stingray say that its taste can be compared to that of shark or some other sea creatures.

In this article, we will explore whether or not stingrays are good to eat and cover everything you should know regarding how to prepare and cook them.

Are Stingrays Good to Eat?

Stingrays have a reputation as being one of the more mysterious animals in the ocean. They certainly have one of the most unique body shapes of any other creature and some stingray species are known to be dangerous as they can strike with their tail and hurt people.

One of the more famous instances in which a stingray attacked someone happened off the coast of Australia when a large stingray fatally attacked famed explorer and television host Steve Irwin.

Most stingrays are not dangerous, but it is important that you are aware of the few species that can do you harm. If you’re able to catch one and safely get it into the boat, you might want to keep it and prepare it in one of the different ways we will mention later in this article.

The question of whether stingrays are good to eat can only be answered by those who have actually tried eating them.

Also Read: 5 Best Florida Fish to Eat

Their flesh is not as desirable as some of the more popular fish species, but stingrays do offer a very unique texture and flavor that some people like. The majority of a stingray’s body, however, is not something you would want to eat in most cases.

Their flesh can sometimes be very rubbery and it also contains large amounts of cartilage that is very difficult to remove. However, if you know how to properly clean and prepare the stingray, you can get quite a bit of meat from it.

What are Stingrays?

Stingrays are one of the most recognizable fish in the entire ocean. Their distinct body shape and structure feature large, flat wings that have pointed ends. They are also know for having a long tail that, in some species of stingray, is equipped with a sharp barb that can become extremely dangerous if you get too close.

Stingrays live in virtually every part of the ocean where the water is mostly mild throughout the year. You won’t find them in the frigid waters of the northern Arctic or in the seas surrounding Antarctica.

Stingrays have a set of eyes that are situated on the top of their body towards the front and their mouth is located underneath. These fish often have sharp, pointed teeth in some cases, but are mostly known to have round or flat molars.

There are more than 200 different species of stingrays that live in the oceans and some are even able to swim up into freshwater rivers and lakes.

Stingrays are often caught by anglers using a rod and reel and fishing for other species, and many fishermen and women look at the species with disdain as they seem to be nothing more than a nuisance on the water.

However, in other parts of the world, stingrays are a common menu item at many eateries and they are prepared in a number of ways.

Most stingrays are found in the coastal areas near the shore instead of out in the open waters.

There are a select few species that live in the open ocean and are known to grow to incredibly-large sizes, but the largest stingray that’s ever been caught with a rod and reel was landed on the Mae Klong river in Thailand in 2015. It’s wingspan was an astounding 14 feet and the fish weighed nearly 800 pounds.

Can You Eat Stingrays?

Eating stingray meat is a common practice in countries around the coast of Asia such as Singapore and Malaysia.

There are no species of stingray that are known to be harmful for us to eat, so you can keep and cook any size or type of stingray you want. Many anglers say that stingray, when cooked the right way, can be more tasty than most other fish species they are targeting.

Also Read: Can you Eat Marlin?

There isn’t much meat on stingrays that is suitable for consumption. Most of the stingray’s flesh besides the wings will be very rubbery and not quite what you want when it comes to texture or taste.

However, the flesh surrounding the mouth on the underside of the stingray, as well as the wings are parts that you should keep as they can be cooked in a variety of different ways.

Stingrays Mercury Level

While the flesh of stingrays have been described as tasting much like sharks or having a slightly similar feel and texture, these unique fish don’t have the same high levels of mercury that sharks possess.

Stingrays are not known to have dangerous levels of mercury, so you’re safe to eat them in any amount you want, as frequently as you want.

They are known to live to be roughly 5 or 10 years old, which means they are nowhere near living to be as old as sharks and other ocean creatures that are capable of living to be as much as 30 or 50 years or more.

There is usually a correlation between how old a fish can be to its mercury level as fish are known to collect mercury in their flesh throughout their lifetime.

What does a Stingray Taste Like?

Believe it or not, stingrays are actually said to be one of the better-tasting creatures you’ll find in most coastal regions.

Their taste has been compared to that of sharks, scallops, or even lobster as it has a somewhat salty tinge that isn’t overbearing and can actually be quite pleasant when cooked with the right spices or other elements that help to bring out the natural flavor of the creature.

It’s typical for people in the ocean villages and cities of Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore or Thailand to catch and prepare stingray flesh with certain elements like spicy sambal sauce or even soy sauce.

There are numerous ways that stingrays are prepared in different parts of the world and you can find countless recipes online that point to the use of certain spices and other flavorful items that you can use to cook stingray with.

How to Cook Stingray

There are a number of ways most anglers catch stingrays, such as by rod and reel or even through spearfishing, which is very common in parts of Asia.

The methods of preparing the stingray typically include grilling them, but they can be sauteed or even fried depending on your preference. It’s important that you properly clean the stingray in order to take as much of the meat as possible.

Since stingrays are nothing like the average fish, anglers might be unaware of just how to clean them after they’ve been caught. There are plenty of videos online that provide detailed instructions on the best ways to clean stingrays, as well as the many different ways they can be cooked.

For people in the United States who commonly enjoy stingray, they are known to cut them into small strips and fry them in a pan with oil and breading.

They can also be broiled at a low or medium level and combined with citrus fruits like lemon, as well as parsley and paprika for a desirable flavor.

Pompano are among the most popular species of game fish that saltwater anglers target along the coast and while offshore fishing.

They travel in large schools and have predictable migratory habits that cause them to travel northward in the spring up the coastline and back south in the fall. These fish are known for being considered one of the best species in regards to table fare.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether pompano are good to eat, as well as certain things you should consider when catching and cooking them.

Are Pompano Good to Eat?

Yes Pompano are really good to eat, they require very little seasoning and are pretty simple to cook.

Pompano are unlike any other saltwater fish species in terms of their taste and the ease with which you can cook them. They are not overly-large fish and can easily be cooked in a pan due to their smaller size.

Pompano typically grow to about 5 pounds and their fillets can very easily fit inside most pans, which is why many anglers refer to them as a species of saltwater panfish.

Anglers target pompano from the lower parts of the New England coastline all the way down into the Caribbean Islands.

They run in very large schools that swarm the coastline and surf fishing anglers are often able to catch them in very large numbers when they move through an area, which is usually referred to as a ‘pompano run.’

Pompano are not allowed to be harvested in vast numbers the same way other saltwater game fish are, which means their fillets often come at a premium price.

Most restaurants cook them as a filet, but some people leave the skin on as it is known to add taste and hold the meat of the filet together while cooking.

You can cook pompano in a variety of different methods that include frying, grilling, baking and broiling.

What is Pompano?

Pompano are a peculiar type of saltwater fish that are typically found swimming in very large schools that swarm coastlines when they are on their annual migration pattern.

They are known by a variety of different nicknames such as jacks, wireback, cobbler, and others that have been bestowed upon them over the years by anglers from various parts of the United States and the Caribbean.

They have a shiny silver skin instead of scales and their skin color appears almost translucent at times in the sunlight, especially underwater. This coloration helps them to camouflage quite well in most water conditions as their skin will reflect the water around them to some degree.

Their body shape is relatively compact and small with the largest ones weighing no more than about 3 or 4 pounds.

Also Read: Jack Crevalle vs Pompano

Their body profile is very wide and their head slopes down in a rounded shape, which gives them a very distinct look compared to most other fish species.

Pompano are also known for having a deep-forked tail and their mouth doesn’t have the same sharp, pointed teeth that you find in most other saltwater species that swim near the coastline.

Their habitat is mostly surf flats that feature oysters and plenty of grass beds for them to hide in. Anglers can catch pompano a very short distance from the water’s edge.

Most avid pompano anglers know that you will typically have better luck casting only about 20 feet into the surf when the pompano are in a specific area.

These fish prefer the churning, turbulent waters near the shore to the more calm, clear water that you’ll find farther away from the surf.

Pompano are known to stay close to the coastline in most areas and they often prefer waters that are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Their annual migration begins in the spring when waters of the Florida coastline begin to warm up to the 70 degree mark. Pompano will school up and sweep the coastline in droves, devouring much of the small crustaceans they find along the way.

Their range extends all the way down into South America and they are known to travel as far north as Boston, Massachusetts.

Can You Eat Pompano?

The simple answer to the question of whether or not you can eat pompano is a definitive yes. These fish are perhaps the most popular species among all others when it comes to the taste and quality of the meat on their fillets.

Most avid surf fishing and offshore anglers describe pompano as the best-tasting saltwater fish species in their region. This assertion is hard to argue with and the evidence for their superb quality in taste can also be shown in the demand that we see for pompano at local seafood markets and with commercial fishing companies.

Pompano are so highly sought-after that the United States government has placed strict limits on how many individual fish a commercial fishing company can harvest each season, as well as how many an individual angler is allowed to keep per year.

In addition to their outstanding taste, pompano have as many, or more, health benefits than most other saltwater fish in the western hemisphere.

They are known for having a very high nutritional value compared to most other saltwater fish species. It’s a fish that is packed with protein and a moderate amount of healthy fat.

You’ll also find plenty of vitamins such as B1, B-12, Phosphorus, B3, and many others in their meat, especially if you cook them and consume them with the skin, which is loaded with higher amounts of important vitamins.

Also Read: Pompano vs Permit

Pompano are one of the most popular fish species that doctors recommend you eat for certain benefits like brain health due to the high amounts of healthy fats they have.

The fillets also contain the needed vitamins and minerals for strengthening bones and joints as well. Their meat is also capable of helping you lower poor cholesterol thanks to their high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as saturated fats.

The high nutrition content of pompano fillets also provide you with other highly-impactful health benefits such as increasing your metabolism.

The fish’s meat is very high in B vitamins, which is crucial in the overall function of your metabolism. Their fillets also contain good amounts of niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and other contents.

Pompano Fish Mercury Level

Though their meat is among the best-tasting of any species you’ll find in the ocean, there is a real concern with the mercury content of pompano as well. If you do eat pompano, it’s only recommended that you do so sparingly.

The mercury content in their meat is so high that health experts recommend that a person weighing 150 pounds only eat about 6 ounces of pompano per week to remain safe from the harmful effects that can come with mercury poisoning.

Compared to other fish species, pompano has a much higher mercury content and you should be wary of eating too much at one time. It’s so high in mercury content that pregnant women and women who are nursing should probably avoid eating too much pompano just to be safe.

What Does Pompano Taste Like?

Pompano has a taste that is considered to be mild compared to other fish, which are sometimes described as being ‘too fishy’ or too bland.

It would seem that pompano is a happy medium between the two and the fish is also known for offering a bit of a sea salt taste as well. This natural sea salt taste helps to accentuate the flavors of whatever spices or other elements you use when cooking pompano.

There’s no denying that pompano are among the best-tasting fish you’ll find among the many different saltwater fish species in the ocean. If you’re wondering what they taste like and what the taste can be compared to, it will really depend on how the fish is cooked and what kind of elements you use to season it.

This fish has a reputation for being a ferocious fighter when hooked and anglers often say that pompano is a fish species that certainly ‘punches above its weight’ when it comes to the intensity with which they fight.

This ability to fight harder than most fish is due to the fact that pompano are endowed with a muscular body and shape. This muscle tissue turns out to be a very soft filet when cooked the right way.

How to Cook Pompano

Cooking pompano and getting the best flavor from it revolves around cooking it the right way. You should take caution when handling the fish as soon as it’s caught. Be sure that you carefully filet the fish and wash it before cooking so you’re not getting any unwanted elements in your meal.

The best way to cook pompano is almost always agreed to be on the grill. Using a grill allows you to include a vast array of spices and other flavors that are able to be cooked into the meat in a way that combines with the natural salty flavor of the pompano to create an exceptional taste.

If you don’t want to use a grill, baking the fish is another great way to get the most flavor out of pompano.

Most people prefer to add plenty of lemon juice to their pompano filet in order to reduce the fishy flavor, but you can turn to any number of citrus-like fruits for this purpose.

You can also broil pompano, but cooking with this method will not produce the same level of flavor that grilling or baking will.

Saltwater fishing is widely considered to be one of the most exciting forms of angling in the world. This is mainly due to the fact that saltwater fishing involves a huge variety of different species of game fish that range from small to very large.

Many of the fish that roam the seas and coastal areas are highly-adapted predators that are built for seeking out the most nutritious meals they can find swimming in the ocean.

Anglers who regularly fish in the ocean and along coastal areas must be well-acquainted with the types of baits that saltwater fish tend to prefer, depending on which species you’re going after and at what time of year.

Understanding just what type of bait your chosen fish species will be attracted to is part of what makes someone what most people would consider an expert angler.

In this article, we will cover the 5 best saltwater fishing baits and how each angler should use them, as well as the different reasons why one might choose one type of bait over another.

Best Bait for Saltwater Fishing

1. Squid

The best saltwater bait for beginners, in the opinion of most expert anglers, is squid.

This is mainly due to the fact that squid have an especially oily nature and their flesh is exceptionally tough, which means they will stay on the hook better and longer than just about anything else.

These are usually available at any bait shop and are also relatively cheap. There really is no wrong way to hook a piece of squid and these are usually best for fishing on bottom or trolling.

Using squid in an excellent approach to fishing for just about anything in the ocean as the smell produced by the squid’s oil is generally irresistible to most types of fish that can be found along the coastal areas and underwater reefs.

If you plan to use squid for saltwater bait, be sure to cut it up into the particular size you want to use. If you’re hoping to catch smaller fish species, cut the squid into very smaller pieces.

2. Shrimp

Shrimp is arguably the top saltwater fishing bait available in the world. These small critters can be found in great numbers at your local bait shop and are typically available in frozen blocks, or live buckets.

Shrimp are usually considered the best baits for fishing inlets and around docks or piers as they will be quickly recognized by hungry game fish species as an easy meal.

There are a variety of different shrimp baits that can be used, as well as different sizes of live shrimp. It’s best to use the size that you feel gives you the best chance of catching the type of fish you’re after.

One of the main downsides to fishing with shrimp is that they are notoriously soft-bodied and can be easily ripped off the rig if they aren’t hooked properly.

The best method for hooking shrimp is to run the hook through starting at their top portion close to the head and curve the shrimp along with the curvature of the hook before pulling the hook out at the base of the back.

This will prevent smaller types of fish from picking away at the shrimp and quickly leaving you with a bare hook in the water.

3. Crabs

When it comes to going after larger predators and game fish in the ocean, crabs are usually an excellent choice of bait.

Crab are excellent bait for tarpon and other large-sized fish that can be found in coastal waters, but it can be hard to find crabs that are suitable for bait. Anything from soft-shell, hard-shell, or peeler crabs make good bait for fishing in deeper water around the coast.

The main problem with fishing for crab is that they aren’t as readily available as other types of saltwater bait.

The best way to keep a steady supply of crab for fishing is to regularly use a crab trap and catch them shortly before you plan to fish.

Hooking crab present another problem, but most anglers prefer to bore the hook through the shell of the crab so as not to lose it to any fish that happens to bite.

4. Cut Bait

When it comes to appealing to a sportfish’s senses, there are few baits that are better-suited to do so than cut bait.

The term cut bait can entail a variety of different bait fish species such as menhaden, variations of shad, skipjack herring, and many other types of fish.

Most bait shops will carry these in limited supplies as they must be caught by various commercial fishing vessels and brought in to sell.

Some bait shops sell fresh cut bait, but most seasoned anglers prefer to use cut bait that has been salted and cured as this kind will generally stay on the hook for longer periods.

Hooking cut bait isn’t terribly difficult as most anglers simply run the hook through the skin and flesh and let the rest of the cut bait dangle below the hook to attract fish.

Cut bait is an excellent choice for catching many different types of popular game fish like snapper, grouper, mackerel and many other types of saltwater species.

5. Sand Fleas

One of the most underrated saltwater baits in the world are the common sand flea. These are mostly used for surf fishing as any fish prowling the coastline will not think twice about biting a sand flea that’s above the surface and exposed in the water.

Sand fleas are not sold in bait shops and must be caught by the angler themselves in most cases.

If you’re fishing with kids, the process of finding and catching sand fleas can be a fun activity in and of itself. Once you’ve caught a decent amount, be sure to keep them secure in a large bucket so they don’t get out and burrow back down into the sand.

You can usually hook sand fleas through their hardened shell portion near the head, or from the back end with the hook running up through the shell.

Either way, you’ll want to be sure that these kinds of bait are securely hooked because they typically require a bit of patience and know-how to catch and use properly.

If you don’t have a flounder boat available to you or are just starting out in gigging then wading along the shoreline or sandy flats can be the best option. 

Along with the gigging pole the gigging lights for wading that you use are going to be one of the most crucial items of your flounder gigging equipment.

You can find some commercially available AA battery powered lights but they really are no match for an LED light run off of a 12v battery. 

A good battery should weigh anywhere from 5 to 8 pounds and if you have it in a backpack the load can be very easily spread across the shoulders. You’ll probably be wearing a pack anyway to hold water and extra gear.

Flounder Gigging Lights for Wading

Below we have listed two ready made solutions both of which will run off of a 12v DC battery.

If you want to make your own custom built gigging light for wading then you will find a list of the materials that you will need lower down the page.

1. Boat Lights Flounder Gigging Light

This purpose built flounder gigging light for wading is made in America by Boat Lights US.

It is 50 inches long and weights just a little over 2 pounds so it’s quite light and is suitable for use by kids also.

It requires a separate 12v battery which is connected via either alligator clips or spade connectors.

The light head gives out 2200 lumens from 6 high powered LED light. The head is set an angle that’s just right for wading in the shallows.

The six LED’s are arranged in a flat side-by-side configuration. This gives the best spread of light. You do not want a narrow focused beam when flounder gigging. A large spread allows you to cover a lot of ground more quickly.

The main arm is made high quality PVC which is both stiff and light. Pair this with a small 12v battery in a backpack and you shouldn’t real feel any weight even after hours of use.

Specifications:

• 2200 lumens
• 18 watt output
• 6 foot battery cord
• 50 inch long, weighs just over 2 lbs

---

2. AlumiGlo FlounderPro

The FlounderPro from AlumiGlo is another purpose built solution. It looks a bit more polished than the pole above but has a slight drawback in that the LED’s are arranged in a circular pattern.

Ideally they would be flat to give as much light spread as possible. Saying that it is a high quality light with the added bonus of a shoulder strap.

Again you’ll need to pair this with a 12v battery. It weighs in at 2.3 lbs which slightly heavier than the Boat Lights US model above but that little weight is hardly noticeable.

Specifications:

• 2850 lumens
• 50 inch handle with shoulder strap
• High grade PVC pole with aluminum light head
• 2.3 lbs in weight

---

3. Powerstar 12v 7.5Ah Portable Battery

Almost any 12v portable battery will do as long as it runs about 7.5 Ah from a full charge.

The Powerstar unit listed weighs in around 6 pounds and features a well sealed battery housing and external cover.
Chargers sold separately.

Specifications:

• 12v portable battery
• 7.5 Ah
• Battery life 3 to 5 years
• comes with 2 year warranty

---

DIY Flounder Wading Lights

If you are looking to make your own LED wading lights then with a few items you can get a custom built wading stick mage up in no time.

A lot of people like to combine the light onto their gigging pole. So if you already have a pole it is something to consider.

Light choice will usually come down to how much power you want. Remember that a larger light spread is quite important but it still needs to be bright enough to be usable. 

Here’s what you need to make a flounder light setup for wading:

• PVC or aluminum tubing 3/4 inch
• 1/4 inch u-bolt
• Submersible LED light
• Marine on/off switch plus cabling
• 12v Battery

The light will be mounted onto the pole using the u-bolt. Depending on the LED that you get you may need to play around with how it is mounted.

The mounting position will be either at the end of the pole if you are using your gig separately or you can mount the light on your gigging pole about half way up.

You’ll need to fix the switch to the LED and then to the battery side of the cable. Try to get a good marine switch as it should stand up to the salt water environment better.