World Record Saltwater Fish (Complete Chart)

by Captain Jason | Dec 23, 2021 | All Posts

A big thank you to the folks over at International Game Fish Association for compiling the data that helped build our World Record Saltwater Fish and World Record Freshwater Fish chart. If you are a fan of fishing, then you already love the challenge of finding fish, targeting them, and then vying to catch them.

The untold story of this article is very much the thrill of battling a monster fish only to find out it is the biggest fish of its kind ever caught, and it’s on the end of your rod. What has not been said is that any angler with a line in the water can break any of these saltwater fish records or freshwater fish records. So, if you are interested in adding your name to the list of record holders, you’d better get to fishing.

What’s The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught? 

When you start to think about this question, it becomes insanely mind-boggling. The ocean and rivers have many options for fish that grow THAT large. If you were to set sail to fish with the singular goal of catching the world’s largest fish, where would you go? What would you target? What kind of gear would you use? What about baits and lures? Many of these records must come from people who answered those questions. Sure, there could be a portion of successful world record fishing that is purely chance, but it seems more likely that our world record fish chart is full of calculated thinking, plotting, and preparation.

The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark. The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about 900 pounds of fish. Many of the most significant sea fish records are over 1,000 pounds (1/2 of a ton,) but Alfred’s giant Great White Shark is the only fish on the world record fish list to achieve a weight that is over 2,000 pounds. To be quite honest, his Great White is only 336 pounds away from 3,000 pounds.

Florida Saltwater Fishing Records — Conventional Tackle 

Fishing with conventional tackle is what most of us do when we fish in Florida waters. You might consider the Goliath Grouper to be the largest saltwater fish on record, but it was a Blue Marlin that weighed in at 1,048.888 pounds. The beast was caught off Panama City, Florida, in 2001 by Conrad E. Hawkins.

Data Courtesy of the IGFA and Archive.org

Deep Sea Fishing Facts to Know 

by Captain Jason | Dec 1, 2021 | All Posts

People worry about the dangers of deep-sea fishing. Did you know that the number one and two most serious injuries that happen during deep-sea fishing adventures are:

1. Sunburn
2. Dehydration

Both are very easy to prevent. So, slather on the SPF and be sure to drink plenty of water. A soda or two are okay, but water is better. If you are ready to learn more of the interesting deep-sea fish facts, keep reading.

1 The Fishing Constantly Changes 

If you fish in the same spot, you will catch different fish each month. As the seasons’ change, so does the quality of the water, especially water temperature. In the summer, you find big game fish, like cobia. In the fall, as the water begins to chill, you find blackfish and bass. Know when the fish cycle through a favorite fishing hole allows you to prepare better to target those fish. It also means that if you want to target a specific fish species, you will know how to find it based on environmental conditions, such as water temperature.

2 The Deepest of the Deep 

The deepest spot in the ocean is the Mariana Trench, which is 36,201 feet deep. That’s a lot of fishing line to get down that deep. Thankfully, the deepest deep sea fishing goes is about 2,000 feet deep. For the most part, very little of the ocean floor in the deeper zones have been explored. As a result, we know very little about what is down there. That is also one of the most exciting things about deep-sea fishing. Every once in a while, you catch something nobody has ever seen.

3 Stick to the Depths

Not every species of deep-sea fish comes inshore. Mostly that is because they prefer the colder water. Cold water holds more oxygen than warmer, shallow water. Therefore, to fish unique species of fish, you must head into the deeper water. Also, most deep-sea fish grow slowly and live for a very long time. That factoid is one reason deep-sea fish are so large; if you want a big Trophy Fish, head to the deep waters.

4 The Biggest Fish Every Caught in Saltwater 

Deep-sea fishing fact #4 — The world record for the heaviest fish ever caught in saltwater is 2,664 pounds. It was more than a big fish, too — a great white shark off the coast of Australia in 1959. So what’s lurking off the Florida Coast? We know there are Goliath Groupers, which are protected, but a trophy shark is always possible.

5 Same Old Equipment Bigger Fish 

For the most part, deep-sea fishing uses the same equipment you would use for inshore fishing. The difference is that the gear is heavy-duty to handle the bigger fish that swim in deeper water: Hammerhead sharks, Tuna, Marlin, and more. The biggest shark caught in Florida was 1,065 pounds and over 12-feet long. Heavy-duty fishing gear allows you to take on trophy-level fish and win.

6 Full Moon Fishing is Better in the Deep?

One of the more exciting saltwater fishing facts is that fishing at night by the light of a full moon can be better. The reason is that the extra light from the moon allows predatory fish to see their prey. Baitfish also see better, so they tend to head to the surface. Another aspect of the full moon is that tides are more substantial. With stronger tides, baitfish are more active, and the predators have to work a little harder. The full moon or even the new moon is an excellent time for deep-sea fishing. Be sure to check out some of the overnight charters that can introduce you to deep-sea fishing at night.

7. Fishing the Front 

A deep-sea fishing fact about weather is to fish the weather front. When a front is coming onshore, bringing cold air, the deep-sea fish tend to feed actively. That is one of the best times to deep-sea fish. The active water and cool air cause the baitfish to become more active. As the front approaches, it pushed the fish to feed. When the front passes and the water calms down and warms up, the fish tend not to be that active, and it is harder to fish.

Deep Sea Fishing Basics 

What to know about deep-sea fishing — Deep sea fishing occurs in waters that are more than 30 meters deep. The deep-sea fishing boats are more significant than those inshore to handle the rougher water and bigger storms. One of the prime reasons to go deep-sea fishing is to target more considerable and more aggressive fish. Hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, great white sharks, Cobia, Marlin, Tuna are just some of the many species of fish you can target on a deep-sea fishing adventure. One of the best ways to experience deep sea fishing, even as a beginner, is to book a charter boat. The crew and captain will teach you how to fish, what to target and help you land big, fat, trophy fish.

What Is Deep Sea Fishing?

by Captain Jason | Nov 26, 2021 | All Posts

Image source: Sam Carlson

Florida is a fantastic place to fish. Many people, especially those new to fishing, opt for a charter, and Finest Kind is well-known as a quality experience for fishing.

In Florida, you can fish from shore, bay fishing, and in the deep sea. In this blog, we walk you through the experience of the deep-sea fishery, the types of fish, and some seasonal information to help you plan the best time to experience fishing in the deep waters off of the Florida Coast.

What is the Meaning of Deep Sea Fishing?

How deep is deep sea fishing? Deep-sea fishing starts at about 30 meters deep, and while that may not seem like much, it is over 90 feet. What is considered deep sea? Anything over 90-100 feet deep is deep sea. At the deepest, you might hit 6,000 or more feet before you find the bottom. That is a wide breadth between the surface and the bottom. It is that depth that makes deep-sea fishing so rewarding, so exhilarating, and so addicting. It takes deep water to grow big, fat, trophy fish, drawing people to Florida to fish the depths.

Deep Sea Fishing Fish 

One of the exciting aspects of deep-sea fishing off of Florida is the trophy fish. Big fish love these local waters, and the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records Prove it.

• Cobia – The record is 130.06 pounds
• Bull Shark — the record is 517.44 pounds.
• King Mackeral
• Bigeye Tuna — The record is 194.80 pounds.
• Wahoo
• Blackfin Tuna – The record is 45.50 pounds.
• Blue Martin — The record is 1,048.88 pounds — that’s just over 1/2 of a ton.

The deep waters are home to big fish, but many other fish species offer fantastic entertainment. Red snapper is one species of fish that you can catch hand-over-fist. A lovely range of options allows you to build a deep-sea fishing trip that fits your fishing desires. Do you want to target trophy fish, learn more about fishing in deep water, or experience a day of fantastic fishing with your family or friends?

Is Deep-sea Fishing Difficult?

Generally, you need to know more about fishing to successfully deep-sea fish. However, novice and first-time fishers can do just fine on a charter. Much of the success of the charter comes down to the experience and willingness of the captain and crew.

You can head to a local deep fishing area and catch plenty of fish or none at all. The difference comes down to experience.

Generally, the types of deep sea fishing allow you to target a few fish species or many kinds of fish. You can trawl or chum, depending on the fish you choose to target. Chum fishing attracts predatory fish to a specific area while trawling drags your line and lure or bait through the water. Some fish, such as tuna, are attracted to movement, while others rely on their nose to find food.

Where to deep sea fish

There are also different types of environments in deep-sea fishing: shipwrecks, reefs, canyons, mountains, the continental shelf, the bottomless canyons, and more. Each of these locations offers different types of fish, challenges, and opportunities.

Understanding the seasonality of fishing is also essential. Know when the fish you want to target are in season. Here is an excellent resource for seasons, limits, and other information about Florida Deep-sea fish species.

Opening day can be a very successful adventure. A quality captain will know where the fish are, what is available, and how to set you up to succeed. That is another reason why fishing charters are so popular — the captain will or should do all the detail work for you.

How is Deep-sea fishing different from other types of fishing in Florida? 

The most significant difference is the depth of water. What that means is that with deep-sea fishing, the area in which you fish is more extensive. You can think of a fishing area as a cube. The deeper the cube, the more space and the more challenging it is to find fish.

A quality charter will offer you top gear that is well-maintained and the opportunity to successfully learn the skills to fish in deep waters.

With bay fishing, you can pretty much see the fish. Seasonality is more critical, as is the type of gear you need. It is generally easier to fish in shallow water. With deep-sea fishing, you are targeting bigger fish and more species.

Considerations for Deep-sea Fishing in Florida

Deep-sea fishing comes with some considerations. Safety is a big concern for people who are new to deep-sea fishing. Weather is a significant factor. Mechanical issues with the boat can also be an issue. Finally, the health and wellness of the people onboard can play a role in the outcome of your trip.

The Finest Kind charter has a lifeboat that is large enough to hold everyone on board safely. In addition, modern equipment allows the captain or crew to contact help, such as the Coast Guard, should issues arise. Finally, life Jackets keep you safe if someone falls overboard. The captain and crew have the training to keep you safe. Generally, though, deep-sea fishing is safe. Yes, accidents can happen, but they can happen anywhere.

Sea Sickness is a common concern. There are over-the-counter medications to help reduce or alleviate seasickness. In addition, natural products, such as ginger candy or ginger ale, can help reduce nausea.

How does deep Sea fishing work?

First, the boats are usually different, more significant, with more equipment than the boats used for bay fishing. Second, the gear is also different. With deep-sea fishing, the rods and tackler are heavier and more substantial because, in the deeper waters, the fish are generally larger. With bay fishing, the equipment is lighter.

Deep-sea Fishing is casual and Fun.

Bay fishing vs deep sea fishing — With bay fishing, you may have a friend or be by yourself. With deep-sea fishing, there is a group of you — your family or friends. It’s an adventure that is about sharing the experience. Bay fishing is often just you and the fish, whereas deep-sea fishing is more about bonding, fun, and enjoying the company of others while you fish.

Comfort is Important 

One consideration is comfort. Deep-sea fishing can be an all-day event or even an overnight event. Comfort is essential because battling a big fish can be exhausting. Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water are three things you can do to increase the comfort level on your fishing adventure.

Bigger Boats, More Options 

The boat is also important. It should have plenty of room for your party to spread out and fish. It should also offer air conditioning and comfortable seating areas. You may want to take a break from fishing and recover. A small lounge area is ideal for that. The Florida weather can sap your energy level quickly. Having access to cold water, ice, and shade in a temperature-controlled environment help a lot.

What You Need to Bring

• Polarized Sunglasses are a Must. The sun on the water can be blinding and cause headaches or increase nausea. Polarized sunglasses block much of the refracted light and allow you to fish longer and in more comfort.
• Know What the Charter Provides and What they Do Not Provide.
  Fishing trips can be as short as 2-3 hours or as long as overnight. Make sure you have access to food. Don’t be shy about bringing food, drinks, and plenty of water. Check with the charter to see if alcohol is allowed or not.
• Do You Need a Fishing License? The charter may or may not provide a fishing license for you. Be prepared as a fishing license is a requirement. You can buy a Florida Fishing License online. Charters like The Finest Kind provide fishing licenses, bait, tackle, ice and of course, Captain and Mate.

How Much Experience Do You Need? 

You don’t need a lot of experience when you book a charter for deep-sea fishing. The charter should help you with rigging, fishing, and battling big fish. Some are appropriate for small children and will allow you to share the love of fishing with your entire family.

About Deep Water Fishing in Destin, Florida

Destin is a popular destination for anglers. The local waters here are rich with fish allowing visitors to experience the fishing trip of a lifetime.

How far offshore do you go? The best waters are about 20-40-miles off the coast of Destin, which can take about 1- 1 1/2 hours to reach. So, when you choose the length of your fishing adventure, keep the travel time to and from the deeper water in mind.

Deep-sea fishing in Destin, Florida, is impressive. With over 30-different species of deep-water fish, your options for creating a specific fishing adventure are good. Your odds of battling big fish are also good. If you are ready to hit the salty brine, check the availability of trips, or see what’s in season, book or give us a call at 850-837-6800!

How Much Does a Grouper Weigh? Types of Grouper and Weight 

by Captain Jason | Nov 17, 2021 | All Posts

Worldwide there are 159 species of groupers — Epinephelinae — and Florida is home to many of the best species. The Goliath grouper, for example, is a creature of legend — authentic, horrifically large, and majestically a master of its environment. The Goliath Grouper can reach eight feet in length and weigh as much as 800 pounds. Groupers are a fantastic family of fish, and each plays a critical role in the surrounding environment.

How much does a grouper weigh? 

As mentioned, the Goliath grouper can weigh 800 plus pounds when fully mature. Many groupers grow to be larger fish and may play a role of an Apex Predator in their environment. The types of grouper and weight are as follows: Florida State Records Via IGFA.

• Black Grouper — Record is 113 pounds six ounces.
• Gag Grouper — Record 80 pounds six ounces – (set right here in Destin, Fl.)
• Goliath Grouper — 680 pounds exactly
• Nassau Grouper — 9 pounds exactly
• 5 Red Grouper — 42 pounds four ounces
• 6 Warsaw Grouper — 436 pounds and 12 ounces (set right here in Destin, FL.)
• 7 Yellowfin Grouper — 34 pounds six ounces
• Calico Grouper (Speckled Hind) — 52 pounds eight ounces ( set right here in Destin, Fl.)
• Scamp Grouper — 28 pounds six ounces
• Snowy Grouper — 70 pounds seven ounces
• Yellowmouth Grouper — 22 pounds eight ounces

How big is a grouper? It depends on the species and where you find them. Their lifecycle moves them throughout the waters of Florida. Most start as eggs and larvae in fringe reef systems, where they feed on plankton. They move inshore and remain juveniles for six months to six years (varies by species.) As they grow and mature, they move farther offshore until they find their ideal habitat. Some species remain as deep water fish; others stay in the shallow reef areas. Grouper size depends on where in the lifecycle you find them and by species, types as each member of the grouper family play a critical role in its environment.

What Is A Grouper Fish?

Groupers are ray-finned fish in the family Serranidae that are predatory fish. You find them in reef systems, where they can and often become a keystone species of that environment—often characterized by a slender body with a giant head and mouth. For a more scientific answer to a grouper fish, the NOAA Pictorial Guide to Groupers is keen.

Where Are Grouper Fish Found?

Shallow reef systems offer the best homes for most species of groupers. The Goliath Grouper is the king of underwater structures, and you find them in shipwrecks, reef systems, shallow and deeper water, and other types of tropical structures. Along with most other types of groupers, their habit is to dig holes around reefs of structures where they hide. They are a lurking predator but will also stalk and ambush prey. There have been episodes of giant Goliath Groupers stalking divers and then trying to ambush them. You can imagine the force an 800 pound Goliath Grouper would produce and the danger its incredibly largemouth would pose to a diver.

Destin, Florida, is an ideal location for grouper fishing. The Gag Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, and Speckled Hind Grouper state records were set here in Destin. Grouper weight is a focal for most anglers as many species of groupers can grow quite large. While much emphasis is placed on Goliath Grouper Fishing, they are protected as of 2021, and fishing them is illegal. The Warsaw Grouper is also protected in Federal waters, and specific requirements are involved when caught. The average grouper size varies from species to species, and most will not approach the Goliath Grouper weight.

Fishing for Groupers in Florida

There are different regulations for fishing Groupers. The State of Florida has its own rules, while the federal government has rules for federal waters. Knowing where the state waters end and the federal waters begin is part of the puzzle of fishing for groupers in Florida.

Warsaw Groupers and Goliath Groupers are both illegal to fish. If you catch one by accident, you will need to be prepared to follow guidelines on how to unhook it. Many anglers target the deep water for giant groupers. It is difficult for a big fish to come to the surface from the deep water spots and survive. The change in pressure can fatally damage them, and they will not recover when released.

The best place to fish for bigger groupers that are not illegal to target is the mid-reefs and structures. The water is not so deep here as to damage the groupers, and there are plenty of groupers available. The season for Scamp Grouper is open year-round. If you want to try something new, consider targeting groupers with a fly rod. Otherwise, a charter is an excellent place to start for the seasoned pro or new fisher.

Saltwater Jigging: How To Catch Saltwater Fish With Jigs

by Captain Jason | Oct 21, 2021 | All Posts

Jigging is one of the most accessible forms of fishing and most enjoyable. It is an action-type of fishing rather than the cast-and-wait type of fishing. Jigging uses an artificial lure that mimics natural prey for certain types of sports fish. The Jig is a head-and-hook combo that you attach to a plastic body. The idea is to imitate a small fish, which is what bigger fish eat. Jigging makes a fun day of fishing and is perfect for the whole family. Kids are natural pros at jigging. Plus, you can catch big, fat, trophy fish on a saltwater jig.

What Is Saltwater Jig Fishing? 

Saltwater Jigging is a method of fishing for small to large trophy fish in shallow or deep water. The jigging technique changes based on the fish you target and the depths of the water in which you fish. Jigging is exciting because you are trying to entice a predatory fish to strike an artificial jig. Therefore, there is strategy involved, making the angler a top-line predator of top-line predatory fish.

You can stick to the shallows and catch small, medium, and large fish, or you can head out to the structures and potentially catch big Yellowfin tuna, Bonito, Longfin Tuna, and others. In addition, inshore fishing allows you to target nearly every species of sports fish that swims in the shallow water. That list includes groupers, flounders, sharks, bonefish, etc. In short, you can spend an entire day targeting many types of game fish simply by changing up your Jig, and for many sports fish, the same old Jig might work just fine.

Different Types of Jigs 

Jigs are two pieces, and you often buy the pieces separately. The parts are the jig head and the body.

A jig head is a shaped head, usually with an eye to mimic a fish head, and it is attached to a hook. The body is soft plastic onto which the jig head and hook are inserted. The two pieces together make a jig. The idea here is to create something that a predatory fish will be attracted to as food. There are many jigs on the market, and you choose those jigs based on two factors—first, the depth of water, and secondly, the type of fish you want to target.

Football Saltwater Jigs: Are wonderful when targeting redfish, speckled trout, sea bass, black bass, etc. It is a good idea to hone up on the species you want to target. The NOAA site offers fish profiles, such as this one for Black Sea Bass. Learning about the fish you want to target allows you to choose better jigs that work well for that species. Successful saltwater jig fishing begins with selecting the correct Jig.

Round Head Jig: Great for deep-sea jigging or fishing the shallows, The weighted head sinks fact and moves in the direction of the pull. A good saltwater jig for left, right jigging, or for up and down jigging. Great for bottom dwellers such as Flounders and groupers.

Live Bait Mimic Jig: There are some super cool live bait mimic jigs out there. They do a beautiful job of mimicking baitfish and can pull in big trophy fish like tuna, bonito, sharks, groupers, etc.

Action Jigs — have a lot of movement. You might try the flipping jig, which can take some practice to make it work well. These are jigs that add movement, such as a baitfish in distress. They light up the predatory drive in big fish and boom — Fish-on!

Bucktail Jig: One of the best jigs around as it will target many predatory fish. If you can only take one type of Jig with you, it would be a bucktail jig. They mimic baitfish, shrimp, crustaceans, etc. You can target almost everything with a bucktail.

There are so many options for jigs that it is impossible to cover them all in a blog. The key here is to get familiar with a few jigs, learn the situations where they work best, and the fish species that love them. If you are new to jigging, you won’t be for long. It is easy to learn how to jig fish. Jigging is very addictive, and the challenge keeps your mind in the game.

How To Rig a Jig

Jig heads come in weights — 1/4 ounce, 3/4 ounce, etc. The body comes in different lengths. It is essential that you pair the head to the body so that the hook is in the correct position. For soft plastic jigs, the hook placement is centered in the soft plastic body. If the hook is too forward, you could miss the hookset. If the hook is too far back, the fish may not strike.

Different types of jig heads work better in different depths of water. Smaller jig heads do better in shallow water. Larger jig heads do better deep sea jigging. An example would be a 1/8 ounce or 1/4 ounce jig that you would use in less than ten feet deep of water. The weight of the jig head increases as the water gets deeper. A 3/8 ounce jig head is perfect for water that is between five-fifteen feet deep. That covers jig selection.

How to Rig The Jig

Once the pairing of the body and the jig head is decided, you want to connect the two. For soft plastic jigs, all you have to do is thread the hook through the top of the body. It is essential that the body fits snugly against the head. There should be no gaps as fish want food that they recognize. A sloppy construction for jigs means fewer strikes. The hook should exit the body just past the middle. Different jig heads will have hooks with shorter or longer shanks. Choose a jig head in the correct weight for the water depth and a hook shank paired to the body. That process gets much easier after you try rigging a few jigs.

Once the jig head and the body are together, it is time to connect the completed Jig to the line. To do this, we use an Improved Clinch Knot. You can learn how to tie essential saltwater knots in our blog that is all about knots.

Saltwater Jig Fishing Techniques 

There are two basic jig actions. The first is the bottom bounce, in which the Jig remains on the bottom and hops a few feet either in a straight line or in a zigzag motion. The jig action occurs when you flick the pole up a few feet, reel in the line a few turns, allow the Jig to sink to the bottom, and then repeat. For example, to get the zigzag pattern, you flick the end of the pole right, reel in the slack, allow the Jig to sink, and then flick the end of the pole to the left. Repeat the process until the line is in, or you have a fish strike. A pole flick is the same as jigging jerks. It is a quick jerk action or flick of the pole. It is easy to learn, and you find a natural rhythm as you fish.

For vertical jigging, you are in deeper water, and the Jig goes straight down from the side of the boat. Once it is at the correct position in the water, you flick the pole up, reel in the slack, let the jig sink, and repeat until the Jig is in, or you have a fish strike.

There is nothing complicated about jigging for fish. An excellent tip to remember is that jigging poles are shorter so that their action is a little slow. That extra tension in the rod helps move the Jig through the water without constantly bending the rod’s tip.

Fishing with Jigs 

You can fish with jigs in rivers and estuaries, which is where you might find speckled trout and redfish, in the shallow flats, in deep water, from the shore, or in a boat. So, long as jigging is an approved way to fish, then you are free to use a jig where you can. Be sure to review the regulations for fishing in unique locations, such as the Everglades National Park or for generalized Florida regulations for saltwater. If you are new to fishing, one of the best ways to learn how to jig is by booking a charter fishing trip.