Categorize saltwater fish into one of the three ecological groupings;

List and describe representatives species from each of the three groupings;

Describe the coastal and deep-sea habitats of saltwater fish species;

List essential items to be considered when planning a fishing trip;

Identify locations one might visit along the Texas coast.

1. Estuary – environment where fresh and slat water mix.

2. Salt marshes – Filled with salt tolerable plants, good nutrient producing habitat.

3. Exposed beaches – very turbulent4. Mudflats – receding tides, small

invertebrates.

5. Seagrass flats – support large populations of fish.

6. Near shore soft bottoms – soft, silty, featureless bottom.

Estuaries – rivers current meets the sea.

Gigging – using spear like device to harvest fish.

Inhabit – to live or dwell. Migratory – to go from one region to

the other.

Three Ecological Groupings: Inshore Species Offshore Bottom Species Offshore Migratory Species

Sciaenops ocellata

Large black spot at the base of tail.

Color range silver to bronze.

AVG 3-4lbs.

Paralycthys lethostigma

Lies on its side Both eyes are

on the up side Can be caught

by gigging

Arius felis Dorsal and

pectoral fins covered with toxic slime

Can cause infection and pain

Carcharhinus leucas

Wide head Blunt snout Heavy body Can live in fresh

or salt water

Megalops atlantica

Brilliant silvery color

Bony jaws Large flat scales

Archosargus probatocephalus

Convict fish Black and white

bars AVG 3-5lbs. Over 10 lbs is

uncommon

Dasyatis sabina Rhomboid

shape Triangular snout Penetration by

tail barb very painful

Epinephelus itajara

Dark to chocolate brown with faint pale blotches.

Avg. 40 – 120 lbs.

Common to 300 lbs.

Lutjanus campechanus

Deep rosy red color with darker fringe.

Average 2 – 4 lbs.

Can reach over 50 lbs.

Scomberomorus maculatus

Back and upper sides are blue or blue – green, shading to silver.

Orange spots – feeds in schools.

Acanthocybium solanderi

Very colorful Dark blue to

lavender Silver

underneath

Thunnus atlanticus

Vertical bars and dots are located on the sides under long pectoral fins.

Makaira nigricans

Color is a deep blue above shading to silvery – white.

Vertical lavender bars.

Just a saltwater fishing stamp is $33 good from September to August

All water fishing is $38 good from September to August

One day salt water fishing will cost you $16

Most times if you are fishing with a guide, the guide will provide anything you need.

You may need to bring more food or drinks if you desire.

You may use the guides’ rods and reels or bring your own.

Need to consider time of year as to what fish you want to catch.

Forecast Cost Number of people needed for the trip.

Categorize saltwater fish into one of the three ecological groupings;

List and describe representatives species from each of the three groupings;

Describe the coastal and deep-sea habitats of saltwater fish species;

List essential items to be considered when planning a fishing trip;

Identify locations one might visit along the Texas coast.