Yellowtail fishing
charters are popular in the Florida area.
Yellowtail snappers are a popular saltwater sport fish that can be found all around Florida, but are especially prevalent around the Keys and Atlantic side of the state. Fishing charters are very popular in this area, and there are many choices when it comes to finding a professional charter to go yellowtail fishing. However, before choosing one provider over another, it's important for anglers to do their homework and keep some important issues in mind.
Identification
Yellowtail snappers, often referred to simply as "yellowtails," are named after the distinctive yellow line that runs from the eye, all the way back to a fully yellow tail. The rest of the snapper is blue or gray, and the back fin is often distinctly longer vertically than the fish's body. Fully mature yellowtails rarely get above 30 inches and rarely weigh more than 5 lbs.
Licenses
There are many different licenses available for both residents and non-residents of Florida. A saltwater recreational permit is required for yellowtail fishing in the state. As of 2010, there were five fishing licenses and/or hunting and fishing "packages" available for residents, and three types of fishing licenses available for non-residents. Annual saltwater licenses for residents start at $17 and go up, while three-month, seven-month and annual saltwater licenses are available for non-residents.
Regulations
The saltwater fishing season is open year-round in Florida, but a saltwater fishing license is always required for yellowtail fishing. Depending on the specific area of Florida, the best times for yellowtail fishing can vary.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are home to more yellowtail fishing charters than any other part of the state. Key West snapper fishing attracts sports anglers all year round, and yellowtail are among some of the most popular snapper for saltwater anglers.
Common Misconceptions
"Yellowtail" sounds very similar to "Yellowfin," but the two are very different types of fish. A yellowtail is a saltwater snapper, while yellowfin is a tuna, and not found in the Florida area.
Tags: licenses available, yellowtail fishing, area Florida, available non-residents, fishing licenses