Tomtate

Tomtate

Haemulon aurolineatum
Grunt

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Silver white all over with a yellow-brown stripe running the length of the body and ending as a black blotch at the base of the caudal fin. The inside of its mouth is bright red.

Size: Usually about 6 inches

Age at Maturity: Females may mature when as small as 5.5 inches and males as small as 6.5 inches

Range: Cape Hatteras to South Florida and Bermuda, also can range up to Cape Cod

Habitat: Mostly offshore north of Central Florida. In Florida and the Bahamas they will be inshore in patches and around offshore reefs.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: The lightest spinning tackle with pieces of shrimp and cut fish or squid

Fishing Method: Still fishing

Food Value: Good panfish

State Regulation

Daily Limit: Federal Regulations Apply

Federal Regulation

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Marine Fishes of Georgia Posters

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