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