2.  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;

3.  List essential items to be considered when planning a fishing trip;  Identify locations one might visit along the Texas coast.

4. 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 turbulent 4. Mudflats – receding tides, small invertebrates.

5. 5. Seagrass flats – support large populations of fish. 6. Near shore soft bottoms – soft, silty, featureless bottom.

6.  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.

7. Three Ecological Groupings:  Inshore Species  Offshore Bottom Species  Offshore Migratory Species

9.  Sciaenops ocellata  Large black spot at the base of tail.  Color range silver to bronze.  AVG 3-4lbs.

10.  Paralycthys lethostigma  Lies on its side  Both eyes are on the up side  Can be caught by gigging

11.  Arius felis  Dorsal and pectoral fins covered with toxic slime  Can cause infection and pain

12.  Carcharhinus leucas  Wide head  Blunt snout  Heavy body  Can live in fresh or salt water

13.  Megalops atlantica  Brilliant silvery color  Bony jaws  Large flat scales

15.  Archosargus probatocephalus  Convict fish  Black and white bars  AVG 3-5lbs.  Over 10 lbs is uncommon

16.  Dasyatis sabina  Rhomboid shape  Triangular snout  Penetration by tail barb very painful

17.  Epinephelus itajara  Dark to chocolate brown with faint pale blotches.  Avg. 40 – 120 lbs.  Common to 300 lbs.

18.  Lutjanus campechanus  Deep rosy red color with darker fringe.  Average 2 – 4 lbs.  Can reach over 50 lbs.

19.  Scomberomorus maculatus  Back and upper sides are blue or blue – green, shading to silver.  Orange spots – feeds in schools.

21.  Acanthocybium solanderi  Very colorful  Dark blue to lavender  Silver underneath

22.  Thunnus atlanticus  Vertical bars and dots are located on the sides under long pectoral fins.

23.  Makaira nigricans  Color is a deep blue above shading to silvery – white.  Vertical lavender bars.

28.  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

29.  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.

30.  Need to consider time of year as to what fish you want to catch.  Forecast  Cost  Number of people needed for the trip.

31.  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;

32.  List essential items to be considered when planning a fishing trip;  Identify locations one might visit along the Texas coast.