Tomtate

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Cape Hatteras south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. One of the most abundant grunts on Atlantic and Gulf reefs in 10–200 feet. Found in large schools over rocky bottom, reefs, and around wrecks. A very common party boat bycatch throughout the Southeast US.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. A tropical and subtropical reef grunt found in warm water around coral and rocky structure. Very abundant around artificial and natural reefs throughout the Gulf and Caribbean.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–12 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. A silver grunt with distinctive yellow and blue horizontal stripes. Named "Tomtate" for the grunting sound made when the fish grinds its teeth. Good eating in large quantities.

Best Lures: Small jigs near the bottom produce catches. Small Sabiki rigs fill a bucket quickly for live bait use.

Best Baits: Small pieces of shrimp are very effective. Cut squid works well. Fresh cut fish produces strikes. Small hooks with light leader near bottom structure. Excellent live bait species — large Tomtate make outstanding bait for Grouper and Snapper.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Cape Hatteras south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. One of the most abundant grunts on Atlantic and Gulf reefs in 10–200 feet. Found in large schools over rocky bottom, reefs, and around wrecks. A very common party boat bycatch throughout the Southeast US.

68°F–82°F. A tropical and subtropical reef grunt found in warm water around coral and rocky structure. Very abundant around artificial and natural reefs throughout the Gulf and Caribbean.

Best Lures: Small jigs near the bottom produce catches. Small Sabiki rigs fill a bucket quickly for live bait use. Best Baits: Small pieces of shrimp are very effective. Cut squid works well. Fresh cut fish produces strikes. Small hooks with light leader near bottom structure. Excellent live bait species — large Tomtate make outstanding bait for Grouper and Snapper.

Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–12 inches. Maximum approximately 2 lbs. A silver grunt with distinctive yellow and blue horizontal stripes. Named "Tomtate" for the grunting sound made when the fish grinds its teeth. Good eating in large quantities.