1. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

• Distribution: North America; widespread across the U.S.
  
• Habitat: Lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers with abundant vegetation
  
• Live Bait: Shiners, nightcrawlers, frogs
  
• Artificial Lures: Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, topwater frogs
  
• Tactics: Target areas with cover; early morning and late evening are prime times.
  

2. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

• Distribution: Eastern and central North America
  
• Habitat: Clear, rocky lakes and rivers
  
• Live Bait: Crayfish, minnows
  
• Artificial Lures: Jigs, crankbaits, soft plastics
  
• Tactics: Focus on rocky structures and swift currents.
  

3. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

• Distribution: Native to North America; introduced globally
  
• Habitat: Cold, clear streams and lakes
  
• Live Bait: Worms, salmon eggs
  
• Artificial Lures: Spinners, spoons, dry flies
  
• Tactics: Use light tackle; approach stealthily in clear waters.
  

4. Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

• Distribution: Northern hemisphere; prevalent in North America and Europe
  
• Habitat: Weedy lakes, slow rivers
  
• Live Bait: Large minnows, suckers
  
• Artificial Lures: Spinnerbaits, spoons, jerkbaits
  
• Tactics: Fish near weed edges and shallow bays
  

5. Walleye (Sander vitreus)

• Distribution: Canada and northern U.S.
  
• Habitat: Lakes and rivers with sandy or rocky bottoms
  
• Live Bait: Nightcrawlers, leeches, minnows
  
• Artificial Lures: Jigs, crankbaits, spinner rigs
  
• Tactics: Fish during low-light conditions; focus on drop-offs and points.
  

1. Red Drum (Redfish) (Sciaenops ocellatus)

• Distribution: Atlantic coast of the U.S., Gulf of Mexico
  
• Habitat: Estuaries, bays, coastal waters
  
• Live Bait: Shrimp, mullet, crabs
  
• Artificial Lures: Soft plastics, spoons, topwater plugs
  
• Tactics: Sight fish on flats during high tide; look for tailing fish.
  

2. Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

• Distribution: Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean
  
• Habitat: Mangroves, estuaries, coastal lagoons
  
• Live Bait: Pilchards, pinfish, shrimp
  
• Artificial Lures: Jerkbaits, swimbaits, topwater lures
  
• Tactics: Fish around structure during moving tides; dawn and dusk are optimal.
  

3. Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)

• Distribution: Western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean
  
• Habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons
  
• Live Bait: Mullet, crabs
  
• Artificial Lures: Large swimbaits, flies
  
• Tactics: Target rolling fish in early morning; prepare for acrobatic fights.
  

4. Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish) (Coryphaena hippurus)

• Distribution: Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
  
• Habitat: Open ocean, often near floating debris
  
• Live Bait: Ballyhoo, squid
  
• Artificial Lures: Trolling lures, feathers, poppers
  
• Tactics: Troll near weed lines and floating objects; fast retrieves are effective.
  

5. Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

• Distribution: Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
  
• Habitat: Open ocean, often near temperature breaks
  
• Live Bait: Sardines, mackerel
  
• Artificial Lures: Metal jigs, trolling lures
  
• Tactics: Locate schools via birds; use chum to keep fish near the boat.
  

1. Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

• Distribution: Atlantic coast of North America
  
• Habitat: Rivers, estuaries, coastal waters
  
• Live Bait: Eels, bunker, herring
  
• Artificial Lures: Swimbaits, topwater plugs, bucktail jigs
  
• Tactics: Fish during tidal changes; structure like bridges and points are key spots.
  

2. Flounder (Paralichthys spp.)

• Distribution: Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico
  
• Habitat: Sandy bottoms in estuaries and coastal waters
  
• Live Bait: Mullet, mud minnows
  
• Artificial Lures: Soft plastics on jig heads, bucktail jigs
  
• Tactics: Slowly drag bait along the bottom; focus on channels and drop-offs.
  

3. Speckled Trout (Cynoscion nebulosus)

• Distribution: Gulf of Mexico, southeastern U.S.
  
• Habitat: Seagrass beds, estuaries, bays
  
• Live Bait: Shrimp, pinfish
  
• Artificial Lures: Soft plastics, topwater lures
  
• Tactics: Fish during moving tides; early morning topwater action can be productive.