Black Margate

Another large Grunt, this one often reaches 3 or 4 pounds and may top 10. World record 12 pounds, 12 ounces.

Black Bream, Surf Bream, Pompon

Ranges widely, from near shore to outer reefs. Many are caught from surf in areas of groins or other rocky bottom. Inhabits larger patch reefs and quickly sloping rocky bottoms. Often near the shelter of caves, ledges, or wrecks. Feeds at night on crustaceans, mollusks, smaller fish, and the long-spined urchin, Diadema.

Although a member of the Grunt family, the Black Margate superficially appears more closely allied to the Croakers or Drums. The body is deep, the dorsal spines heavy and the lips thick. Sides are dingy white, with a prominent black band or saddle around the body. The fins are dark gray or black. Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Front half of body darker than rear. Soft dorsal and anal fins have dense scales on bases of interradial membranes (Ref. 26938). Fins dusky, anal and pelvic fins darkest; peritoneum not black; young with two black stripes and a black spot at base of caudal fin

Distinct pairing during breeding

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Florida, USA and the Bahamas through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to Brazil.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

	River Drift River Drift means to use the....
	Trawling Trawling is when....

Spinning, baitcasting and surf tackle. Light classes of ocean tackle. Shrimp and clams are excellent baits, but cut fish works well too. Rarely takes artificial.