Fish Identification

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Southern
Location: Point Lookout SP

I was at Point lookout State Park and I caught this fish, can you please identify.

DNR's Response by Keith Lockwood: This is a northern sea robin which is common along the Maryland coast from May to October. Obviously this particular sea robin decided to make a trip up the Chesapeake. They get their name from the elongated pectoral fins which look like the colors of a robin when fanned out. The first two or three rays of the pectoral fins are modified to look like feelers and are used to find prey and manipulate them. Sea robins prey on small shrimp, small clams, squid, crabs and small fish. They make a grunting sound by using their air bladder much like a croaker and have a tough head with a few spines.They can be found from Nova Scotia to Florida; grow to about 16" in size and have a firm tender meat which is good fried.