The head and back of this fish is of dark brown color, with a greenish tinge. The sides are of a faint silvery hue, with dusky specks, and the belly is white. The common name of this fish seems to have originated based on the weakness of the muscles in the mouth which often cause a hook to tear free, allowing the fish to escape. It grows to 3 feet in length and 17 1/2 lbs in weight. The range is from Nova Scotia, Canada to northern Florida. It is fished both commercially and recreationally.