A Red Snapper is a fish that is an absolute blast to catch. Let’s take a look at the best tips and tricks to Catch Red Snapper.
How To Catch Red Snapper
Red Snapper are caught fishing offshore structures, including wrecks, rock piles, and natural/artificial reefs. Red Snapper are most abundant in 100′ to 150′ of water, where they are most frequently caught using a fish finder rig that is tipped with live or cut bait.
Let’s take an in-depth look into how to catch Red Snapper.
Finding Red Snapper Honey Holes
The first thing you will want to do if you are interested in catching Red Snapper is to find potential Red Snapper honey holes. For some of you, this may be as simple as reaching out to a couple of friends who are willing to provide you with their favorite Red Snapper spots. For most of us, the process of finding quality fishing spots is going to take some time and some investigation.
When traveling to a new area and having no experience fishing the waters, I always invest a couple of dollars in a Hotspots map. Hotspots maps are available in both paper and digital download to your GPS device. Hotspot maps are a great way to get a lay of the land from many anglers that have come together to provide this local knowledge.
On these maps, you will find a legend of specific species of fish that are known to congregate in general areas. While these general fishing locations do not provide exact coordinates to Red Snapper Hotspots, they are a phenomenal place to start. These maps will give you a quick overview of the preferred depth, bottom type, and distance from shore Red Snapper are known to congregate in that specific area.
Once I have a general understanding of the Red Snapper’s areas, I move over to my Navionics App.
Navionics is another tool that is essential for anglers that love adventuring offshore. Navionics is a map software that can be downloaded to your GPS device that includes far more details than your average GPS mapping software. Navionics includes depth readings, contour lines, and coordinates to thousands of bottom structures of every kind.
Now that we have talked about the tools that will increase your success finding Red Snapper hotspots, let’s talk more about what exactly you are looking for.
Where Is The Best Place To Catch Red Snapper?
Red Snapper are caught fishing offshore structures, including wrecks, natural/artificial reefs, & ocean springs. Though these Snapper can be caught within 30′ to 300′, the ideal depth to catch them is between 100′ to 150′. Red Snapper are predominately caught in subtropical waters in the Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico.
So once you have Hotspots, Navionics, or you are planning on just bootstrapping it with a handheld GPS and a depth finder, it’s time to locate your Red Snapper fishing spot.
I find my Red Snapper spots by reviewing charts of local waters, and I am looking for structures within 100′ to 150′ of water. It does not matter whether those structures are oil rigs, artificial reefs, or even wrecks; all that matters is that you can find structures within the ideal depth, especially if there are dramatic changes in bottom topography within that area.
Once I have a handful of fishing spots for the day, I plan which spots I am going to hit first. Nine times out of ten, I start at the furthest spot offshore and slowly make my way back to the dock as the day progresses. By hitting the furthest spots first, I can fish the areas most anglers never reach because they spend most of their day hitting nearshore structures. By the time other anglers are thinking of heading further offshore, sea conditions have typically picked up, forcing the anglers to stay nearshore to avoid bad sea conditions.
Here Are My Top Seven Red Snapper Fishing Spots
- Natural Reefs
- Artificial Reefs
- Wrecks
- Ocean Springs
- Potholes in sandy bottom
- Oil Rigs
- Ledges
So now you have an idea of where you will be targeting Red Snapper for the day, the next thing you will want to do is gather the proper fishing tackle to Catch Red Snapper.
The Best Fishing Tackle To Use To Catch Red Snapper
When targeting Red Snapper, the best fishing setup will include a conventional reel with a high gear ratio & max drag, a heavyweight rod rated for 50lb to 100lbs, a 60lb to 80lb test line, and a fish finder rig with at least 6′ of 60lb fluorocarbon leader. The ideal hook size is a 6/0 circle hook.
Best Fishing Reel For Catching Red Snapper
When it comes to catching Red Snapper, choosing the correct fishing tackle is essential. Having a reel with a high gear ratio and max drag will dramatically increase your chances of turning large fish before they can snag you on the structures they are inhabiting.
I recommend using a reel with at least a 30lb drag, with 40lb being optimal, especially if you are fishing over 100′ in depth.
In regards to gear ratios, you will want a reel that is at least a 4.2:1. For those new to fishing, the gear ratio is a simple count of the number of rotations your spool completes with one full crank of the handle.
Personally, I recommend fishing Penn’s Torque Lever Drag 2 Speed. This reel has a two-speed gear ratio including a 5.1:1 and a 2.5:1 and sports 40lb of drag.
Best Fishing Rod For Catching Red Snapper
When it comes to selecting the best fishing rod for Red Snapper, you will want a heavyweight rod that is rated for 50lb to 100lb test line. Since Red Snapper are infamous for their ability to strike your bait and drag you back into the structure, your rod’s backbone must be able to turn large fish before they get you hung up on the bottom structure. Since Red Snapper are aggressive fighters, it is always recommended to find a rod with reinforced guides that can withstand extreme force.
I love fishing my Shimano Terez, specifically the TZC66XH. This rod is extremely lightweight and has an unbeatable backbone rated for 60lb to 200lb test. This rod is built tough and can withstand years of use even with the heavy strain a braided line can put on a rod. The Terez also sports a fast action tip that gives you the increased sensitivity to get the hook set when a large snapper strikes.
Choosing The Best Fishing Line For Catching Red Snapper
Choosing a quality fishing line when targeting Red Snapper is essential.
I always recommend using braided line when I am bottom fishing. Braided line has many benefits over monofilament in that braid adds additional sensitivity to your fishing setup, increases your reel’s line capacity, and has minimal stretch, giving you the ability to turn large fish before they can break you off any structures.
The best-braided line I have found for catching Red Snapper is Power Pro’s 65lb Spectra Fiber.
So now that you have your Red Snapper hotspots mapped out and the proper fishing tackle, let’s talk about Five expert tips on Catching Red Snapper.
Expert Tips On Catching Red Snapper
- Use live Pinfish: When it comes to catching trophy Red Snapper, you will want to have your livewell filled with live Pinfish. Though Red Snapper are known to be aggressive eaters, often devouring anything you drop down their way, only the big ones will be interested in biting into a large Pinfish. I always recommend bringing a least two dozen Pinfish per angler.
- Hold your bait at various depths: Though Red Snapper are a structure-oriented bottom-dweller, they travel throughout the water column. Many of the larger Red Snapper will adventure 15′ to 35′ from the bottom, searching for food. I always recommend first dropping your bait all the way down to the bottom and waiting a couple of minutes for a bite. If nothing strikes, I begin to retrieve my bait at 5′ increments. If your fishing structure is holding Red Snapper, you will undoubtedly find the depth in which they are congregating.
- Crank, don’t pull: When a Red Snapper strikes your bait, it is essential that you crank down to set the hook rather than aggressively pulling your rod tip up. Since Red Snapper are reef fish, it is a requirement that they are fished with an inline circle hook. Circle hooks are different from traditional fishing hooks in that circle hooks automatically lodge themselves in the fish’s mouth and don’t require a dramatic hook set. Often dramatic hook sets can result in losing the fish altogether.
- Move with the boat: When fishing for Red Snapper, it is essential that you move your rod tip with the boat’s motion. Even though Red Snapper are aggressive eaters, they will quickly become disinterested in your bait if it is bouncing off the bottom unnaturally. By keeping your rod tip moving with the boat you will be able to present a natural presentation that Red Snapper can not resist. If you are targeting Red Snapper off the bottom, moving your rod tip with the boat is not necessary.
- Drop down Bonita strips: If you’re having a hard time getting the Red Snapper to bite, drop down a fresh strip of Bonita. Red Snapper can not resist the smell and action of a 6″ to 8″ inch strip of Bonita. Bonita is an extremely oily and smelly fish, which is why Red’s can not resist this bait. Bonita strips are also extremely tough, so they hold extremely well on the hook, even with multiple strikes to the bait.
- Come prepared: When it comes to fishing for Red Snapper, you will want to be prepared for whatever the day throws at you. Make sure you bring an excessive amount of tackle to get you through a long day on the water. Since Red Snapper are bottom-dwelling fish that congregate heavily around structures, there is a good chance you will lose a couple of rigs on the bottom. I always tell people to bring at least three times the tackle they think they are going to need.
- Be ready to switch things up: When it comes to catching Red Snapper, you need to be prepared to switch up your approach during the day to see exactly what the optimal bait is for the day. There are some days when the only thing they want to eat is a whole piece of squid, and there are other days when they are completely disinterested in everything but live bait. With that said, make sure you bring an assortment of baits, including; squid, cigar minnows, Pinfish, shrimp, and Bonita strips.
Bonus Red Snapper Fishing Tips
Don’t forget to freeline: When you are Red Snapper fishing, always cast out a freelined Pinfish or other live bait the moment you get out to your fishing spot. As time passes, your bait will drift in and out of different water columns, often leading to a strike from a large predator fish. This tip has allowed me to catch some trophy-sized Red Snapper as well as my record Yellowtail Snapper.
Best success when anchored up: When you are targeting Red Snapper, you will have your best success anchoring instead of drifting over the reef. When currents are strong, it’s essential to be anchored, or you will continually lose all your fishing rigs on the bottom as the current drags your rigs into the reef or wreck. Also, if you are drifting across the reef rather than remaining stationary your baits on the bottom will not look natural to Red Snapper and they will reframe from striking your bait.
Top Baits For Red Snapper
- Whole squid
- Bonita strips
- Croaker
- Pinfish
- Shrimp
- Cigar Minnows
- Pogies
Can You Catch Red Snapper On Artificial Lures?
Red Snapper can be caught on artificial lures, especially large bucktails and vertical jigging lures.
When Can You Catch Red Snapper?
Red Snapper can be caught year-round, with June and July being the most productive time of year to target them.
Let’s take a deeper look at how to catch Red Snapper by learning more about the species as a whole.
What are Red Snapper?
Lutjanus Campechanus, commonly referred to as Red Snapper, Northern Red Snapper, and Gulf Red, is a ray-fined fish in the snapper family. The Red Snapper is a bottom-dwelling fish that is best known to congregate around natural and artificial reefs within tropical and subtropical waters.
Red Snapper are oval in shape with large red eyes and scales. Red Snapper are one of the largest species of Snapper and have been recorded to grow over 50lb in weight.
Natural Red Snapper Diet
- Small reef fish (various species)
- Baitfish (various species)
- Shrimp
- Squid
Are Red Snapper Good Eating?
Red Snapper are excellent to eat. The flesh is white and flaky with a mild sweet flavor. Since Red Snapper are harvested at a minimum of 16″, their fillets are often large, making Red Snapper an overall great fish to eat.
Is Red Snapper High In Mercury?
According to the FDA, Red Snapper is high in mercury content, coming in at .415, approximately four times the mercury content of the commonly consumed Yellowtail Snapper.
Is Red Snapper Toxic?
Red Snapper have been known to carry the ciguatera toxin, a toxin that is found in many reef-dwelling fish. Fish consumed with high ciguatera levels can lead to ciguatera poisoning in humans. Some of the symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Is Red Snapper The Same As Redfish?
Red Snapper and Redfish are not the same species of fish. Red Snapper is in the Lutjanidae family and is a bottom-dwelling reef fish, whereas Redfish are in the Drum family and prefer shallow water structures.
Do Red Snapper Have Scales?
Red Snapper have large red scales that start at the base of their tails and end at their gill plates. Red Snapper scales can measure over ¾” in mature fish.
Do Red Snapper Have Teeth?
Red Snapper have small canonical teeth that line both their top and bottom jaws.
Red Snapper Size & Bag Limit
Red Snapper Regulation differs depending on where you are targeting them. Below is a list of the current Red Snapper regulations by state.
| State | Size | Bag Limit |
| Florida | 16″ | 2 |
| Alabama | 16″ | 2 |
| Mississippi | 16″ | 2 |
| Lousiana | 16″ | 4 |
| Texas | 16″ | 2 |
| Gerogia | 16″ | 1 |
| South Carolina | 16″ | 1 |
| North Carolina | 16″ | 1 |