Red Snapper Fishing

Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) are the most iconic reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Their bright red coloring, pointed profile, and excellent flavor make them one of the most sought-after species in the region. Red snapper inhabit natural and artificial reefs, oil platforms, and other hard bottom structure from about 60 to 300 feet deep throughout the Gulf.

Red snapper management is one of the most contentious issues in recreational fishing. Federal red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico has been severely restricted in recent years, sometimes lasting only a few days per year in federal waters (beyond 9 nautical miles). Individual Gulf states manage their own seasons in state waters, which tend to be longer. Despite the regulatory challenges, red snapper populations have rebounded dramatically, and the fish are abundant on virtually every piece of structure in the Gulf.

Targeting red snapper is relatively straightforward -- they are aggressive feeders that readily eat cut bait (squid, bonito, cigar minnows) and live bait dropped to the bottom near structure. The challenge is often sorting through smaller fish to find the big ones, and dealing with strong currents in deep water. Red snapper are outstanding table fare, with firm, white, moist flesh that is versatile in the kitchen. Many anglers consider fresh Gulf red snapper to be the finest eating fish in the sea.