Science Name: | Lutjanus campechanus |
Other Names: | American red snapper, northern red snapper, mutton snapper |
Ideal Temp: | 60 to 70 |
World Record: | 50 lbs. 4 oz, Louisiana |
Environment: | reef |
Techniques: | bottom fishing, medium tackle |
Cigar Minnows, Silver Sardines, Herring, and Mackerel all are options for good bait . Try large Spoons, Jigs (weighted), double drop leaders , and single hooks with different combinations bait. Pogy oil soaked bait is another option that can increase productivity. Multiple baits on a single hook will in fact encourage Amberjack, Grouper, and larger Snapper. For extra feel use an Ambassador reel with Spider Wire backed with mono. Use more of what works best on each spot, and don't guess, keep a Log.
Off the southeastern United States, adult red snapper occur in depths of 150 to 300 feet over both low and high-relief hard bottom. Immature red snapper will live closer to shore, over sandy bottoms.
They are opportunistic bottom feeders that consume a variety of shrimp, crabs and small fishes.
The white flesh of red snapper is rated one of the very best. It may be prepared in a variety of ways, but frying should be considered a misdemeanor crime. Baked stuffed red snapper smothered with cream sauce is a delightful dish made famous in New Orleans and Charleston.