Red Snapper

Name:

Red Snapper

Other Names:

Pargo

Huachinango

Scientific Name:

Lutjanus campechanus

Characteristics:

The red snapper is a reef fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States.

Fish Habitat:

The red snapper commonly inhabits waters from 30 to 200 ft (10 to 60 m), but can be caught as deep as 300 ft (100 m) or more on occasion. They stay relatively close to the bottom, and inhabit rocky bottom, ledges, ridges, and artificial reefs, including offshore oil rigs and shipwrecks.

Fish Habits:

Red snapper will eat almost anything, but prefer small fish and crustaceans.

Fishing Tactics:

Red Snapper can be caught on live bait as well as cut bait, and will also take artificial lures, but with less vigor. They are commonly caught up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) and 20 inches (50 cm) in length, however there have been fish taken over 40 lb (18 kg).

Once you've caught a fish or two, or if your fish finder determines you are over a group of snapper, spur them into a feeding frenzy by adding chum to the water. This is actually one of the best ways to catch large snapper. You can use chum in a chum bag hanging over the boat or by dropping it into the water.