The featured Gulf catch and cook species for June 2025 is the Northern Red Snapper!
Red Snapper are fun to catch, as a highly sought-after large game fish!
Read on to learn how to catch Red Snapper and make a delicious meal!
Fun Facts
- Red Snapper are a bright red in color!
- The oldest Red Snapper is thought to be 57 years old!
Species Profile
The Northern Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), is a large bottom-dwelling fish that frequents rocky bottoms and off shore reef environments. They are native to the western Atlantic ocean, Gulf of America (formally Gulf of Mexico) and the Caribbean Sea. They are a part of the larger snapper family (Lutjanus), including the mutton, mangrove, yellowtail, lane, and blackfin snappers.
Appearance
The Red Snapper has a pink to red body that fades to a white belly, with visible medium to large scales. They have a sloped almond shaped body with a truncate tail. They have red eyes and fins, where the rear anal fin comes to a point. Their snout is long and triangular with sort needle like teeth. Unlike other snapper species, they have smaller upper canine teeth. The dorsal fin has 10 sharp spines with spine located on the anal fin as well. Juvenile Red Snapper will can sometimes have a dark spots on the back side body that will disappear over time. Because many snapper are red in color the Northern Red Snapper can often be confused with other snappers, such as the vermilion, silk, blackfin, lane and queen snapper. The Red Snapper can be most easily differentiated by its red eye, pointed anal fin, non pointed tail, red to white shaded scales, and smaller upper canine teeth (relative to other snapper). To compare different snapper types check out this blog!
Habitat
The Red Snapper can be found in waters from 30 to 620 feet deep, but often ranges between 30 and 200 feet! They prefer bottom offshore habitats with structural features such as rocks, reefs, ledges, and even wrecks. Juveniles will frequent shallower inshore waters and can be found over sandy or muddy bottoms, over time moving to more structured habitats, such as oyster reefs. As they grow they will continue to move to deeper waters with increasing structure. Similarly to other snapper species, they will form schooling aggregate groups around bottom structures, but only tolerate fish of similar sizes. They are territorial, where larger Red Snapper will claim the bottom most structure and smaller fish will live higher in the water column.
Biology and Life cycle
Red Snapper are a larger snapper species reaching lengths averaging 24 inches, however they can grow to sizes of 39 inches! On average they live between 40 and 50 years, reaching maturity as early as 2 years. The largest published weight of a Red Snapper was 50 lbs 4 Oz and an age of 57 years old! The Florida State record was 46 lbs 8 oz, caught near Destin, FL. After maturing at age 2, Red Snapper will begin to spawn to produce juvenile snapper. In the Gulf, Red Snapper Spawn in the summer months, often in the afternoon into the night. They spawn in the pelagic open water column where the fertilized eggs will drift in the currents and settle inshore. They then live in sandy or muddy bottoms and may target mangroves or oyster reefs for protection as they grow. As they get larger they move further off shore, finding structured bottom to inhabit. As juveniles they will eat plankton, however as they grow they prefer a diet of shrimp, crabs, squid, and smaller fish. The older and larger the Red Snapper grow, the more offspring they can produce.
Catch
To maintain a healthy fishery, it is important to use sustainable fishing practices when catching and releasing fish. A Florida fishing license is required to land all saltwater species in Florida regardless of where they are caught (state or federal waters). Florida fishing licenses require a fee, however, fishing licenses from a shoreline are free. Both types require you to register for the license on the FWC website which can be found here: https://license.gooutdoorsflorida.com/
Habitat
- Common in 30 – 200 ft water depth, can be found in waters up to 620 ft in depth
- Offshore Structured bottom waters (i.e. Reefs, ledges, rocks, artificial structure, wrecks, piers)
- Target prey such as crabs, shrimps, squid and smaller fish.
Season and Regulations (Gulf)
The Gulf Red Snapper Season is 126 days in 2025, ranging from the summer to the fall. Gulf Red Snapper fishing regulations change yearly frequently, always check current FWC regulations before fishing. Red Snapper regulations can be found here: Red Snapper Gulf
Open Seasons Per FWC:
- For Summer, the Gulf season opens May 24-26, then reopens June 1 through July 31.
- For Fall, the season is open September 1-14, then switches to 3–day weekends (Friday – Sunday) for the remainder of the year with special holiday opportunities on Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Complete season dates below.
Regulations
- The minimum size limit is 16 inches in total length. Red Snapper must be 16 inches or greater to keep.
- You are allowed to keep 2 Red Snapper per person, with a 10 Snapper aggregate bag limit. The snapper aggregate bag limit means that no more than 10 total snapper of any combination of species can be harvested per person per day.
As the Red Snapper produce more offspring as they grow larger, always release undersized or out of season fish! Due to the deep waters they frequent, they are sensitive to barotrauma. To help the fish survive make sure you return them right. Fish should be returned to the water as quickly as possible and resuscitated. Learn more about the Return ‘em Right program here.
Due to the deep waters they frequent, they are sensitive to barotrauma. If in deep water (>50 ft) a descending device should be used to help the fish make it home. Using best release practices will help the future of your local fishery! Descending devices are required when fishing for reef fish. You can get a free descending device sent to you by following this link: https://returnemright.org/
Methods
Hook and line fishing is the most common way to catch Red Snapper. Spear fishing is also a common practice, however the deep depths they snapper frequent can make this method more difficult.
Hook and line fishing
Hook and line fishing for Red Snapper can include bottom fishing or jigging. While juveniles may be caught inshore on sandy bottom, most keepers will be found in depth of 100+ feet. Keeper Red Snapper have been caught from land off piers too! Look for hard bottom structure or reefs to fish over. Red Snapper commonly stay near the bottom of the water column, so bottom fishing is best. If you don’t have a boat to get offshore don’t worry, keeper Red Snapper have been caught from land off deep water fishing piers too!
Bait
Below are some great bait choices for targeting Red Snapper:
- Shrimp
- Squid
- Cut/small bait fish (dead or alive)
- Artificial jigs
Tips and Tackle
When fishing for reef fish in the Gulf it is required to use non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks when using natural bait. A dehooking tool and descending device are also required for fishing in federal waters.
Red Snapper common the bottom, so bottom fishing or jigging are the best methods. Snapper are large, strong fish, using strong tackle is recommended to avoid breaking the line.
- Target areas with some structure, such as reefs, ledges, and wreaks.
- Go deep, depths over 100+ feet will have larger fish.
- Using heavy tackle conventional reels will help you to retrieve the fish from the depths
- 60 – 80 lb braided line works best for deep waters, but a monofilament leader can be added to prevent breakoff in rocks
- For bottom fishing:
- use a lead weight above your hook to get the bait to the sea floor.
- move bait slowly or leave it to attract the fish, fast movement may spook them
- For jigging:
- use a center weight artificial jig
- use the slow pitch jigging method
- drop the jig to the bottom with a slack line
- the fish are attracted to the artificial bait as it falls
Spearfishing
The most sustainable way to catch Red Snapper is by spearfishing, however they can be difficult to catch this way. With this method, there is no bycatch and no harm being done to undersized fishes. Red Snapper are large fish for shooting, but they can be spooked. They will often hid in ledges or under overhangs. You have to be patient and sneaky to catch them. Keeper snapper will often frequent depth of greater then 100 ft. Diver certifications impact the the recreational diving depth with a limit often ranging between 60 and 130 ft, where the Red Snapper may exceed these depths. Spearfishing for Red Snapper may require an diving certification if greater depths are needed.
Always take precautions to be safe when spearfishing, especially at great depths. It is best to go with an experienced diver or be trained before attempting this method.
When spearfishing you still have to follow fishing regulations, meaning that you cannot shoot a Red Snapper in the Gulf less than 16 inches in total length. As the spearfishing method requires you to estimate the fish size, make sure you have practice with accurately estimating fish size underwater! You can practice hunting fish species of non-regulated sizes until you feel comfortable with this skill!
*Remember fish can look bigger underwater, so be careful when picking your target!!!*
For best fishing practices and to learn more fishing tips, tricks, and regulations check out the free Florida Friendly Angler course: Florida Friendly Angler Certification Program
If you want to go fishing but don’t have a boat of your own, fishing charters are a great option! You can find a list of certified Florida Friendly Fishing Guides here: FFA Guides
Clean
Learn how to fillet a Red Snapper with the Collier County Florida Sea Grant Agent: Michael Sipos!
Cook
In the Gulf, Red Snapper is currently considered a smart seafood choice as the harvest is being sustainably managed. In the Gulf the Red Snapper stock is not considered to be over fished, however the South Atlantic stock is. Current stock rebuilding plans are in action to promote stock growth in the Atlantic. While the Gulf stock is not overfished, strong seasonal regulations are in place to allow the stock to rebuild to the targeted levels. The species had experienced significant decline in the 90’s due to bycatch and over fishing, however the are now recovering. Learn More
Red Snapper is a delicious fish to eat, with white flakey meat. Filets are very large with a mild to sweet flavor! It can be prepared in a variety of ways, fried, grilled, sautéed, steamed, and more!
Below is a delicious recipe for cooking up your fresh catch:
Red Snapper Bundles
Serving size: 1/3 fillet (4 Oz)
Ingredients:
- 1 Red Snapper Fillet
- 1 Tsp Blackening Seasoning
- 1 Tbs Butter
- 1/4 Cup Sliced White Onion
- 1/4 Cup Sliced Green pepper
- 2 slices of Tomato
- 1 Oz White wine
- 1 Slice Provolone Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
- Optional: 4 peeled Shrimp
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Lay down a ~6 x 6 in sheet of aluminum foil.
- Place the Red Snapper fillet on the aluminum foil and sprinkle with Blackening Seasoning.
- On top of the fillet add butter , onion, green pepper, and tomato. (Add shrimp if you want!)
- Pour white wine over the top and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the slice of Provolone over the top.
- Close the foil around the foods to form a tight packet.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes (Check the fish is done cooking).
- Open the foil packet, move contents to a plate, and enjoy!*
*Serve with white rice for a balanced meal!
Next month sneak peek!
Our featured Gulf Catch for July is Bay Scallops!!
- Bay scallops have 30-40 bright blue eyes around the edge of their shells that help them detect movement and shadows.
- Scallops are capable of swimming for short distances by jetting water out of their shells!
Do you have a favorite Scallop recipe or a photo of you with your catch? Share it with us for a chance to be featured as a photo or recipe of the month! Submit here
Check out the past Gulf Coast Catch and Cook blog posts!
Have a question? Ask the Author!
For more detailed information, contact your local University of Florida Extension Office.
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