Blackfin Snapper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. A deep-water snapper found in 200–600 feet over rocky ledges and deep reef structure. Also called the Black Snapper in some areas. Less commonly targeted by sport anglers than shallow-water snappers due to its deep-water habitat.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–72°F. A deeper-water snapper species found below the thermocline over rocky and hard bottom. Found at greater depths than most other Atlantic snappers — typically 200–600 feet.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–5 lbs. Maximum approximately 12 lbs. World record: 7 lbs from Florida. A red-orange snapper with a distinctive black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Excellent eating fish.

Best Lures: Deep vertical jigs at 200–600 feet produce strikes. Electric reels are useful at these depths.

Best Baits: Fresh whole squid on deep-drop rigs are the top bait. Cut fresh fish work well at depth. Multiple hook rigs dropped to bottom in 200–600 feet produce catches. Electric reels make deep-dropping for this species practical.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. A deep-water snapper found in 200–600 feet over rocky ledges and deep reef structure. Also called the Black Snapper in some areas. Less commonly targeted by sport anglers than shallow-water snappers due to its deep-water habitat.

58°F–72°F. A deeper-water snapper species found below the thermocline over rocky and hard bottom. Found at greater depths than most other Atlantic snappers — typically 200–600 feet.

Best Lures: Deep vertical jigs at 200–600 feet produce strikes. Electric reels are useful at these depths. Best Baits: Fresh whole squid on deep-drop rigs are the top bait. Cut fresh fish work well at depth. Multiple hook rigs dropped to bottom in 200–600 feet produce catches. Electric reels make deep-dropping for this species practical.

Typically 1–5 lbs. Maximum approximately 12 lbs. World record: 7 lbs from Florida. A red-orange snapper with a distinctive black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Excellent eating fish.