Dog Snapper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. A larger snapper associated with deep coral reefs, rocky ledges, and offshore structure in 30–200 feet. Named for its prominent canine teeth visible even when the mouth is closed. Found in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Caribbean.

Preferred Water Temperature: 70°F–82°F. A warm-water reef species found in clear tropical water around coral reefs, rocky ledges, and offshore structure. Often found mixed with Cubera and Mutton Snapper around deeper reef structure.

Size & Weight: Typically 3–10 lbs. Maximum approximately 25 lbs. World record: 24 lbs 3 oz. Distinctive copper-brown coloring with a lighter triangle below the eye and prominent canine teeth. An excellent food fish with firm, white meat.

Best Lures: Large jigs worked near bottom produce strikes. Heavy swimbaits around structure are effective. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut bait work consistently.

Best Baits: Live grunts are the top bait. Large live shrimp produce results. Fresh cut squid work well. Live crabs are effective around deeper reef structure. 40–60 lb fluorocarbon leader is appropriate for this species.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. A larger snapper associated with deep coral reefs, rocky ledges, and offshore structure in 30–200 feet. Named for its prominent canine teeth visible even when the mouth is closed. Found in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Caribbean.

70°F–82°F. A warm-water reef species found in clear tropical water around coral reefs, rocky ledges, and offshore structure. Often found mixed with Cubera and Mutton Snapper around deeper reef structure.

Best Lures: Large jigs worked near bottom produce strikes. Heavy swimbaits around structure are effective. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut bait work consistently. Best Baits: Live grunts are the top bait. Large live shrimp produce results. Fresh cut squid work well. Live crabs are effective around deeper reef structure. 40–60 lb fluorocarbon leader is appropriate for this species.

Typically 3–10 lbs. Maximum approximately 25 lbs. World record: 24 lbs 3 oz. Distinctive copper-brown coloring with a lighter triangle below the eye and prominent canine teeth. An excellent food fish with firm, white meat.