Lane Snapper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from North Carolina south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. A small, colorful snapper found over nearshore and offshore reefs, grass flats, and around mangroves. Extremely common throughout the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Often found in large schools near the bottom.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–80°F. An inshore and nearshore species found from shallow grass flats to reef areas in 120 feet. Very common around shallow patch reefs in the Florida Keys.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–12 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 7 lbs. Distinctive pink and yellow stripes on a silver body. Excellent eating — sweet and delicate white meat. Popular target for family fishing trips as they bite readily.

Best Lures: Small jigs with soft plastic tails produce consistent action. Small swimbaits work near the bottom. Small shrimp-imitating lures are effective.

Best Baits: Live and dead shrimp are the top bait. Small pieces of squid work very well. Cut pinfish and grunt produce strikes. Small pieces of any fresh fish work. Light bottom rigs with small hooks are standard.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from North Carolina south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. A small, colorful snapper found over nearshore and offshore reefs, grass flats, and around mangroves. Extremely common throughout the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Often found in large schools near the bottom.

68°F–80°F. An inshore and nearshore species found from shallow grass flats to reef areas in 120 feet. Very common around shallow patch reefs in the Florida Keys.

Best Lures: Small jigs with soft plastic tails produce consistent action. Small swimbaits work near the bottom. Small shrimp-imitating lures are effective. Best Baits: Live and dead shrimp are the top bait. Small pieces of squid work very well. Cut pinfish and grunt produce strikes. Small pieces of any fresh fish work. Light bottom rigs with small hooks are standard.

Typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 8–12 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 7 lbs. Distinctive pink and yellow stripes on a silver body. Excellent eating — sweet and delicate white meat. Popular target for family fishing trips as they bite readily.