Mutton Snapper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. A larger snapper found around coral reefs, rocky bottom, grass flats, and offshore ledges in 25–300 feet. Common in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. One of the prized "big three" Florida Keys snappers.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. Found around coral reefs, grass flats near reef edges, and rocky ledges. Juveniles inhabit grass flats and mangrove systems; adults move to deeper reefs.

Size & Weight: Typically 3–15 lbs. Trophy fish reach 25+ lbs. World record: 30 lbs 4 oz from the Dry Tortugas, Florida. A large, powerful snapper with a blue line under the eye and a distinctive black spot on the upper back. Excellent food fish — among the best-tasting of all snappers.

Best Lures: Large jigs worked on the bottom near structure produce strikes. Large swimbaits work around reef edges. Heavy jigs tipped with fresh bait are very effective. Light tackle with 30 lb fluorocarbon leader is optimal.

Best Baits: Live grunts are the top trophy bait. Live pilchards produce excellent results. Large live shrimp work consistently. Live blue crabs catch big fish around reef edges. Fresh cut mullet and bonito produce strikes. Trophy Mutton Snapper fishing around the full moon in May–June off the Florida Keys is world-famous.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. A larger snapper found around coral reefs, rocky bottom, grass flats, and offshore ledges in 25–300 feet. Common in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. One of the prized "big three" Florida Keys snappers.

68°F–82°F. Found around coral reefs, grass flats near reef edges, and rocky ledges. Juveniles inhabit grass flats and mangrove systems; adults move to deeper reefs.

Best Lures: Large jigs worked on the bottom near structure produce strikes. Large swimbaits work around reef edges. Heavy jigs tipped with fresh bait are very effective. Light tackle with 30 lb fluorocarbon leader is optimal. Best Baits: Live grunts are the top trophy bait. Live pilchards produce excellent results. Large live shrimp work consistently. Live blue crabs catch big fish around reef edges. Fresh cut mullet and bonito produce strikes. Trophy Mutton Snapper fishing around the full moon in May–June off the Florida Keys is world-famous.

Typically 3–15 lbs. Trophy fish reach 25+ lbs. World record: 30 lbs 4 oz from the Dry Tortugas, Florida. A large, powerful snapper with a blue line under the eye and a distinctive black spot on the upper back. Excellent food fish — among the best-tasting of all snappers.