Pacific Red Snapper

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Gulf of California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Most common in Mexican and Central American Pacific waters. Found around rocky reefs and offshore banks in 30–200 feet. Also called Pargo Colorado in Mexico — one of the most prized sport and food fish in the Eastern Pacific.

Preferred Water Temperature: 64°F–78°F. A warm-water Pacific reef fish found around rocky structure, offshore banks, and seamounts. Abundant in the Sea of Cortez and along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

Size & Weight: Typically 5–20 lbs. Trophy fish reach 40+ lbs. A bright red snapper similar in appearance to the Atlantic Red Snapper. Outstanding eating — firm, sweet white meat highly prized throughout its range.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs near rocky bottom produce strikes. Large swimbaits work around reef structure. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are effective.

Best Baits: Fresh whole squid are the top bait. Live fish produce large specimens. Fresh cut bait from any oily fish works well. Bottom rigs near rocky structure with fresh bait and 40–60 lb leader are standard in Mexican Pacific waters.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Gulf of California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Most common in Mexican and Central American Pacific waters. Found around rocky reefs and offshore banks in 30–200 feet. Also called Pargo Colorado in Mexico — one of the most prized sport and food fish in the Eastern Pacific.

64°F–78°F. A warm-water Pacific reef fish found around rocky structure, offshore banks, and seamounts. Abundant in the Sea of Cortez and along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs near rocky bottom produce strikes. Large swimbaits work around reef structure. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are effective. Best Baits: Fresh whole squid are the top bait. Live fish produce large specimens. Fresh cut bait from any oily fish works well. Bottom rigs near rocky structure with fresh bait and 40–60 lb leader are standard in Mexican Pacific waters.

Typically 5–20 lbs. Trophy fish reach 40+ lbs. A bright red snapper similar in appearance to the Atlantic Red Snapper. Outstanding eating — firm, sweet white meat highly prized throughout its range.