Schoolmaster Snapper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean to Brazil. Most common in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. Found around shallow coral reefs, rocky bottom, grass flats, and mangroves in 10–65 feet. A tropical reef snapper rarely found north of Florida.

Preferred Water Temperature: 72°F–84°F. A tropical reef fish found in clear, warm water around coral reefs and rocky structure. Very common in the Bahamas and Caribbean where it forms schools near the bottom of shallow reefs.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 8 lbs 12 oz. Distinctive yellow stripes on a gray-green body with yellow fins. Good table fish — mild, white meat.

Best Lures: Small jigs and soft plastics produce catches. Small swimbaits work near reef structure.

Best Baits: Live and dead shrimp are very effective. Small pieces of squid work well. Cut pinfish and grunt produce strikes. Small whole anchovies or sardines are good baits.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean to Brazil. Most common in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. Found around shallow coral reefs, rocky bottom, grass flats, and mangroves in 10–65 feet. A tropical reef snapper rarely found north of Florida.

72°F–84°F. A tropical reef fish found in clear, warm water around coral reefs and rocky structure. Very common in the Bahamas and Caribbean where it forms schools near the bottom of shallow reefs.

Best Lures: Small jigs and soft plastics produce catches. Small swimbaits work near reef structure. Best Baits: Live and dead shrimp are very effective. Small pieces of squid work well. Cut pinfish and grunt produce strikes. Small whole anchovies or sardines are good baits.

Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 8 lbs 12 oz. Distinctive yellow stripes on a gray-green body with yellow fins. Good table fish — mild, white meat.