Yellowtail Snapper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. One of the most abundant and popular snappers in the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Found around coral and patch reefs, rocky bottom, and nearshore areas in 10–200 feet. Often seen in large, shimmering schools near the surface over reefs.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. A reef-associated species found in clear, tropical water. Very common in the Florida Keys where they aggregate in large numbers around coral reefs and in channels.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–3 lbs and 10–16 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 11 lbs from the Florida Keys. Named for the vivid yellow lateral stripe and yellow tail. One of the best-tasting fish in the Atlantic — considered the finest eating snapper by many Florida Keys anglers.

Best Lures: Small jigs in white or yellow produce strikes. Small spoons attract fish in clear water. Small soft plastics worked near the bottom produce consistent results. Light fluorocarbon leaders are essential.

Best Baits: Pilchards (scaled sardines) are the premier Florida Keys bait — chum with ground pilchards and free-line fresh pilchards. Fresh shrimp work consistently. Small pieces of cut squid are effective. Fresh cut bait in a chum slick attracts large numbers. Ultra-light fluorocarbon leader (15–20 lb) is required as they are very line-shy.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Massachusetts south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. One of the most abundant and popular snappers in the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Found around coral and patch reefs, rocky bottom, and nearshore areas in 10–200 feet. Often seen in large, shimmering schools near the surface over reefs.

68°F–82°F. A reef-associated species found in clear, tropical water. Very common in the Florida Keys where they aggregate in large numbers around coral reefs and in channels.

Best Lures: Small jigs in white or yellow produce strikes. Small spoons attract fish in clear water. Small soft plastics worked near the bottom produce consistent results. Light fluorocarbon leaders are essential. Best Baits: Pilchards (scaled sardines) are the premier Florida Keys bait — chum with ground pilchards and free-line fresh pilchards. Fresh shrimp work consistently. Small pieces of cut squid are effective. Fresh cut bait in a chum slick attracts large numbers. Ultra-light fluorocarbon leader (15–20 lb) is required as they are very line-shy.

Typically 0.5–3 lbs and 10–16 inches. Maximum approximately 8 lbs. World record: 11 lbs from the Florida Keys. Named for the vivid yellow lateral stripe and yellow tail. One of the best-tasting fish in the Atlantic — considered the finest eating snapper by many Florida Keys anglers.