When the offshore bite is slow or the seas are lumpy, snapper keep a trip rewarding. They live close to the bottom, bite year-round and taste as good as they look.
- Season All year; each species has its own best months
- Where Reefs, wrecks and ledges, from shallow to very deep water
- How Bottom fishing and drifting with live or cut bait, chumming for yellowtail
- Good eating Some of the best in the ocean
- Good for Families, groups and anyone who wants steady action
The snappers you may catch
- Mutton snapper: a pinkish-red fish with a small dark spot on its back and a tail with a rosy tint. Smart and wary, so a hooked mutton is a treat. Fantastic on the plate.
- Yellowtail snapper: slim, with a bright yellow stripe and a yellow forked tail. Caught by drifting over reefs and chumming. Light tackle, plenty of fun.
- Yelloweye (silk) snapper: a deep-water, red-bodied snapper with yellow eyes, caught from deep ledges where the bottom drops away.
- Others: mangrove (gray) snapper near structure and inlets, plus occasional cubera and other species.
When to go
There is snapper action in every month, which makes it a dependable plan B when the pelagic fish (mahi, wahoo, tuna) are not cooperating. See the season by month. Weather matters more than season for snapper, so see weather and seas.
How we fish for them
- Bottom fishing: a weighted rig with live or cut bait is dropped to the structure. When you feel a tap, wait for the rod to load up, then reel.
- Drifting and chumming: for yellowtail, we anchor or drift up-current of a reef and send chum back so fish rise toward the bait.
- Deep drops: for the deep-water species, heavier gear and electric reels are used to reach the ledge.
Why snapper make a great charter
Snapper action is reliable. Everyone on the boat can fish at once, kids can reel in fish, and you often go home with dinner. It is a good fit for first-timers and mixed groups. See first-time deep sea fishing and fishing with kids.
Eating snapper
Snapper is firm, sweet and mild, and works whole-roasted, pan-seared, grilled or in ceviche. Rules on size, bag limits and seasons vary by species and change over time. We always follow the current regulations. See fishing rules basics and cooking your catch.
Ready to put this to work? Request a trip with Good Mojo and tell us what you want to catch, or send us a question first.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of snapper do you catch off Palm Beach?
Mutton and yellowtail snapper are the best-known, along with deep-water yelloweye (silk) snapper and, near structure and inlets, mangrove snapper.
Is snapper in season all year?
You can usually find snapper in every month, but regulations and best months vary by species, so check the current rules.
Is snapper good for beginners?
Yes. Snapper action is steady, so it suits first-timers and families.
Is snapper good to eat?
Yes. Snapper has firm, sweet, mild meat and is one of Florida's favorite seafood fish.