Considering that they’re among the most popular game fish in the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States, everyone wants to know the best techniques to be used when going Red Snapper fishing. In this piece, we will explore the answers to some of these questions and if you can’t find them on your boat, you can join us on one of our popular deep sea fishing charters!
**The 2021 red snapper fishing season for vessels with federal for-hire reef fish permits is 63 days in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, NOAA has announced.
The season for federally permitted for-hire vessels will begin at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2021, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 3, 2021.
What are the Best Baits for red snapper?
Red snapper typically consume both fish and squid, but they also like small pinsifh, crustaceans, pilchard, and other fish. A palm sized pinfish is a good option and if you butterfly this to the bottom, red snapper will go after it because the flapping draws them. The larger the red snapper you’re after – the bigger the bait fish should be. Unlike most other fish, you want to let snapper have a second bite as this will make them swim around the bait, making the catch easier.
Where to Find Red Snapper
Since these fish are bottom dwellers, they can be found at a range from 30 feet to nearly 200 feet. Where you find structure, you’ll find the Red snapper. These fish are always on structure, with the exception of the rare cases when you may find them on the move to other structures or a local spawning site. Look for them on anything – natural reefs, artificial reefs, rocks, ledges, wrecks, and oil platforms.
An important rule of thumb for red snapper is that the older and larger the snapper you want to catch, the deeper you need to fish. The younger ones swim in the shallower muddy and sandy bottoms while the adult snapper can be found in depths of 100 to 500 ft. around coral reefs, drop-offs, and ledges.
For those DEEP DROPS, you will need lines and tackles in the 50 to 100 lb. class. You also need a rod with a strong butt and backbone, as well as a sensitive tip. You might also want to consider adding an alarm bell at the rod’s tip which should serve as an indicator if a snapper has taken a bite. There are plenty of lines available, but whenever possible, go with braided. Braided lines are resistant to water, have minimal stretch and are sensitive enough for you to feels those bites coming from deep below.
JOIN US FOR SNAPPER FISHING CHARTERS IN DAUPHIN ISLAND
A day of RED SNAPPER fishing starts out like every other day with Finatics. We generally meet at 6 am to load all you snacks, drinks etc. Then we do our safety brief before beginning. Once everything is stowed and put away and you are settled in for the ride, you begin your journey south on our 29′ Catamaran with twin 300 Suzukis. Don’t come with already sore arms because these fish will be sure to put up a fight!
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