Peak Season: Spring - Fall

Mangrove Snapper are common targets for anglers and are highly prized for their good eating, light and flaky flesh. They can be found year-round and are often found in the mangroves, and around docks or other structures. They are easy to catch, which makes targeting them ideal for beginner anglers. In addition, they are usually found in schools, so catching many in a short period of time is not uncommon. They are relatively strong for their size, and they will put up a good fight when hooked. They can be caught on a variety of baits, but are typically caught with live or frozen shrimp, squid, pilchards, mullet, ballyhoo, pinfish, and occasionally on artificial lures or baits. They can be spearfished, as well, but are sometimes a tough target, as they tend to be warier of divers, rather than curious. Their wariness of baits and divers tends to increase as the fish grow larger. Most Mangrove Snapper are caught on light to medium tackle, and typical catches range from 8 to 14in long (0.5-2.0 lbs) in shallow or in-shore waters and up to 20in long (about 5 lbs) in deeper waters. Larger fish are uncommon, but not rare.