Mangrove Snapper

The mangrove snapper is one of the smaller snappers, rarely exceeding 18 inches in length or 10 pounds in weight.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A MANGROVE SNAPPER

The mangrove snapper has a relatively slender body, a large mouth, and a pointed snout. The anal fin is rounded and the pectoral fins short, not reaching the anal fin. Young cubera snapper may be easily confused with mangrove snapper and careful comparison of the vomerine teeth (found on the roof of the mouth) of either species is the most reliable means of discerning the two. Adult cuberas however, are among the very largest of snapper species, obtaining lengths as great as 5 feet and weights of 125lbs and such specimens are not likely to be confused for the smaller mangrove snapper. Male and female mangrove snapper are externally indiscernible.Although the general ground color for this species may vary, especially in the case of juveniles, in general the body and fins of mangrove snappers are gray to green with a reddish tinge. There are also rows of small reddish to orange spots on the sides of this species. The median fins are darker than the paired fins, often edged with yellow or white and the pectoral fins are colorless. The back edge of the anal fin is rounded. There is no black spot on the side of body. Young mangrove snappers have a prominent dark stripe from the snout through the eye and a less conspicuous blue stripe on the cheek, below the eye. They may also at times show a lateral pattern of narrow pale bars on the body. The fins of juveniles are reddish-orange with dark edges.

 

WHERE TO CATCH MANGROVE SNAPPER

Mangrove snapper are one of the most abundant species of snapper throughout their range, which includes the southern half of the eastern United States coast and Bermuda south to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the entire Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They are found in a variety of habitats, which includes inshore seagrass beds and mangrove lagoons, but the largest species are located on offshore reefs and wrecks. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

BAYS AND ESTUARIES                                    COASTAL WATERS

MAN-MADE STRUCTURES                               NIGHT FISHING

ROCKY SEA FLOOR                               CHANNEL ENTRANCES

JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS                           MANGROVES

REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS               SALTWATER WEED BEDS

 

HOW TO CATCH MANGROVE SNAPPER

Mangrove snapper often form large aggregations, but have the habit of becoming difficult to catch once several of their cohorts have been hooked. Mangrove snapper feed on a wide variety of prey items including shrimp, crabs, and fish. It is a popular species with anglers and its varied diet allows it to be taken on natural bait, artificial lures, and even flies. It is also an excellent eating species. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

DRIFT FISHING                                                        CHUMMING

BAIT CASTING                                                         SPIN CASTING

FLY FISHING                                                  BOTTOM BOUNCING

STILL FISHING                                                         SALTWATER JIGGING

 

MANGROVE SNAPPER LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

CRABS                                                          FLIES

SALTWATER LIVE BAIT                                             SPOONS

CUT BAIT                                                               JIGS

SHRIMP                                                                 SQUID