Species guide
How to catch Northern red snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
saltwatergame fishLutjanidae
The Northern red snapper is a popular game fish known for its robust size and reddish color. Juveniles favor shallow sandy or muddy bottoms, while adults prefer rocky areas. It feeds aggressively on various fish, crustaceans, and other marine creatures.
Where they live
Found in saltwater across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and North Atlantic, juveniles inhabit shallow sandy or muddy bottoms while adults live over deeper rocky substrates from 10 to 190 meters deep.
Typical size
Up to about 100 cm
What they eat
- small fish
- crustaceans
- worms
- cephalopods
- planktonic organisms
Best baits
- shrimp
- cut bait
- live baitfish
- worms
Best lures
- jigs
- soft plastic baits
- metal spoons
- deep-diving plugs
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- drift fishing
- jigging
- deep-water trolling
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