Gray Snapper

Season in Lower Texas

South Padre guide: mangrove snapper common around pretty much any structure, on shrimp, mullet and jigs; months not given. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Around pretty much any structure, on shrimp, mullet and jigs (South Padre guide).

Tight to structure: rocks, pilings, docks, mangrove edges and reefs.

What to look for

Schools holding beside structure by day; bridge and dock lights at night.

What to throw

Jighead with a scented soft-plastic shrimp or mullet (Gulp style)1/4 to 1/2 oz, 3 to 4 in. Slow drag and hop on the bottom with pauses; scent does the work.

Bait

Live shrimp, Small live pilchards. .

Leader

Common mistakes

• Fishing open sand away from structure
• Fishing only at midday; adults feed mostly at night (Florida Museum)

Landing

Pull a hooked fish away from the rocks or pilings quickly, then swing small fish up.

Handling

• Two large canine teeth in the upper jaw (FWC)

Grip behind the head and unhook with pliers; keep fingers out of the mouth.

Keep or release

Much sought after (South Padre guide). Texas rules apply.

Recipes for gray snapper

Typical: Rarely over 18 in (Florida Museum). Large: Common to 24 in and 10 lb; offshore fish commonly 8 to 10 lb (FWC).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the TX limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you keep a fish.

Sources

• South Padre Island CVB: Bay and offshore fishing guide (species notes) (Angler knowledge)
• Florida Museum, Discover Fishes: gray snapper (Official source)
• Florida FWC species profile: gray snapper (Official source)

All the fish of Lower Texas