Fish guide
Gray Snapper
Lutjanus griseus. Also called Mangrove snapper, Mango snapper.
Showing the fish for Northeast Florida, Jacksonville to Flagler.
Season in Northeast Florida
Peak months: Jul, Aug.
Genung's Fish Camp (Matanzas River) called the mangrove snapper bite on fire in early July, on live shrimp. FWC: juveniles inshore in tidal creeks and grass beds, adults on nearshore and offshore reefs; offshore snappers year-round in all four counties. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Northeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Space Coast | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Florida Keys | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southwest Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Tampa Bay | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Lower Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Docks, rocks and oyster bars in the Matanzas River and Intracoastal on live shrimp in summer (Genung's Fish Camp); the inlet jetties; adults on nearshore reefs by boat (FWC).
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
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
Size and bag rules differ by state and between state and federal waters; see the regulations file.
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 FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.
Sources
- Flagler News Weekly, July 12 2024: fishing report by Capt. Adam Morley, Genung's Fish Camp, Crescent Beach (Matanzas River) (Angler knowledge)
- Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (Official source)
- Florida Museum, Discover Fishes: gray snapper (Official source)
- Florida FWC species profile: gray snapper (Official source)
Is gray snapper worth it today?
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