Yellowtail Snapper

Season in Florida Keys

Peak months: Apr, May, Jun.

FWC Where to Saltwater Fish: yellowtail spring to early summer (Monroe, offshore list). Florida Museum: spawns year-round, less in winter. Florida Sportsman: patch reefs in 10 to 30 ft a few miles out hold yellowtail, best fall through winter for snapper and grouper moving shallow. (Our inference)

Where to find them

Patch reefs in about 10 to 30 ft, often less than two miles from the Keys, in a chum slick; small baits drifted back (Florida Sportsman).

Small groups swimming above the bottom around reefs (Florida Museum).

What to look for

Fish rising in the chum slick behind the boat.

Bait

Shrimp pieces, Cut squid, Sardine chunks. Split shot a few inches above the hook for a slow fall, adjusted for current, in a chum slick (Florida Sportsman)..

Leader

Common mistakes

• Fishing without chum on the reef
• Too much weight; let the bait fall slowly with the chum

Landing

Swing small fish in; net larger ones.

Handling

Unhook with pliers.

Keep or release

Ciguatera has been reported from this species but is considered rare (Florida Museum). Size and bag rules differ by state and between state and federal waters; see the regulations file.

Recipes for yellowtail snapper

Typical: unknown. Large: Up to 30 in but rarely over 5 lb (Florida Museum). Florida record 8 lb 9 oz (near Fort Myers).

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

• Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (Official source)
• Florida Museum, Discover Fishes: yellowtail snapper (Official source)
• Florida Sportsman (David A. Brown, Nov 2024): patch reef fishing close to the Florida Keys (Angler knowledge)
• Florida FWC species profile: yellowtail snapper (Official source)

All the fish of Florida Keys