Red snapper hold on the deeper offshore reefs and ledges 80-200 feet down — the outer reef line 15-30 miles off NE FL. They school vertically over structure, often with vermilion snapper underneath. The biggest fish stick to the heaviest structure.
Rose-red body shading to lighter belly, distinctive red eye, sharp dorsal spines. Federal Atlantic recreational season is typically a few days in July only — always check NOAA Fisheries before targeting to keep. Catch-and-release is open year-round. Average legal-season fish 15-25 inches, 5-12 lb; 20+ lb fish caught annually.
Catch-and-release year-round; harvest window is the brief federal Atlantic season (typically July, varies annually). Outside that window, every red snapper goes back. Summer water and weather make for the best chance to be on them when the season opens.
Heavy bottom tackle — 50+ lb braid, 60 lb leader, 7/0 circle hook, whole pinfish or live cigar minnow, fish 80-150 ft over structure. They bite hard and head straight for the rocks; lift fast. Outside the harvest window, use circle hooks and a descender device — if you're catch-and-release fishing them, you have to do it right or the fish dies on the way back down.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.