Vermilion snapper — locally called 'beeliners' — school tight on deeper offshore ledges in 100-250 feet. They stack vertically over structure and feed actively on small bait. Often caught alongside red snapper but on smaller hooks.
Pink-to-red body, vermilion-red along the back, smaller more streamlined shape than red snapper. No closed season in federal Atlantic water, daily bag of 10, 12-inch minimum. Average 1-2 lb; 3+ lb is a nice one.
Year-round on the deeper reef line with consistent action. Summer most active. The deep-reef beeliner stack is the reliable take-home fish when red snapper season is closed (most of the year).
Small hooks (#4 to #1), 30 lb fluorocarbon leader, squid strips or cut sardine, fish 100-200 ft on a chicken rig (double drop). Beeliners hit aggressively but their small mouths require small hooks. When you find a school, keep dropping — you can fill a cooler in an hour if the school is on.
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.