Red Snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
FR Vivaneau campèche · ES Pargo del Golfo · PT Pargo · IT Dentice · DE Roter Schnapper
Also known as: Northern Red SnapperMexican Red SnapperPargoHuachinango del GolfoPargo del GolfoVivaneau campècheRoter SchnapperDenticePargo
Reef/KelpBoat
GamefishDeepwaterReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round within season; daylight structure fishing
Depth
9–189m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–AugGood May–Sep
Depth range
9–189mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Daylight and dusk bottom structure classic. Live or cut baits — can't go wrong...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterOpen seaWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidPrawns
Diet
Small fishShrimpCrabCephalopods
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
I can live 50+ years and love rigs, reefs, and anything vertical.
Field notes
Where to find them
Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic reefs, rigs, hard bottom
Where they hang out
Reef/rig structure, 20–60 m
Prime time
Year-round within season; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Cut and live baits dropped to structure
Temperature vibe
Prefers 18–26°C
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable for structure fishing
Fun fact about me
I can live 50+ years and love rigs, reefs, and anything vertical.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Strict seasons and quotas — check NOAA/state rulesNOAA Fisheries / Gulf state fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Vulnerable