reef

Yellowtail Snapper

Ocyurus chrysurus

A Keys staple — fast, wary, and delicious. Caught in numbers with a steady chum slick over the reef. The bread-and-butter snapper of South Florida.

Where to find them

Reefs and hard bottom in 30-120 ft; suspend in the water column behind a chum slick.

Regulations by Region

Atlantic Coast

Season open

Size limit: 12" total length
Bag limit: 10 within 10-snapper aggregate
Season: Open year-round

Counts within the 10-fish snapper aggregate bag.

Gulf Coast

Season open

Size limit: 12" total length
Bag limit: 10 within aggregate
Season: Open year-round

Same 12" minimum statewide.

Top Baits

cut pilchardslive shrimpsmall chunkschum

Sabiki Rig Recommendation

Hook size #6-#8 (juveniles)

This species readily takes a sabiki rig. Match the hook size above to the fish you're after — drop alongside structure, bridges, or bait pods and jig gently to load up on live bait.

Recent Catch Reports

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