All species
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.