Red Snapper.
Gulf-side trophy. Heavily managed Atlantic, more abundant offshore.
How they feed in the Keys
Red snapper are far more abundant on Florida's Gulf side than the Atlantic side of the Keys. Atlantic federal red snapper has been one of the most tightly managed fisheries in the country — recreational seasons of 2–10 days per year are common. When in season, they hold on offshore wrecks and reef structure 60–250 feet, with bigger fish on the deeper structure.
66–78°F
Active 60–82°F
Strong current. Reef snapper feed when bait is moving past structure.
1.5–3 knots typical for productive drifts.
Pre-front falling pressure produces aggressive bites.
Falling pressure intensifies feeding.
Dawn and last light strongest.
Spawning May–September with full-moon aggregations on offshore structure.
70+ produces good feeds.
Atlantic federal red snapper season has been 2–7 days per year recently. Check the FWC announcement each spring before counting on a harvest trip.
Gulf state waters have a much more open red snapper season. Most harvested Keys reds come from Gulf-side trips.
12-month outlook
What they eat, what catches them
Live pinfish
5–8" pinfish on 7/0 circle. Standard reef snapper bait.
Cut squid + ballyhoo combo
Squid for toughness + ballyhoo strip for visual. Knocker rig.
Vertical squid
Whole squid on a 9/0 circle, dropped fast to the bottom.
- Cut sardine or threadfin· Strong scent application.
- Live cigar minnow· When available — irresistible to bigger fish.
- Bottom rig on structure
7/0 circle + 60–80 lb fluoro + 8-oz lead + live or cut bait. Knocker rig stays on the bottom.
How top captains rig it
Spin: 50–65 lb braid. Conventional: 30–50 lb mono.
Spin: 6000–8000 size.
Spin: 7' medium-heavy.
60–80 lb fluorocarbon.
- Standard reef bottom
7' medium-heavy spin + 50 lb braid + 60 lb fluoro + 7/0 circle + 8-oz egg + live or cut bait.
Recreational rules
20" total length minimum (Atlantic).
1 per harvester per day in Atlantic when open.
Atlantic: severely restricted. 2–10 day season per year typical, usually announced in spring. Gulf: longer state season.
Powerheads prohibited in state waters; descending devices required for venting.
Note · Atlantic red snapper is a federal-quota-managed fishery. Most years are catch-and-release outside the brief harvest window. Always carry a descending device — it's required.
What actually moves the bite
Each factor is rated by how much it shifts the bite for this fish in the Keys. Calibrated against the Bite Score weights — see the Bite Score reference for what each factor measures.