Mutton Snapper Fishing Tips

Characteristics

Mutton snapper average 20 inches in length and weigh 10 or 15 lbs. The world record for a mutton snapper is a 28 lb., 5 oz. fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico. Mutton snapper have gray or greenish backs and are light on the undersides, usually with an overall reddish hue that can range from copper to bright red. In addition, they have black line runs from the nose through the eyes to just below the dorsal fin.

Inshore Tips

Mutton snapper typically do not gather in schools, although on occasion groups of two or five can be found in any given area. While fishing, anglers are most likely to come across a single fish, especially larger ones. Fishing inshore, mutton snappers are frequently located in grass beds, mangroves and canals. They will come as close to 8 feet from shore to chase after baitfish, before tuning back to deepwater.

Offshore Tips

While fishing offshore locations, anglers using a red and white, 8 oz. nylon jig with strip cut bait on the hook can have a great deal of success. By concentrating their fishing lines around the edges of reefs, anglers are more likely to garner large muttons. According to FloridaSportsman.com, large mutton snappers prefer feeding around reefs than near shore inlets. The most effective way to fish a reef is to use small hook attached to light line with a 1 oz. weight. Anglers should not add swivels or a wire leader for extra strength, as mutton snappers are very wary of such colorful items.

Tackle

When fishing for mutton snappers, the use of medium to light rod and reel works especially well for inshore and offshore anglers. Most anglers utilize 10 to 15 lb. test lines and a strong fluorocarbon (plastic) leader as a strength enhancement in connecting the line to the hook. However, many anglers prefer not using a leader on their fishing line, as the colorful 6- to 12-inch line tends to preclude mutton from biting lures or bait.

Artificial Bait

The combination of red and white is highly effective in catching mutton snapper, as the colors appear as bleeding baitfish. FloridaOutdoors.com says placing a fresh cut strip of mullet (fish) onto a jig adds an extra dimension when fishing for mutton snapper. The artificial bait carries with it a scent, and the fish will believe it is an injured baitfish as it approaches the bait. When using fish strip make sure not to cut it shorter than the jig and allow the cut bait to dangle on the hook. An angler can work the jig in around reefs using an up and down motion as he retrieves and casts the line.