How to Fish for Mutton Snapper
Mutton snapper are very choosy; even the most experienced fishermen have good and bad days using the same methods, so patience is key. While they inhabit much of the Atlantic Ocean coastline, the best mutton snapper fishing is in southern Florida, particularly around the Florida Keys, where they roam the bottom of the ocean and weave in and out of the coral reefs.
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Things You'll Need
- Fresh bait
- Jig or knocker rig
- Egg sinker (optional)
- 7-foot spinning rod
- 50-lb. test braid line
Instructions
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Select fresh bait. Mutton snapper respond best to bait that is freshly killed as opposed to live bait or bait that has been sitting around for a while. They are attracted to an array of bait, including: shrimp, squid, crabs and speedo mackerel. When in doubt, go with the freshest bait available over a staler bait that you know mutton snapper love.
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Use a jig or knocker rig to let your bait and line rock with the current. Mutton snapper are sensitive when bottom feeding and will recognize and avoid bait that is jiggling or floating in a way that is incongruous with its surroundings. You may need a sinker to keep your line on the ocean floor, which is where mutton snapper feed.
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Use an egg sinker when fishing in water deeper than 120 feet. The egg sinker should weigh between one and two ounces.
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Choose a location suitable to the time of day. During the day, mutton snapper inhabit deep reefs, and at night they can move to shallower waters. If you are a beginner with mutton snapper, night fishing may be easier for you.
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