How to Fish For Lane Snapper

Lane snapper are one of the smallest fish in the snapper family, with the average size being about 1 lb. The lane snapper is silvery-pink to red in color and has a black spot on its side, just above the lateral line. The spot is about the size of its eye. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil. Most U.S. anglers will have success fishing for lane snapper in the Florida Keys.

Things You'll Need

  • Light-spinning or bait-cast tackle
  • Live or cut bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fish inshore for lane snapper over grass beds, using the light-spinning or bait-cast tackle. These will be juveniles that may reach 6 inches in length. Use small hooks and the least amount of weight possible. Shrimp is a good bait choice here.

    • 2

      Find structure like a wreck or reef offshore to fish for adult lane snapper. Remember that these are bottom-feeding fish, so you need to get your bait to the ocean floor. Lane snapper will take cut bait here and will usually feed more actively just after sunset.

    • 3

      Fish with light tackle loaded with 6- to 12-pound-test line. Keep in mind that other fish species inhabit the same offshore structure as lane snapper. You may want to bring some heavier tackle in case the lane snapper are not biting.