Yellowtail Snapper

Chasing yellowtail snapper around Key West is a year-round opportunity, but success hinges on understanding the nuances of this fishery. As previously noted, seasonal forage and water conditions are critical. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus your efforts on reefs, wrecks, and ledges in the backcountry and along the outer reefs. Spring and summer often see larger schools and more aggressive feeding behavior. A key local tip is to chum heavily to draw the snapper up from the depths – a mix of cut bait and commercial chum blocks works wonders. Also, be mindful of the current; yellowtail will often orient themselves into the flow to ambush prey. Adjust your presentation accordingly, using enough weight to get your bait down quickly and keep it in the strike zone. Remember to check local regulations regarding size and bag limits for yellowtail snapper, as they can change seasonally.