Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) also know as mango snapper or mangrove snapper is a favorite quarry of many Florida anglers. When considered pound for pound, they are considered one of the most fierce fighting saltwater fish. Called snappers for a good reason, the fish "snaps" at its prey, locking down its jaw in a fierce grip. Snappers have two sharp "canine" type teeth that they use to grab their prey. Fishermen taking off the fish from a hook are often surprised when the fish "snaps" down on a finger in a surprising, painful bite.
Mango snappers are not a large fish. Although they may weigh up to 20 lbs., the majority of the gray snapper caught for table fare range from 2 to 4 lbs. The smaller snapper are normally caught in the shallows of mangrove roots while larger snapper are landed in deeper waters. Tiny and tasty, the fish are excellent pan fried, grilled or sauteed in butter.
Mangrove snapper feed on crustaceans and tiny fish. They rarely strike artificial lures or bait. Snapper are wary and a challenge to land. They seem to prefer live bait cut in rectangular, neat pieces. Once a piece of bait has been attacked by other feeding fish and is starting to shred or fall apart, it is time to put on fresh bait if you wish to attract a snapper. Tiny shrimp are a good bait choice. Many fishermen have excellent luck when they enhance the waters by tossing in chum to attract the snapper. (Small pieces of fish, a bucket of shrimp or a handful of dry dog food are frequently used with success.)
Inhabiting the mangrove estuaries, young snappers dart out to ambush prey. Shallow around the edges, the water is normally deeper at the center of mango grooves, providing the snapper with a safe place to hide while it looks for vulnerable prey. When juvenile snappers reach adulthood, they move to areas offshore near rock outcroppings, steep ledges and hard bottom structures. Gray snapper inhabit tropical coral reefs in the Caribbean as well as live bottoms and artificial reefs in the southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Snappers tend to be found in the warmest waters. Cold winter waters drive the fish to the warmth of deeper water in the gulf.
Snapper have excellent eyesight; be sure to use a light fluorocarbon leader. Heavy leaders, visible hooks or sinkers should be avoided. Spanish sardines or cigar minnows attract snapper in deeper water. In shallow waters try tiny shrimp or fresh cut live bait. While snapper prefer live bait, small nylon jigs can be useful.
