Find Your Next Spot
American Red Snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
Identification
A bright red body, red eyes, and a sloped profile — one of the most recognizable reef fish in the Gulf and South Atlantic.
Where It's Found
Rocky bottom, reefs, and artificial structure in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, typically in 60–200+ feet of water.
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Fishing Notes
Heavily regulated with strict seasons in federal and state waters — bottom-fished cut bait or jigs over structure is the standard technique when the season is open.
Scientific Classification▾
Family
Lutjanidae
Genus
Lutjanus
Order
Acanthuriformes
Class
Actinopterygii
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia
Ready to go fishing?
Find a boat ramp near you and check state fishing regulations before you head out.
Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.