Snapper Fishing in Cape San Blas & Port St. Joe, Florida
Snapper are one of the top offshore targets in this region. While red snapper is the most iconic, other species like mangrove, lane, and vermilion snapper are also abundant. These fish are great on the dinner table and offer plenty of action on reef and bottom fishing trips.
Where to Catch Snapper
Snapper are most often caught:
On offshore reefs and wrecks
Over artificial and natural bottom structure
Nearshore rock piles (mangrove snapper)
Bridges and channel edges
Best Time to Fish for Snapper
| Season | Snapper Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Good around reefs and ledges |
| Summer | Peak for red snapper and others during open season |
| Fall | Mangrove and lane snapper bite continues |
| Winter | Slower but still possible offshore |
Peak Season: June through August (Red Snapper)
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Vertical jigs, bucktails, and slow-pitch jigs
Bait: Squid, cigar minnows, and live pinfish
Leaders: 40–60 lb mono or fluorocarbon
Technique: Bottom fishing with circle hooks and fish-finder rigs
