Snapper Fishing in Miami
Lutjanus spp.
Snapper are the backbone of Miami reef fishing. Mangrove, mutton, yellowtail and lane snapper all live on the patch reefs, wrecks and ledges near Miami. They are smart, hard to fool and excellent to eat, so a cooler of snapper is a great day on the water.
Quick facts
Mangrove and yellowtail are usually smaller.
Large muttons are the prize.
Mangrove, mutton, yellowtail, lane and others.
They are easily spooked by heavy line.
Reefs, wrecks and ledges.
Where to catch them off Miami
Patch reefs
Shallow reefs off Key Biscayne hold mangrove and lane snapper.
Wrecks
Deeper wrecks hold muttons.
Reef line
Yellowtail gather on the reef edge in a chum slick.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Snapper are caught all year. Summer brings the mangrove and mutton spawning season.
Key events
Winter shrimp runs (Biscayne Bay and Government Cut)
Shrimp drift out of the bay at night on the outgoing tide, often best from the top of the falling tide. Strong tides help; tarpon stack up at bridges, shadow lines and the Cut.
Very hard to predict night to night. Runs often start in January or February and peak in March and April. Local reports disagree on the moon: some favor the strong tides around full and new moons, others the nights about 10 days either side of the full moon.
Best time and conditions
Summer
Mutton and mangrove snapper gather to spawn.
Low light
Morning, evening and night are best.
Techniques and baits
Chumming
A chum slick brings yellowtail up.
Light leader
Thin leader fools wary fish.
Bottom fishing
Baits near the reef.
Free-lining
Baits drifted without weight.
Top baits and lures
- Live shrimp
- Pilchards
- Squid
- Cut ballyhoo
Florida regulations
These are the Atlantic limits. Biscayne National Park has larger minimum sizes. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Snapper rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Excellent. Firm, mild white meat, great fried or grilled.
Which charter is best?
Saltwater Inshore
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snook, Tarpon, Barracuda, Cubera Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Grunt, Amberjack and Almaco Jack
Lobster Diving
- $850 per trip
- 6 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Lobster, Hogfish and Grouper
Spearfishing
- $850 per trip
- 4 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Hogfish, Cubera Snapper, Grouper and Amberjack
Fishing Lesson
- $50 per trip
- 1 hours, By arrangement start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snook, Barracuda and Peacock Bass
Snapper FAQ
When is snapper season in Miami?
All year, with mutton and mangrove spawning in summer.
How many snapper can I keep?
Up to 10 per person combined, with separate limits and sizes for each species.
What snapper live in Miami?
Mangrove, mutton, yellowtail, lane, schoolmaster and cubera.
Can I keep red snapper?
Not now. The Atlantic red snapper season is closed.
Which charter is best for snapper?
The Inshore trip.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.