reef

Mutton Snapper

Lutjanus analis

Premier Keys + SE FL snapper. Spawning aggregations in spring. Live pinfish or pilchards on knocker rigs over hard bottom.

Preferred water temp70–85°F

Preferred depth50–300 ft

Peak monthsApr, May, Jun

Holds onhard bottom, ledges, spawning aggregations

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandMississippi GulfTexas GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfAlabama GulfLouisiana Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 12 regulations for Mississippi

MS_GULF

Mississippi — State waters (0–3 nm) · MS DMR

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Minimum: 18″ TL (total length)

MS: GMFMC 18" TL, 5/person within 10-snapper aggregate.

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Minimum: 18″ TL (total length)

Federal Gulf: 18" TL min, 5/angler within Gulf reef-fish aggregate.