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 North Carolina

NC_ATLANTIC

North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF

Currently OPENOpen year-round

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

Within snapper aggregate.

NC mutton snapper: per SAFMC.

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Currently OPENOpen year-round

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

Federal South Atlantic: 18" TL min, 5/angler within 10-fish snapper aggregate (reduced from prior 10).