Black Snapper

Black snapper are found in Florida, much of the Caribbean Sea and parts of the Gulf of Mexico plus the Bahamas, Belize and Venezuela. The species prefers deeper waters most of the time, usually in the range 12-300 m. (39-948 ft.) and most fish are found in water of around 40 metres depth. As fierce predators this species likes rocky bottoms, structures, reefs and wrecks that allow them to set up territories and find places from which to ambush prey. No general movements are recognised in terms of migrations, but juvenile fish are usually found in shallower waters and gravitate to deeper areas as they grow. Spawning can take place throughout the year and the species may also be caught in all seasons. Black snapper fishing is most effective in the early morning and in the evening.

The black snapper (Apsilus dentatus), known as pargo lamparita in Mexico, is a medium-sized member of the Lutjanidae family. It is a popular species as its flesh is “celebrated” as being delicate, flaky and tasty. The body of the black snapper is elongate, oval and robust, typical of this group of snappers. In colour the black snapper is dark on the back and flanks, usually violet or dark brown, and lighter on the underside. The mouth is large and contains big, powerful and sharp canine teeth plus two rows of smaller teeth. Black snapper can attain 65 cm. (26 in.) and a record mass of 3.2 kg. (7.1 lbs.), but most specimens caught are around 40 cm. (16 in.). The normal lifespan is about 15 years. The species is a predator on small fish and “benthic” invertebrates such as crabs and shrimps plus “cephalopods” such as squid which are ambushed and gulped down whole. The species is often fiercely territorial but, around spawning times, groups of 10-50 individuals congregate in the water column.

As an offshore species, black snapper fishing is almost all done by boat, using bottom fishing techniques. Vertical jigging, while drifting, should take the angler continuously through black snapper territories. The normal rig for fishing for black snapper is a medium to strong spinning outfit with strong braid. The terminal tackle can be natural bait, usually dead, or a wide variety of artificial lures. Black snapper have a reputation for being “wily” and difficult to catch plus they fight strongly when hooked. Many baits work but, in deep waters, squid is a good option as it tends to stay on the hook well and is a natural food of the species. Because of their limited distribution and preference for deep waters, black snapper are not the most popular snapper, but they give an excellent fight, and the capture of a good specimen is a considerable achievement.