Young Boat’s Top Tips for Catching a Red Snapper on your Center-Console Fishing Boat

If you plan on fishing in the Gulf this summer, then you are probably hoping to come across some of the majestic red snapper. Young Boat’s put together their top tips for hooking a red snapper on your center console fishing boat this summer.

1.      Where to find them.

·         Red snappers are shallow and deep-water dwellers that typically gravitate towards reefs or artificial structures. Luckily, you do not have to venture too far out from shore to find these beautiful creatures between 30 and 200 feet deep. Their favorite hangouts are piers, seawalls, and artificial reefs.

2.      Creatures of habit.

·         If you are lucky enough to find one of their hangouts, mark your coordinates. They are not afraid to be seen in the same place twice. You have good chances of them being there for your 2nd day of fishing on your center console fishing boat.

3.      Seasons of snapper.

·         It is important to check the federal and state waters regulations and their designated fishing seasons for red snapper. Their spawning season begins in the summer and hits its peak in June and July.

4.      Time to get their attention.

·         If you have located a red snapper feeding area, then get ready to chum the perimeter with a block of chunked fish. Then lure them out with cigar minnows and pilchards. This live bait is the best option when fishing for snapper but if you want to try your luck with lures, we recommend a shiny metal lure with a vertical jig.

5.      Try to avoid the currents.

·         Red snappers like peace and quiet. If there is a strong current your center console fishing boat motor may need to work harder to keep you in place which means it will be louder. Strong currents also make it hard for your bait to stay securely on the hook and snapper like bait that stays put in a specific spot. If you cannot avoid the current, try using a heavier tackle to keep it in place.

6.      How to hook them.

·         After feeling the initial hit on the line, you might want to pull immediately. However, you should wait until the second bite. Red snappers like to test the bait before committing. Best tool for the job? Circle hook and double snell rig. Do not forget to be patient and reel it in slowly, they can be an average of 30 lbs. If you yank it a little too soon, get your bait back in the water as soon as possible, they might come back for another try.

We hope you found these tips useful and catch a beautiful red snapper this summer! Did you know: Young Boats offers a variety of center-console fishing boats? If you are interested in upgrading your boat or buying your first boat, give us a call!