Mangrove Snapper Fishing: A State-by-State Guide to Bag Limits and Gear

Points of Interest:

Mangrove snapper (gray snapper) popularity and importance
State-specific regulations for 7 coastal states
Bag limits ranging from 5 to 10 fish per person
Gear restrictions including circle hooks and descending devices
Size limits typically 12 inches total length
Year-round seasons in most states
Federal regulations for Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters
Importance of sustainable fishing practices

Mangrove snapper, also known as gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), has become increasingly popular among anglers along the southeastern coast of the United States. These sought-after fish offer both a thrilling catch and a delicious meal, making them a prized target for recreational and commercial fishers alike. As with any marine species, it's crucial to understand and adhere to state-specific regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices and preserve this valuable resource for future generations.

Description and Habitat of Gray Snapper

For sport fishing enthusiasts, the gray snapper, often called mangrove snapper or "mangoes or grovers," presents an exciting challenge. These fish are prized for their fighting spirit and delicious taste, making them a favorite among anglers. Unlike their cousins, the red snapper, gray snappers lack the distinctive black spot on their sides and sport a rounded anal fin. While they may be mistaken for cubera snappers, keen-eyed anglers can spot the difference in their unique anchor-shaped teeth pattern.

The gray snapper's chameleon-like ability to change color makes them a thrilling catch. Their bodies shimmer with hues ranging from grayish-red on the belly to dark gray or green on the back, sometimes displaying striking pink and orange tones. This color-changing ability, combined with their broad, slightly forked tail, allows them to navigate diverse habitats with ease.

Fishermen can target gray snappers along the western Atlantic coast, from Florida to Brazil, with some adventurous anglers even finding young fish as far north as Massachusetts. These adaptable fish offer varied fishing experiences, inhabiting both offshore reefs and wrecks up to 300 feet deep, as well as inshore areas near pilings, seagrass beds, and mangroves.

For those planning their fishing trips, understanding the gray snapper's spawning habits is crucial. Summer full moons trigger spawning in shallow waters, with fish 3 years or older and at least 9 inches long participating. Anglers should note that these hardy fish can live up to 21 years, reaching impressive sizes of 35 inches and 25 pounds.

When it comes to bait selection, anglers should consider the gray snapper's changing diet. Younger fish are attracted to shrimp and crustaceans, while adults prefer a mix of fish, crabs, and shrimp. For a successful catch, try fishing grass flats during late afternoon or night hours.

In the southeastern U.S., anglers should be aware of two distinct gray snapper stocks: the Gulf of Mexico stock and the Atlantic stock. The Gulf stock extends from the Gulf to Biscayne Bay in south Florida, influencing fishing regulations across different states.

As responsible anglers, understanding these biological aspects, habitat preferences, and distribution patterns is key to a successful and sustainable fishing experience. This guide will equip you with essential knowledge about bag limits, gear restrictions, and regulations across seven coastal states, ensuring you're well-prepared for your next gray snapper fishing adventure.

Understanding the biology, habitat preferences, and distribution of gray snappers is essential for both anglers and conservation efforts. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the bag limits, gear restrictions, and specific regulations for mangrove snapper fishing across seven coastal states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. We'll also touch on federal regulations that apply to waters beyond state jurisdiction. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a newcomer to snapper fishing, this article will provide you with the essential information needed to enjoy this sport responsibly and legally, while appreciating the unique characteristics of this remarkable fish species.

Tactics and Techniques for Mangrove Snapper

Capt. Josh Howard holds a nice mangrove snapper caught chumming in Louisiana

Mangrove Snapper - Chumming

Mangrove Snapper - Fishing Inshore with William Toney

Filleting Mangrove Snapper William Toney

Mangrove Snapper - Filleting Fish with William Toney

Mangrove Snapper caught in the Homosassa River with William Toney

Mangrove Snapper - Backcountry Fishing with William Toney

Cooking RedFish and Snapper - William Toney

a collection of the best inshore fishing lures for Florida coastal waters

Must Have Florida Inshore Fishing Lures with Captain William Toney

State By State Regulations

North Carolina

North Carolina's coastal waters offer excellent opportunities for mangrove snapper fishing. The state has implemented regulations to maintain a healthy fish population while allowing anglers to enjoy their sport.

Bag Limits: In North Carolina, mangrove snapper falls under the snapper aggregate bag limit of 10 fish per person per day. This aggregate limit includes various snapper species, allowing anglers to mix and match their catch within the overall limit.

Gear Restrictions: North Carolina has implemented several gear modifications to promote responsible fishing:

It is unlawful to fail to use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks while fishing for or possessing snapper grouper species while using natural baits as specified in 50 CFR Part §622.188. A non-offset hook has the point and barb in-line with the hook shank.
It is unlawful to fail to possess a descending device on board which is readily available for use while fishing for or possessing snapper grouper species as specified in 50 CFR Part §622.188. A descending device is defined as an instrument capable of releasing the fish at the depth from which the fish was caught, and to which is attached a minimum of a 16-ounce (454-gram) weight and a minimum of a 60-ft (18.3-m) length of line.

These gear restrictions are designed to reduce the mortality rate of released fish and improve the overall health of the snapper population. The use of circle hooks helps prevent deep-hooking, while descending devices assist in releasing fish at the depth they were caught, minimizing barotrauma.

Specific Regulations: While North Carolina doesn't have a specific size limit for mangrove snapper, anglers should be aware that federal regulations may apply when fishing in waters beyond state jurisdiction. Always check the most current regulations before your fishing trip, as they may change seasonally or annually.

Recreational Size and Bag Limits from NC DEQ

South Carolina

South Carolina's coastline provides ample opportunities for mangrove snapper fishing, with regulations in place to ensure sustainable practices.

Bag Limits: South Carolina maintains a bag limit of 10 mangrove snapper per person per day. This generous limit allows anglers to bring home a substantial catch while still protecting the species from overfishing.

Size Restrictions: In South Carolina waters, mangrove snapper must meet a minimum total length (TL) of 12 inches. This size limit ensures that fish have had the opportunity to reproduce at least once before being harvested, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the species.

Gear Restrictions: Similar to North Carolina, South Carolina requires the use of specific gear when fishing for snapper species:

Circle Hooks: Anglers must use non-stainless, non-offset circle hooks when fishing with hook and line and natural baits for snapper species, including mangrove snapper. This regulation helps reduce the mortality rate of released fish by minimizing deep-hooking incidents.
Dehooking Tools and Descending Devices: Recreational and for-hire vessels are required to have dehooking tools and a descending device that is ready for use when fishing for or possessing snapper species. These tools are essential for improving the survival rates of fish that are released back into the water, especially those caught from deeper waters.

Snapper Size & Catch Limits From the SC DNR

Florida

Florida, with its extensive coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is a prime destination for mangrove snapper fishing. The state has implemented specific regulations to manage this popular species effectively.

Bag Limits: In Florida waters, anglers are allowed to keep 5 mangrove snapper per person within a 10 fish aggregate snapper bag limit. This aggregate limit includes various snapper species, providing flexibility for anglers while ensuring conservation of the overall snapper population.

Season: Unlike some other fish species in Florida, mangrove snapper fishing is open year-round, allowing anglers to target these fish throughout the seasons.

Gear Restrictions: Florida has implemented comprehensive gear regulations for reef fish species, including mangrove snapper:

In State waters: On board a vessel, must possess and use:

Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks when fishing with natural bait
Dehooking device
NEW: Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready for use (effective April 1, 2023)

In Federal waters: On board a vessel, must possess and use:

Non-stainless steel, circle hooks when fishing with natural bait
Dehooking device
Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready to use

These gear requirements are designed to minimize harm to fish that are caught and released, improving their chances of survival and contributing to the overall health of the fishery.

Regulations by Coast from FWC

Alabama

Alabama's Gulf Coast offers excellent opportunities for mangrove snapper fishing, with regulations in place to ensure sustainable practices.

Bag Limits: Alabama maintains a bag limit of 10 mangrove snapper per person per day. This generous limit allows anglers to bring home a substantial catch while still protecting the species from overfishing.

Size Restrictions: In Alabama waters, mangrove snapper must meet a minimum total length (TL) of 12 inches. This size limit ensures that fish have had the opportunity to reproduce at least once before being harvested, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the species.

Gear Restrictions: Alabama has implemented several gear restrictions for fishing reef fish species, including mangrove snapper:

Circle Hooks: When using natural baits, anglers are required to use non-stainless steel circle hooks. This regulation is designed to minimize the mortality of released fish by reducing the likelihood of deep-hooking.
Hook and Line Limitations: In the Alabama Special Management Zone (SMZ), fishing vessels must use hook-and-line gear with no more than three hooks per line when targeting Gulf reef fish, including mangrove snapper. Spearfishing gear is also permitted in these areas.
Venting Tools and Descending Devices: While specific requirements for venting tools are not detailed in Alabama's regulations, it is generally advisable to have such tools ready for use when fishing for reef fish to improve the survival rate of released fish.

Saltwater Recreational Size & Creel Limits from Outdoor Alabama

Gulf Coast Mangrove Snapper Fishing with William Toney

Mississippi

Mississippi's Gulf Coast provides ample opportunities for mangrove snapper fishing, with regulations in place to ensure sustainable practices and maintain healthy fish populations.

Bag Limits: Mississippi maintains a bag limit of 10 mangrove snapper per person within a 10 snapper aggregate limit. This aggregate limit includes various snapper species, allowing anglers to mix and match their catch while ensuring conservation of the overall snapper population.

Size Restrictions: In Mississippi waters, mangrove snapper must meet a minimum total length (TL) of 12 inches. This size limit is consistent with many other Gulf states and helps ensure that fish have had the opportunity to reproduce before being harvested.

Gear Restrictions: Mississippi has implemented several gear restrictions for fishing reef fish species, including mangrove snapper:

Circle Hooks: Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when using natural baits for all reef fish species, including mangrove snapper. This regulation is aimed at reducing the mortality rate of released fish by minimizing deep-hooking incidents.
Venting Tools and Descending Devices: Anglers must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use when fishing for reef fish. This requirement is part of the efforts to improve survival rates of released fish, especially those caught from deeper waters.

Recreational Size and Possession Limits from MS DMR

Louisiana

Louisiana's diverse coastal waters, including the Gulf of Mexico, provide excellent opportunities for mangrove snapper fishing. The state has implemented regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices while allowing anglers to enjoy their sport.

Bag Limits: In Louisiana, anglers are allowed to keep 10 mangrove snapper per person per day within the 10 snapper aggregate limit. This aggregate limit includes all snappers (gray, mutton, yellowtail, cubera, queen, blackfin, silk, and wenchman) except red, vermilion, and lane snapper.

Size Restrictions: Louisiana enforces a minimum total length (TL) of 12 inches for mangrove snapper. This size limit is consistent with federal regulations and helps ensure that fish have had the opportunity to reproduce before being harvested.

Season: Mangrove snapper fishing is open year-round in Louisiana state waters, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target these fish throughout the seasons.

Gear Restrictions: Louisiana has implemented several gear restrictions for fishing reef fish species, including mangrove snapper:

Circle Hooks: Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. This regulation helps reduce the mortality of released fish by minimizing deep-hooking incidents.
Dehooking Devices: At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks when fishing for reef fish species in federal waters. This tool helps minimize harm to fish that are caught and released.
Venting Tools and Descending Devices: Anglers are required to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use when fishing for reef fish species in federal waters. These tools are essential for improving the survival rates of fish caught from deeper waters and released back into the ocean.

Seasons and Size and Bag/Possession Limits from LWF

The Basics of Chumming for Mangrove Snapper

Texas

Texas, with its extensive Gulf Coast, offers numerous opportunities for mangrove snapper fishing. However, it's important to note that Texas has a unique approach to mangrove snapper regulations compared to other Gulf states.

Bag and Size Limits: Interestingly, Texas does not list specific bag, possession, or length limits for mangrove snapper in its fishing guide. The guide states:

There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide.

Since mangrove snapper is not explicitly listed, it appears that there are no specific state regulations for this species in Texas waters. However, anglers should be aware that federal regulations may apply when fishing in waters beyond state jurisdiction.

* Stay Up to Date for Changes in the Snapper Bag & Length Limits from TPW

Federal Regulations for Mangrove Snapper Fishing

When venturing beyond state waters, anglers targeting mangrove snapper must adhere to federal regulations. These rules apply in federal waters, which begin 3 nautical miles from shore in the Atlantic Ocean and 9 nautical miles from shore in the Gulf of Mexico. Understanding these regulations is crucial for compliance and sustainable fishing practices.

Atlantic and Gulf Jurisdictions

Atlantic Federal Waters: Include areas off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic side of Florida. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters: Encompass areas off the Gulf coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Bag Limits and Size Restrictions
Federal regulations maintain consistent rules for mangrove snapper across both Atlantic and Gulf jurisdictions:

Bag Limit: 10 fish per person
Aggregate Limit: Part of a 10 fish aggregate snapper limit
Minimum Size: 12 inches Total Length (TL)
Season: Open year-round, allowing for continuous fishing opportunities

Gear Requirements
To promote responsible fishing and minimize harm to the fish population, federal regulations mandate specific gear:

Circle Hooks: Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. These hooks are designed to reduce deep-hooking incidents, improving the survival rates of released fish.
Dehooking Device: At least one dehooking device must be on board and used to remove hooks from caught fish. This tool helps minimize handling time and potential injury to the fish during hook removal.
Venting Tool or Descending Device: Anglers fishing in Gulf of Mexico federal waters must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready for use when targeting reef fish species, including mangrove snapper. These tools are crucial for combating barotrauma in fish caught from deeper waters, significantly improving their chances of survival upon release.

Pro Tip: While venting tools or descending devices are only mandated in Gulf federal waters, it's a good practice to have these tools ready when fishing in any deep water environment. They can make a significant difference in the survival rates of released fish, contributing to the long-term health of the fishery.

By adhering to these federal regulations, anglers can enjoy the thrill of mangrove snapper fishing while contributing to the conservation of this valuable species. Remember, regulations can change, so always check for the most up-to-date information before your fishing trip.

Fish Smarter By Knowing the Laws

As we've seen, regulations for mangrove snapper fishing vary across the southeastern United States, with each state implementing its own set of rules to manage this popular species. While there are some commonalities, such as the widespread use of a 12-inch minimum size limit and the requirement for circle hooks, it's crucial for anglers to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the state in which they're fishing on a regular basis. Laws can change!

The variations in bag limits, from Florida's 5 fish per person to the more common 10 fish limit in other states, reflect each state's approach to balancing recreational fishing opportunities with conservation efforts. The consistent emphasis on gear restrictions, particularly the use of circle hooks and descending devices, underscores the importance of catch-and-release practices in maintaining healthy fish populations.

It's worth noting that federal regulations come into play when fishing in waters beyond state jurisdiction. These regulations provide a baseline for management in federal waters, but anglers should always be aware of the point at which they transition from state to federal waters, as this can vary by state.

As responsible anglers, it's our duty to stay informed about current regulations and to practice sustainable fishing methods. This not only ensures compliance with the law but also contributes to the long-term health of mangrove snapper populations and the marine ecosystems they inhabit.

Remember, regulations can change from year to year, so it's always a good idea to check with the relevant state wildlife agency or the National Marine Fisheries Service for the most up-to-date information before your fishing trip. By adhering to these regulations and practicing responsible fishing techniques, we can all play a part in preserving the thrill of mangrove snapper fishing for generations to come.

Seth Horne In The Spread,
Chief Creator