Lane Snapper

The Lane Snapper, Lutjanus synagris

Superficially similar to small Mutton Snapper, with which it may be confused. However, the Lane Snapper, in addition to its rosy hues, also has broken yellow bars along the sides, and its fins are mostly yellow.The single black spot on the side is larger, proportionately, than that of the Mutton. The anal fin is rounded.

SIZE

Most run well under 1 pound. Occasionally caught to 5 pounds in deep water. World record 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Florida record 6 pounds, 6 ounces.

FOOD VALUE

Very good, but flesh is soft and must be kept well iced.

GAME QUALITIES

An aggressive striker of both natural and artificial baits, the Lane is fun to catch but is not a particularly strong fighter, even for its size.

TACKLE AND BAITS

Only very light tackle provides much sport. Productive baits include live and dead shrimp and also strips of cut squid or cut fish. Small jigs worked slowly near bottom are deadly.

FISHING SYSTEMS

Still Fishing; Casting; Drifting.

OTHER NAMES

Spot Snapper Candy Snapper Biajaiba

RANGE

Found off all coasts of Florida.

HABITAT

Most are caught in fairly deep reef and offshore waters, but in the southern half of the state, they also inhabit nearshore areas, and even bays. During times of warm water, they may come close to shore in the northern sectors as well. Prefers broken or grassy bottom to hard reefs.

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