Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, are found offshore at depths of 150 to 300 feet on the continental shelf. Juveniles are found over sandy or mud bottoms. Adults prefer rocky bottoms, ledges, wrecks and similar structures.
Red snapper have deep bodies with a long, triangular snout. The back and upper sides are brick red in color with a more pinkish color on the bottom of the fish. Smaller fish have a dark spot on the upper sides just before the soft dorsal fin. The iris of their eyes are dark red. They grow to 35 pounds. There is no black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. They are some times confused with Vermillion Snapper.
They eat a variety of invertebrates, crustaceans and small fishes. Anglers catch them by finding bottom structure and then using a typical bottom rig. They can be caught with live or cut bait.
