I dont plan on targeting my one allotted Red Snapper during the open season. But if the weather cooperates and I can get a good run offshore what water depth would you need in to locate Red Snapper?
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
I’ve seen then in as shallow as 50’, but I would try anything 80’ and deeper. There are a ton of them out there right now. Last time we went diving in Charleston (last October) we saw 100+ of them in the 12-20lb range with a handful of fish pushing 25lbs.
Hide in any boat Phin’s on and be quiet.Gonna be a long day so take
some fig newtons and a handheld gps…
When targeting red snapper the following work well.
Fish live bottom from 90-250ft. You can mark red snapper very easily with a trained eye and a bottom machine. The usually they mark as arches 15-20ft off of the bottom. Generally they are well off the bottom unlike grouper. The problem is the bottom machine mark very similar to AJs and it will take practice to tell the diff. Use a carolina rig (large egg sinker, swivel, 4-8ft 50-80lb leader, 5/0 circle hook). Send live bait (greenies, cigars, goggle eyes) to bottom and wind up 15-25ft. Wait for bite. Vermillion and red snapper are generally holding higher in the water column.
Using a chicken rig is not how you should target red snapper or grouper. Have your buddies dropping chicken rigs to chum the area while you catch the toad reds. Only problem is that is often the best way to catch ajs.
Tight lines,
Michael Mattson
843-224-3542
captmattson@aol.com