Yellowtail snapper in Florida
Best waters and rules for yellowtail snapper.
- 10.19 lbrecord
Photo: Transity, CC BY-SA 3.0
Florida Yellowtail snapper guide
Yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record yellowtail snapper weighed 10.19 pounds (Ft. Myers, 2015).
About yellowtail snapper
Yellowtail snapper habitat
“Coastal waters, mainly near coral reefs.”
Spawning and feeding, yellowtail snapper
“Found mainly in tropical waters.”
“Spawn in mid-summer.”
“Feed on fishes and invertebrates.”
Seasons for yellowtail snapper
“Spawn in mid-summer.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida yellowtail snapper limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf and Atlantic | 10 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round |
Up to 10 per person within the 10 snapper aggregate (with dog and mahogany snapper).
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record yellowtail snapper
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 10.19 | Ft. Myers | 2015 |
| Fly | 4.75 | Key West | 2008 |
| Youth | 3.2 | Cape Coral | 2026 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for yellowtail snapper
Start with these reef counties for yellowtail snapper.
- Bay County615 reef deployments
- Escambia County496 reef deployments
- Okaloosa County488 reef deployments
- Pinellas County367 reef deployments
- Miami-Dade County277 reef deployments
- Sarasota County261 reef deployments
- Volusia County191 reef deployments
- Palm Beach County154 reef deployments
- Lee County136 reef deployments
- Broward County128 reef deployments
- Collier County121 reef deployments
- Martin County121 reef deployments
- Duval County107 reef deployments
- Manatee County106 reef deployments
- St. Lucie County92 reef deployments
Other Florida saltwater fish
What anglers ask about yellowtail snapper
What is the bag limit on yellowtail snapper?
10 a day (Gulf and Atlantic), size: 12 in minimum.
How big is the Florida record yellowtail snapper?
The record weighed 10.19 pounds (2015).
Where are the best places to catch yellowtail snapper in Florida?
Use the bay and county lists above to find yellowtail snapper.
Do hatcheries raise yellowtail snapper?
Not in the 2021-22 to 2023-24 reports for yellowtail snapper.
Can I get a Big Catch certificate for yellowtail snapper?
yellowtail snapper are not in the Big Catch program.
How are yellowtail snapper classified?
Ocyurus chrysurus.
What license covers yellowtail snapper?
Yes, unless exempt; buy the saltwater license.
Is there a closed season for yellowtail snapper?
yellowtail snapper are open all year.
Where do the yellowtail snapper numbers come from?
FWC rules and records, checked October 2026.