Mutton snapper caught offshore near Anna Maria Island

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are big, beautiful, and notoriously wary — pinkish-red with a distinct black spot. Fooling a quality mutton takes a careful presentation and the right tide.

They're a prized offshore target that combines a great fight with first-rate eating.

Size
Commonly 5–15 pounds
Fight
Strong, wary, hard-running
On the table
Excellent — firm and white
Best season
Warmer months offshore

How we catch Mutton Snapper

We fish live baits on long leaders over offshore reefs, ledges, and sand edges on full-day offshore trips.

On the table

Firm, white, and flavorful — one of the most prized snappers in the box.