Lane Snapper

Species Information

Scientific Name:	Lutjanus synagris
Environment:	Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore, Surf
Ideal Temp:	68-81°F (20-27°C)
Technique:	Bottom Fishing, Casting, Jigging
Lure Type:	Bottom Rig, Jigs, Soft Plastics
World Record:	3.72 kg (8 lb 3 oz) Horseshoe Rigs, Mississippi, USA 25-Aug-2001
Other Names:	lane snapper

The lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris) is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, though it prefers coral reefs and sandy areas with plentiful vegetation. It occurs at depths from 10 to 400 m (33 to 1,312 ft), most frequently between 21 and 70 m (69 and 230 ft).

This species is silvery-pink to reddish in color, with short, irregular, pink and yellow lines on its sides; it has a diffuse black spot, about as large as the eye; the dorsal fin is centered above the lateral line; the outer margin of the caudal fin is blackish. Similar fish are the mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, and the mangrove snapper, L. griseus. This species can reach a length of 60 cm (24 in), though most do not exceed 25 cm (9.8 in). The greatest recorded weight for this species is 3.5 kg (7.7 lb).

The lane snapper spawns March through September; it is sexually mature at 6 in (15 cm). It feeds on the bottom, taking crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish. Like other species of snappers, it is prized for its tasty, white meat. Lane snapper are more typically caught in shallower (20–60 ft) waters than many other snappers, most commonly yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper. Larger specimens can be found in somewhat deeper waters, but are typically less plentiful.

Lane snapper are generally caught on hook and line, and are considered to be more aggressive and easier to catch than other snappers, as they tend to be less wary of hooks and lines. They are easily caught on a variety of live and frozen baits, such as shrimp, squid, cut bait, and minnows; artificial lures and baits have also been known to be effective. Generally, lane snapper are not specifically targeted by anglers, but many are caught as a bycatch by anglers fishing for grouper or other species of snapper, as well as other shallow to mid-depth bottom fish.

Latest Lane Snapper Fishing Reports and Spots

Snapper - 2/23/2023 2:59:59 PM

Snapper is a mainstay on the reefs surrounding Key West Florida. There are several varieties of Snapper including Yellowtail Grey Mutton Cubera (View)

We were told no April 10 2022 - 4/10/2022 5:16:00 PM

Travis and Jane were back on board today with some tough conditions once again. What happened to the perfect weather from yesterday? Where di (View)

Crazy guys! April 1 2022 - 4/1/2022 6:16:00 PM

KIt never fails I always work on April Fool's Day and I always seem to do well. When I had looked at the tide the night before I was all excit (View)

Beginners March 28 2022 - 3/28/2022 2:41:00 PM

Paul hadn't fished in over 20 years and 10 year old Will had never fished before and Paul wanted Will to try fishing. Very cool! I took them (View)

Tampa Bays Fishing Charter - 10/22/2019 11:00:00 AM

96 Tampa Bays Fishing Charter Inshore/Backcountry Fall Tightline Fishing Report Tampa Bays Fishing Charter View this email in your browser Tigh (View)

Tampa Bays Fishing Charter - 10/30/2019 12:56:07 PM

96 Tampa Bays Fishing Charter Inshore/Backcountry Fall Tightline Fishing Report Tampa Bays Fishing Charter View this email in your browser Tigh (View)

Fall 2017 - 10/5/2017 7:31:59 PM

Fall 2017 This summer has ended and we are about to have a great fall. Summer was fun with lots of offshore action especially with grouper lane (View)

Big amberjack with the crew from Reef and Ledge a local company out of Sarasota. - 1/25/2019 8:07:19 PM

The crew from Reef and Ledge wanted to get on the big amberjack and we did just that. We also caught some porgies grunts lane snapper and a nic (View)

Giant amberjack’s and Mangrove snapper off Anna Maria Island with Captain Jason Stock - 1/25/2019 8:39:23 PM

Gave the guys the options they wanted to tug on some big fish and then catch dinner. Caught everyone a couple big amberjack one was close to 10 (View)

November Cooler Temps Means Great Snapper Fishing - 11/8/2021 11:23:02 AM

November 8th 2021 – While the rest of the country gets ready for the holidays we are ramping up for our amazing winter fishery here in Key West (View)