Saltwater
Yellowtail Snapper
Ocyurus chrysurus
- Peak season
- Year-round (best Fall and Winter)
- Length range
- 15–60 cm
- Weight range
- 0.2–4 kg
- Typical depth
- 3–70 m
Habitat
Coral reefs, patch reefs, and open water above reef at 5-70 m depth in the western Atlantic and Caribbean.
Behavior
Feeds in the water column above reef structure, unlike most bottom-hugging snappers. Schools actively over reef.
Best techniques
- Chum and drift fishing with cut bait
- Live shrimp on light tackle
- Glass minnow on small hook in chum
- Light jigging above reef
