Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove snapper are a prized saltwater species found throughout Mississippi's coastal waters and estuarine systems. These fish are highly adaptable, tolerating salinity levels from 1. 0 to 35. 0‰ and temperatures from 13. 0 to 32.
5°C, allowing them to inhabit diverse environments from brackish estuaries to offshore reefs.
Scientific Name: Lutjanus griseus
Also known as gray snapper
These fish are easily recognizable by their grayish-red to dark brown coloration with darker spots on the sides, characteristic dark stripe running diagonally through the eye, and two distinctive large canine teeth in the upper jaw.
They can reach up to 35 inches and 25 pounds, though most Mississippi catches range from 12-16 inches.
Fishing in Mississippi
Pearl River
Yazoo River
Mississippi River
Leaf River
Bouie River
Ross R Barnett Reservoir
Lake Castle
Big Black River
Pelahatchie Creek
Lake Dockery
What to know
Habitat Distribution
In Mississippi waters, they're commonly found around the back bays, estuaries with Gulf access, jetties, bridges, docks, and piers. Juveniles primarily inhabit inshore areas like Mississippi Sound estuary.Key Locations
East Pascagoula River and Bayou Casotte mouths which serve as conduits for juvenile movement. Mississippi Sound estuary.Specific Spots
Focus on structure like bridge pilings, docks, jetties, artificial reefs, and the shipping channels. For structure fishing around gas rigs in 50-60 feet of water, target fish suspended 6-8 feet deep around the structure.Mangrove Snapper FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Mangrove Snapper in Mississippi?
Live shrimp is the top bait, hooked under the horn of the head, but frozen shrimp, cut sardines, cigar minnows, and ballyhoo also work well.
When is the best time to fish for Mangrove Snapper in Mississippi?
July and August being peak months. They spawn offshore around full moons from June to September, with peak activity in July and August - during this time, avoid targeting these fish as they're focused on reproduction.
How do you catch Mangrove Snapper in Mississippi?
A sliding sinker rig fished tight to the bottom is most effective - use the smallest weight possible to hold bottom. For structure fishing around gas rigs in 50-60 feet of water, target fish suspended 6-8 feet deep around the structure.
What do Mangrove Snapper eat?
Juveniles primarily feed on amphipods, decapods (shrimp and crabs), and small fish. Adults are opportunistic feeders consuming crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, small fish such as anchovies, gastropods, cephalopods, and various invertebrates.
Where do Mangrove Snapper live in Mississippi?
In Mississippi waters, they're commonly found around the back bays, estuaries with Gulf access, jetties, bridges, docks, and piers. Juveniles primarily inhabit inshore areas like Mississippi Sound estuary.
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