Yellowtail Snapper Regulations

There is a new amendment that becomes effective 4/1/08 – ( 68B-14.0035 ) regarding size limits for Amberjacks, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Grouper, Hogfish, Red Porgy and Snapper.  

The purpose of the amendment seems to be an attempt to clarify the Commission’s Reef Fish rules, making it consistent with federal reef fish regulations for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico – and additionally to try to remedy the problem of overfishing the species, by modifying the bag limits.

As far as our favorite Yellowtail Snappers go, the rule appears unchanged (12”). To find out more about this amendment just visit this link –

http://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=68B-14.0035&PDate=1/4/2008&Section=2

Remember that the daily bag limit is 10 snapper per harvester, per day. Also, a good rule to fish by is that if you feel the need to measure the fish, it may be better just to send it back into the water.  Too many people keeping such small fish = overfishing.  

Some Yellowtail Snapper fishing tips - chum, lots of chum! To keep it flowing, use two bags - one on each side of the transom - menhaden chum works fine. We also like to add an occasional box of silversides or glass minnows - that can really spark them up!