facebook pixel

Red Snapper Fishing Charters

Easily find a fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

4.86/5 Average Rating


Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Red Snapper Fishing Charters

Fishing in Gulf Shores

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Red Snapper Whacker

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Port Isabel

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Red Snapper Adventure

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Orange Beach

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

8 Hour Trip

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Clearwater

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in South Padre Island

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

South Padre Island Deep Sea

92% (13)
35 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Trip - 44' Custom

100% (17)
44 ft 1 - 6 People $$$

Most Popular Types of Red Snapper Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Red Snapper Fishing Charters

Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
trip description for Ocean Thrills with Captain Don in Islamorada

Join Captain Don for a fun day at sea! You'll be fishing aboard his 28' ProLine center console, equipped with twin Suzuki outboards, riggers, bait wells, and more! Enjoy catching a variety of offshore and reef fish including Sailfish, Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Gag Grouper, and Snapper. These fish are extremely exciting catches, whether this is your first trip of your hundredth! In addition, they're absolutely delicious eating, and Captain Don is happy to clean them for you at the end of the trip. Captain Don will provide everything you need for your offshore fishing adventure, including your fishing license, plenty of bottled water, live bait and professional fishing rods and reels. A private electric head (toilet) is available. We suggest you bring camera, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, food and beverages. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Ocean Thrills With Captain Don

100% (12)
28 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Offshore Blitz: Half-Day Dash in Destin

Are you looking for an amazing fishing experience in Destin Florida? Join Captain Jake on an outrageous offshore slam! Get casting off on his 27' Sea Hunt center console equipped with twin 400HP Yamaha engines that launch the boat at up to 45 knots. Although this boat is great for families, all passengers must be above five years old. All anglers will have the opportunity to hook into lunker Redfish, Kingfish, Snapper, and Grouper. Captain Jake can host up to 6 fishermen at a time aboard his vessel. If weather conditions are right he can take you a little further out to fight monster Amberjack and Cobia. Whatever you catch, be prepared to take home and cook! Captain Jake will clean and fillet your fish free of charge. To bring home a delicious dinner, you will be using live bait to bottom fish the depths of the Gulf. The live bait well stores a variety of different baitfish, so you can experiment with trying several techniques. You will also be trolling using the wireless trolling motor, so just sit back, enjoy the sunshine, and wait for the scream of the reels. Captain Jake will provide all rods, bait, and gear necessary for an amazing day on the water. Just bring food, drinks, or even snorkeling equipment for underwater sightseeing. Don't worry - there is a bathroom on board so the half day journey is as comfortable as possible. No matter your fishing level or knowledge, this trip will be a truly unforgettable experience. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Offshore Blitz: Half-Day Dash

100% (3)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
trip description for Unforgettable Day Offshore in Fort Lauderdale

Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Join Captain Tim aboard his luxurious 45' Hatteras sportfisher and set out on the crystal-clear waters of Fort Lauderdale, FL in search of trophy Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Bonita, Shark, Marlin, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and Kingfish. These species are a blast to catch and offer something for every angler. As you cruise out to the best fishing spots, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the coast and a chance to spot dolphins and other marine life. Once you've arrived at your destination, it's time to troll some lines and let the fun begin! With Captain Tim's expert guidance, you'll be reeling in these sought-after species in no time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, you'll have an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Tim. You'll employ a few different techniques to land the fish, including trolling, bottomfishing, and even kite fishing! Whatever you want to catch, Captain Tim will do his utmost to get you on 'em! Captain Tim's 45' Hatteras sportfisher is a top-of-the-line fishing vessel, equipped with tons of gear and outfitted with amenities to improve your experience. She's powered by twin Detroit 8v-71 engines with a total of 700 horsepower, and features a cabin and flybridge, plus bait wells, ice boxes and more! Get out there and see what luxury fishing in Fort Lauderdale is all about! Fishing License, Ice Box, Water, Rods, Reels, Tackle & Fighting Chair included. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

92% (12)
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Bon Secour
Fishing in Bon Secour
Fishing in Bon Secour
trip description for Gulf Shores Inshore Slammin' in Bon Secour

If you're looking for a fantastic way to enjoy the summer down in Gulf Shores, AL, then you're in the right place! Captain Shawn is a real pro, and has fished professionally all over the world, including a legendary run on the Kona Cowboy out of Kona, Hawaii! The shallow inshore water here in Gulf Shores provides perfect habitat for several popular sportfish species, especially the "Big Three" of Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. There are also plenty of chances to hook Sheepshead, which share the same habitat. Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, hooking big time Redfish and Trout off the flats is absolutely thrilling, and Captain Shawn has plenty of tips and tricks to improve your fishing and put you in a position for success. You'll be fishing aboard his 25' Shearwater center console. She's perfect for this kind of trip, and she's powered by a powerful Mercury 300-HP outboard, so you can spend less time cruising and more time fishing. The boat is equipped with a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and an icebox for your keepers. When you come aboard with Captain Shawn, you'll be provided all the tackle and bait that you need. All you need to bring is food, drinks (no glass please), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cooler for your catch. Fish cleaning is also available, so you can take home a delicious dinner! You can catch the Dauphin Island-Fort Morgan ferry every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Please visit https://mobilebayferry.com/schedule/ for the daily schedule and pricing. Read More

Deep Sea, Inshore, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Bon Secour

Gulf Shores Inshore Slammin'

89% (9)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Daytona Beach
Fishing in Daytona Beach
Fishing in Daytona Beach
trip description for Ledges and Reef Run in Daytona Beach

Capt. Scott is a USCG licensed 100 Ton Master Captain and has been fishing and diving the waters out of Ponce Inlet for over 25 years. Capt. Scott has competed in numerous offshore fishing tournaments, winning the Inaugural Fish Stock tournament in 2003 (formally the Striker). My father and grandfather first took me fishing when I was 5 years old. Over the years I have developed a passion and appreciation for the ocean and all the wonders it has to offer. I have caught monster fish, swam with wild dolphins, turtles, sharks and majestic Manta Rays, but most importantly I have experiences and memories that will never be forgotten. Allow me to share my passion with you, your family and friends and help you create the memories that will last a life time. ​ Captain Scott is the owner and operator. Captain Scott is a tournament-winning fisherman, who has been fishing these waters since 1989, and has his 100-ton USCG Captain’s License. Capt. Scott spends several days each week spear fishing, he can see firsthand where the fish are and what various bottom structures actually look like. He also maintains good relationships with other commercial fishermen and captains which provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and notes on recent fishing patterns. If you are serious about fishing or would like to introduce your family to a new experience, please give us a call. We look forward to helping you make the memories of a life time. I started fishing when I was 5 years old. In 1989 I moved to Central Florida to attend Stetson University, became a certified scuba diver, and have been diving and fishing out of Ponce Inlet ever since. Although I have landed plenty of monsters, I now find more enjoyment helping others experience the thrill of landing the fish of a lifetime. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Daytona Beach

Ledges And Reef Run

100% (7)
31 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Stock Island
Fishing in Stock Island
Fishing in Stock Island
trip description for Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip in Stock Island

Climb aboard with Captain Mike for an epic half, 3/4, or full-day experience off the coast of the beautiful Florida Keys! Whether you want to spend a half day near-shore, spend some extra time to go off-shore, or even do a little of both, this luxurious 63' custom built sportfisher will meet all your needs. Trolling the open waters can produce hard fighting species like Amberjacks, Sailfish and Mahi. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your captain take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the sweet sea breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Bottom fishing changes the target species to an entirely different set of fish. You can expect delicious and hard-fighting reef species like Snapper, Grouper and Amberjacks! Captain Mike will provide all the fishing gear you need to catch some picture-worthy fish. All that’s left to do is bring some food, drinks and sunscreen, and cast off with Captain Mike! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island

Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

100% (3)
63 ft 1 - 12 People $$$
See All Red Snapper Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a red snapper fishing charter

What are the best red snapper fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 530 red snapper trips, and the most popular trips are Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, South Padre Island Deep Sea guided by Emilio, and Half Day Trip - 44' Custom guided by Harold.

Our guides are rated a 4.86 out of 5 based on 2549 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly red snapper guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly red snapper guides.

What types of red snapper fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for red snapper as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are bottom fishing, trolling, and heavy tackle fishing but light tackle fishing and jigging are popular as well.

How much do red snapper fishing charters cost?

for red snapper prices can range anywhere from about $800 to $5,100, but the average price for a half day trip for red snapper is $1,243. The average price for a full day trip for red snapper is $3,076.

What month is best for red snapper fishing?

The most popular season for red snapper fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 69 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for red snapper and what are the bag limits for red snapper?

See here for more information on red snapper fishing licenses, red snapper bag limits, and fishing season regulations for red snapper. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right red snapper rules and regulations.

What is a red snapper?

The northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a type of snapper most commonly found around the Gulf of Mexico, and is both the most populous and most sought after snapper in the area. It is both an important commercial and recreational fish, and red snapper season is one of the most recognizable times on the gamefish calendar for the area - many anglers have it circled on their calendar half a year ahead of time.

Red snapper are a medium-sized fish and (obviously) very red in color, and red snapper in deeper waters tend to be more red than those that live shallower. While most snapper get their name from their enlarged canine teeth (known as snappers), red snapper actually do not, but still have fairly sharp teeth so be careful handling their mouths.

How big do red snapper get?

Red snapper generally reaches maturity when they reach 15 inches at 2-5 years old, and an average adult might be 20 to 35 inches or more. They can live for up to 50 years, and interestingly will reach maturity faster and at a smaller size in Texas versus other parts of the Gulf. Adults will range from 10 to 20 pounds, and generally deeper water will mean larger fish.

Whats the biggest red snapper ever caught?

The world record red snapper weighed a crazy 50 pounds 4 ounces and was caught off the Louisiana coast by Doc Kennedy in 1996.

Where is the best place to catch red snapper?

While they range all over the Carribbean and up the Atlantic Coast, red snapper are most common and most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico. The most popular places to catch red snapper are in the panhandle of Florida or off the coast of central Texas.

Red snapper live on the bottom, and will inhabit rocky bottoms or other structure and reefs (or artificial reefs like offshore oil rigs). They are social fish and will form large schools where they find good structure, which is why every guide has a series of honey holes of their own where they know schools of snapper are sure to be. Schools also tend to be made up of fish of similar sizes.

Red snapper will generally live between 30-300 feet deep, with bigger fish inhabiting deeper waters further from shore. Their preferred habitat changes as they mature, and while younger fish will inhabit more open areas, older and bigger fish will seek more and more cover.

When should I catch red snapper?

The season for red snapper is interesting because it does not depend on fish behavior, but rather regulations set by the NOAA to set catch limits. The NOAA has set rebuilding plans for red snapper fisheries both in the Gulf of Mexico and on the lower Atlantic Coast, and both of these plans look to rebuild populations into the future. As such, there are annual catch limits, size limits, and season limits for both commercial and recreational anglers. Seasons and limits are set each year, and the federal limit can also differ from state water limits. The total catch limit is generally divided as 49% recreational and 51% commercial.

How do you catch red snapper?

Red snapper will eat almost anything, but live or frozen bait is generally easier than lures, although jigs are definitely still successful. The tricky thing about red snapper is that they tend to nibble rather than swallow, so you need to have a light touch and know when to hook them. The common frustration of many an angler is putting bait after bait down and jigging it only to reel up empty hook after empty hook.

Bigger snapper like structure, so to target them you'll hit reefs, wrecks, and offshore rigs. Sometimes the snapper can be caught by freelining, but generally they will be on the bottom. It goes without saying that if you want to catch a big red snapper, you need to use a big bait, generally a whole squid.

If you are releasing fish, you are required by law to use circle hooks and dehooking devices.

Are red snapper good to eat? What are the best red snapper recipes?

Red snapper might be king of the white fish. It is a prized fish for anglers to catch and eat as well as a prized fish commercially. The texture is firm and slightly sweet and nutty that goes well a number of different ways with a number of different ingredients. Many people will cook it whole or grill it skin-on, which will protect the fish from the flames and help it retain some of its flavor.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Enjoyed the trip! Booked last minute and Captain Henry was great! Fish we stubborn but he worked his magic and made the trip amazing!

    William S. with Henry R. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Greg was great fun. Who knew redfish got that big! Thanks for the memories!

    Kay T. with Greg G. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    we had a great time who was great captain was even better than took us to all the fish were made at home made us feel comfortable. Really appreciate the trip.

    Gerald Y. with Brandon M. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Mike and Marcus. They were very friendly and worked hard to make sure we had a great time! Highly recommend.

    Sarah S. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Captain, great First Mate, caught a sailfish, multiple mahi mahi, Bonita, kingfish, and a giant Jack Cravel. Couldn’t have been better

    Christopher M. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Scott was absolutely a pleasure to go off shore with. Very nice boat, very good with the kids, and very understanding when we had to cut the trip short. I will definitely look forward to going out again.

    Brian S. with Scott H. of Daytona Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Russel was a great Captain and our whole family had a fantastic time.

    James R. with Russell F. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great experience with Andre. He is very attentive and helpful. He put me on some great fish. Thanks again Andre

    Glenn S. with Andre L. of Sanibel, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Dave and Marcus weresome. We had a blast. Both of them were professional and fun to be with. Awesome time.

    William Y. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brandon and his deck hand are top notch fishing guides. Very laid back easy going guys. Only charter in the harbor who tagged out on big bull reds 15 - 30 pounds. Monster black drum, bull shark and others. What a good trip.

    Donna J. with Brandon M. of Biloxi, Mississippi

  • ★★★★★
    Phenomenal trip! Cap’t Christian was ever the professional. We went out with Cap’n Andrew and he was awesome. We were on fish all day and even better, he helped the young one fish all day. I highly recommend this outfit and will definitely book again. PS….the boat is awesome as all get out.

    Keith M. with Christian D. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I can’t explain how amazing this trip was! Everyone was so sweet and helpful. We got some awesome fish. Our family is so grateful for the amazing experience.

    Alisa J. with Emilio S. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had a wonderful time. Was crazy windy but we made the best of it. Caught about 19 fish between the 5 of us.

    Nikema B. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Mike and Cole were fantastic. We had four small kids with us, and they handled them perfectly. We caught lots of yellowtail snapper and a nurse shark! 10/10, would book again (and plan to).

    Daniel K. with Mike W. of Stock Island, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time fishing with Kyle and Danny! Both were fabulous in making sure we caught plenty of fish and that the kids (and adults) had a lot of fun. Highly recommend.

    Adam T. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    It was great day. Captain found us some fish. Would head back out with Seth anytime.

    Kyle E. with Seth W. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience with Captain Mike. Enjoyed our time on the water and caught an amazing meal of Yellowtail! Thank you Blind Squirrel and crew!

    Matthew P. with Mike W. of Stock Island, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike and 1st ante Owen were fantastic. We did the close to shire trip and they quickly put us on some large Black Drum and later we found where the Sheepshead were hiding bringing in enough keepers to make anyone proud! Would definitely recommend!

    Frank L. with Michael P. of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    We fished with Capt'n Blake on the 32 Sportsman. Blake was friendly, energetic and most of all, he was determined to put us on the fish. My 13 year old son and his friend were with us, and Blake was extremely attentive and helpful with the youth anglers. I would highly recommend Capt'n Blake, and Captain Experiences, and I would book this same exact trip again if given the opportunity. Tight lines!

    William A. with Ryan H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Highly Recommend!! Great experience for us with Captain and Mate Danny. They got us on fish the whole trip and there was never a time when one of our group wasn’t yelling fish on and sometimes with multiple fish on. Mate Danny was a legit machine preparing the rugs, removing fish and baiting hooks. Our fishing group of 3 was able to have a great Fish Taco Tuesday with our house group of 16 with all the fillets that they prepared for us. A fantastic experience for my teenage boys and myself. This crew left an everlasting experience with our family. And the fish tacos I prepared were almost as close to legendary as the fishing trip. FISH ON!

    Greg M. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

Countries

What's biting?

View Red Snapper Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Red Snapper Trips