Saltwater · Year-round in the Keys; peak late spring and summer
Yellowtail Snapper
Ocyurus chrysurus
The signature snapper of the Florida Keys — yellowtail rise off the reef into a chum slick and reward light line, small baits and patience. Summer nights and steady chumming produce flag-sized fish.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- A bold yellow stripe runs from the snout through the eye to a deeply forked, bright-yellow tail
- Yellow spots scattered over the upper body above the stripe
- Streamlined, slender snapper shape — built to feed up in the current, not on the bottom
- Lower body is pale pinkish-white with thin yellow lines
- Look-alike: gray snapper are plain grey-bronze with no yellow stripe; mutton snapper carry a black side spot and a pointed anal fin
Habits
- Schools over reef edges and patch reefs in 30-100 ft, feeding up in the water column
- Follows a chum slick eagerly, rising from the reef toward floating food
- Feeds on shrimp, small fish and planktonic animals, mostly by sight
- Wary in clear water — the biggest fish hang at the back of the school
Distribution
Where to find them
- The reef edge off Key Largo, Marathon and Key West in 40-90 ft
- Patch reefs and coral heads inside the main reef line
- Wrecks and ledges off the southeast Florida coast
- Bridges and channels of the Keys at night in summer
Where they live
How to catch them
Chumming and free-lining (flag fishing)
Rig: Light spinning outfit, 12-15 lb fluorocarbon, small hook or 1/8 oz jig head, no weight
Bait/lure: Cut shrimp, silversides or small bait chunks drifted back in the chum
Key tip: Keep the chum flowing and let the bait drift naturally with it. The big flags hang far back — use plenty of line.
Bottom jigging patch reefs
Rig: Small jig head worked just above the coral
Bait/lure: Shrimp-tipped jigs in yellow or white
Key tip: Fish just off the bottom to avoid snags, and keep baits small — yellowtail have small mouths.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7 ft spinning rod, medium-light
- Line: 12-20 lb braid with 12-15 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Terminal: Small jig heads, size 1-1/0 hooks, chum bags
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 1-3 lb; large specimens 4-6 lb (flag yellowtail)
On the table
Excellent — sweet, delicate, white flesh; a Keys favourite, superb whole-fried or in ceviche.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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