Overview
Saddletail snapper, or large-mouth nannygai, are a staple of northern offshore fishing, schooling in big numbers on shoals and rubble.
They feed aggressively and will take jigs and plastics as readily as bait, making them a fun target on lighter tackle.
They grow larger than crimson snapper and hold in slightly shallower water on average.
Where to find them
- ▸Shoals and rubble in 25–80 m.
- ▸Wrecks and isolated hard ground.
- ▸Edges of shoals where sand meets rubble.
- ▸Tropical reef drop-offs at night.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 6'6" boat or jig rod rated 15–24 kg.
- ▸Line: 50 lb braid with 80 lb leader.
- ▸Lures: 150–250 g knife jigs, 7" plastics on 2–4 oz heads.
Tips from the water
- ▸Drop on the up-current side and let the current sweep your bait into the school.
- ▸Set drag heavy — they head straight for cover.
- ▸Bleed and ice immediately for the best table quality.
Regulations
Size, bag and possession limits differ between states and can change each season. Check the current rules with your state fisheries authority before keeping a fish.