Lane Snapper fishing in Florida

Lane snapper are pretty, pink-and-yellow striped snapper that live mostly on offshore hard bottom, so from shore they are a bonus rather than a sure thing. Your best chances are the Keys bridges, the deeper jetties and inlets of the southeast coast, and long Gulf piers that reach sand and rubble in 15 ft or more of water. They feed through the day and into the evening, and a steady tide that keeps a scent trail moving helps more than any particular stage. Fish small: a double-drop bottom rig or knocker rig with 1/0 to 2/0 circle hooks, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader and just enough lead (1–3 oz) to hold near the pilings or rocks. Small strips of squid, cut shrimp or synthetic bait strips stay on the hook against the pinfish. Most shore fish run under a pound, so light spinning tackle with 15–20 lb braid is plenty. They are good eating; check current FWC rules before keeping one, and vent or return undersized fish quickly.