Mutton Snapper(Lutjanus analis)

Quick Facts

  • Size Range: The mutton can reach weights over 30 pounds but are most common from 5 to 15 pounds.
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: Excellent eating with white delicate flesh and highly prized by anglers.

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 17.6lbs
  • State Record Date: 8/1/2002
  • State Record Holder Jason Marks

Muttons are a large growing, deep-bodied snapper with silverish sides and olive green on the back. Their lower fins have a reddish tint, and there is a distinct black dot below the dorsal fin. They have a bright blue line on the cheek below the eye.

The mutton is more of an inshore species but can be found on offshore reefs and structures. They like to roam grass beds, mangroves and reefs. They are found in the tropical Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

Normally they are caught on live or dead bait but will take jigs. They are a prized catch for most bottom fishermen, both for their beauty and great eating.

Mutton Snapper Rules and Regulations

Size Limit : 16” min total length
Bag and Possession Limit : 10 per person in aggregate for snapper
Seasons : Finfish

Snapper Click to Toggle

Non-charter recreational anglers and charter captains must obtain a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit to posses snapper.

General Info:
Related Habitats:
Other Snapper Species: Mahogany Snapper Wenchman Snapper Blackfin Snapper Red Snapper Yellowtail Snapper Silk Snapper Queen Snapper Lane Snapper
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Related Fishing Methods

Bottom fishing is normally about fishing bottom structures in order to target benthic or bottom dwelling fish. There are a wide variety of techniques, but the common element is the targeting of species who dwell around or hide in natural and man-made structures. Fish like grouper, snapper, amberjack and catfish would be considered bottom fish. It is very popular amongst anglers and success is often determined by the fishermen's ability to crank a fish away from the structure before the fish can duck into it and cut the line. Anchoring or drifting the boat over the structure is key to having success. There are many versions, and many of the bottom fish are prized eating.

Dead bait consists of many different types of bait that is no longer alive. Dead bait is still attractive to many fish as they are normally feeding by smell and dead bait is the ticket for smell. Fresh cut fish, dead shrimp, half crab, shucked clam, cut squid and all popular examples of bait that will catch a wide variety of fish. Many sport fish that are predators, will gladly take the opportunity to slurp up a fresh dead bait. A redfish is equally happy to chase down a baitfish or slurp up a dead shrimp on the bottom. Dead bait has the benefit is being easy to obtain, maintain and transport, as opposed to live bait which takes livewells, quality water control and can be harder to obtain.

A versatile method of fishing for many types of fish in both freshwater and salt. A jig is a lure, normally a lead-headed lure with many various types of body/tail configurations made of rubber, hair and feather. Jigs are one of the most versatile of all lures and can be tipped with bait or not. Traditionally jigs are worked in variety of up and down motions, and can be fished throughout the entire water column, depending on the fishery. A modern form of jigs called metal jigs has taken hold and many varieties and shapes have been developed to work different ways. Made famous by the Shimano Butterfly Jig and now produced by many companies in many variations. If I could only have one lure to fish with it would be a jig.

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.