Unlike the snappers we are most familiar with, including the mutton, mangrove, yellowtail, red, and more, the queen is a deepwater family member. The fish spends its time in the depths. Specialized gear is required to catch the fish. However, the challenge is worth the reward. Here is what you need to know about queen snapper. 

How Do You Identify Queen Snapper

The fish is one of the most beautiful-looking snappers. There is a distinct contrast difference between the body and the eyes. The body is a deep red, while the eyes are large and bright yellow. 

In addition to the magnificent coloration, the fish are long and slender, with deeply forked trailing tails. The tails are a sight to be seen. Lastly, be cautious when handling the fish as they are equipped with canine teeth. 

What Is The Range Of Queen Snapper

Queen snappers are common in the southeastern portion of the Atlantic coast. Anglers catch the snapper in the offshore waters of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 

What Depth Do You Catch Queen Snapper

When it comes to queen snapper depth, the fish stays well beneath the surface of the water. The deepwater snapper is caught in depths greater than four hundred. 

The only exception to snapper remaining deep is the juvenile fish staying suspended or venturing into more shallow waters between 200 and 500 or more feet deep and caught by grouper anglers. 

Unfortunately, anglers face challenges in their attempts to release small queens. Due to the fish being pulled from extreme depths, the fish is subject to extraordinary pressure changes. The pressure changes are irreversible, and as a result, the snapper is not capable of being returned to the ocean. 

In What Habitat Do Queen Snapper Live

The queen snapper habitat is structure on the seafloor. To find queen snapper fish, anglers must focus on a rocky bottom. Finding rocky bottom in these depths is challenging. High-quality sonar devices are required to determine a hard base from a soft seafloor accurately to find deep water snapper. Without finding rocks, the fish is unlikely to be caught. The fishing process involves trial and error until they are found.

Once you locate schools of queen snappers, mark the position on your GPS and return to the area trip after trip.

How To Catch Queen Snapper

Load up the boat capable of making long offshore runs with deep drop fishing rods and electric reels. Specialized gear is required, which eliminates a significant amount of anglers from getting in on the action.

When it comes to a deep water snapper, deep drop combinations are necessary. The rods are stout and fitted with bent bents. The reels are electric-powered and run from the boat’s battery system. Flashing lights, heavy leads, and rigs with multiple hooks are a necessity. 

As mentioned above regarding how to catch a queen, it is essential to locate rock bottoms. Once the hard floor is honed in on, tip the hooks with barracuda chucks or squid. Drop the rig to the seafloor while keeping the boat still. Bounce the rig along the rocks while watching the tip for a strike. During each hit, push the reel button to set the hook. Repeat the process until the bites no longer continue. 

Once the rig, lead, and light reach the surface, grab the leader with one hand in the weight in the other while lifting into the boat. Count the number of fish caught per drop as they quickly add up. 

What Does Queen Snapper Taste Like

The fillets of the queen snappers make excellent table fare. Queen snapper taste is described as sweet, mild, and firm when it comes to taste and texture. After cooking, the white fish flakes easily with a fork. 

Due to the taste and texture, the fish is prepared in a multitude of ways. Restaurants and anglers prepare the fish most often by broiling, deep frying, and franchising the snapper. No matter which you choose, the quality of the fillets will be undoubtedly recognized. 

Are You Equipped To Deep Drop For Snapper In Offshore Waters

Now you know how to catch queen snapper. Deep dropping in offshore waters is not for the weary. Run times from the North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia coast are long. Deep sea fishing conditions are frequently unfavorable, and therefore the boat must be seaworthy. Most importantly, the deep-dropping gear is expensive and requires trial and error to become comfortable putting it to use. However, the reward is catching delicious queen snapper. The snapper makes phenomenal table fare. Always remember to obtain a saltwater fishing license before running offshore fishing.