Game Fish Identification Reference Guides

Snapper, yellowtail
(Ocyurus chrysurus)
(Bloch, 1791); LUTJANIDAE FAMILY; also known as yellowtail, ciobo, saioba, sioba, rubia, sad kol, rabo-aberto, sarde queue jaune, colas
In the western Atlantic, yellowtail snapper range from Massachusetts and Bermuda to southwestern Brazil; including the Gulf of Mexico. They are abundant in the Bahamas, southern Florida and throughout the Caribbean.
This colorful reef fish is easily identifiable. The body is olive or bluish gray above with olive-yellow spots and blotches. It has a prominent, brilliant yellow stripe running from the tip of the snout through the eye to the tail; the dorsal fin is also mostly yellow . The deeply forked tail is bright yellow, hence the name.
Yellowtail inhabit coastal water to a depth of 300 feet (91.5 m) and are mainly found associated with coral reefs. It can be found well above the bottom in loose schools or alone.
A common approach to catching yellowtail is chumming at anchor. These finicky feeders are attracted to the chum and then fished with live or cut bait; even plugs and flies. Many of the largest yellowtails are caught bottom fishing in deep water with live pilchards or other fish, even large ballyhoo.
The immensely popular species is an excellent sport fish and considered by many to be the tastiest of all the snappers
 

Current All Tackle Record

11 lbs 0oz ( 4.98 kg)

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