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Deep-water red snapper

Etelis carbunculus

Deep-water red snapper© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The deep‑water red snapper (Etelis carbunculus) is a prized pelagic snapper found on steep reef drop‑offs. Anglers target it for its firm, white flesh and strong, steady fight that makes it a rewarding game fish.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Lutjanidae

Max Size

127 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

90-400m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

May – September (warm summer months in most regions)

Best Time

Early morning and late evening when fish are feeding near the bottom

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Deep-water red snapper

  • Use a heavy jig or metal spoon and let it sink to 50‑150 m before retrieving with a steady hop‑hop motion.
  • Fish near ledges, drop‑offs, and underwater structures where currents concentrate baitfish.
  • Trawl a line with a 20‑30 lb test line and a 30‑40 lb test leader to handle the powerful runs.
  • Watch for sudden line tension and set the hook with a firm, quick pull as the fish often strikes from below.

Top Fishing Locations for Deep-water red snapper

Christmas Island Deepwater Snapper Grounds

Australia
intermediate75% Very Common

Remote island in the Indian Ocean famous for abundant deep‑water red snapper on steep drop‑offs.

Best: November – February

Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Fiji
intermediate65% Common

Clear waters around the Yasawa archipelago host plentiful Etelis on reef walls.

Best: May – October

North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
intermediate60% Common

Steep drop‑offs around the atoll attract schools of deep‑water red snapper.

Best: December – April

Palau – Blue Corner

Palau
expert55% Common

Deep channels off the Rock Islands are prime for red snapper.

Best: June – September

Kona Coast, Hawaii

United States
intermediate45% Occasional

Offshore reefs near Kona yield occasional red snapper on the edge of the continental shelf.

Best: April – August

Jeddah Reef, Red Sea

Saudi Arabia
expert30% Occasional

Northern Red Sea reefs provide occasional deep‑water snapper, but competition is high.

Best: September – November

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Deep-water red snapper

Recommended Equipment

Rod6‑7 ft medium‑heavy conventional or spinning rod, fast action
Line20‑30 lb test monofilament or braided line with a 30‑40 lb fluorocarbon leader
Lure TypeHeavy metal jigs, deep‑drop spoons, or bucktail swimbaits (30‑80 g)
TechniqueBottom jigging / deep‑water trolling with vertical drops

Best bait: Live or cut squid, small pelagic fish (sardines, anchovies)