World Record size Mullet Snapper caught in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mullet Snapper Fishing
Mullet Snapper
Lutjanus aratus
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Mullet Snapper Description
Mullet Snapper (Pargo Lisa) are an elongated Snapper found in the Eastern Pacific between Baja down to around Peru. Unlike many Snappers, they are a midwater fish found over rocky areas down to around 150 feet. They sometimes come up to the surface and can be caught on poppers. They are an excellent fighter for their size. The current official world record is 45lbs but the fish pictured above is 5lbs bigger than that. The biggest ones are caught on large live baits fished on the bottom.
Mullet Snapper Tackle
These things are extremely strong and like to head for the rocks when hooked. I recommend heavy braided line with a fluorocarbon leader of at least 40lbs. Heavy spinning or medium conventional tackle should work.
Mullet Snapper Techniques
Find rocky structure in 150ft or less of water and look on the fish finder to see if anyone is home. You can either troll over or stop to cast or drop bait or lures.
Mullet Snapper Lures
When they are up shallow, these fish can sometimes be seen from the surface. At these times poppers can work well. Make sure you pause in between "chugs" and fish them a little slower than you would for Jacks and some other fish. Poppers are worth a try even if you can't see them if you are over rock piles that rise up to 40ft or so. The can also be caught on metal jigs fished deeper.
Mullet Snapper Baits
Live baits such as sardines work well. For the really big ones, larger live baits can work. The giant pictured above was caught on a live skipjack tuna of around 3lbs.
Where to get the big Mullet Snapper
I've caught some nice ones in the 20+lb class in Panama but all my fish over 30lbs have come from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Other Mullet Snapper Resources
These guys will put you on fish: www.marlasportfishing.com
Mullet Snapper
Lutjanus aratus
HOME
Mullet Snapper Description
Mullet Snapper (Pargo Lisa) are an elongated Snapper found in the Eastern Pacific between Baja down to around Peru. Unlike many Snappers, they are a midwater fish found over rocky areas down to around 150 feet. They sometimes come up to the surface and can be caught on poppers. They are an excellent fighter for their size. The current official world record is 45lbs but the fish pictured above is 5lbs bigger than that. The biggest ones are caught on large live baits fished on the bottom.
Mullet Snapper Tackle
These things are extremely strong and like to head for the rocks when hooked. I recommend heavy braided line with a fluorocarbon leader of at least 40lbs. Heavy spinning or medium conventional tackle should work.
Mullet Snapper Techniques
Find rocky structure in 150ft or less of water and look on the fish finder to see if anyone is home. You can either troll over or stop to cast or drop bait or lures.
Mullet Snapper Lures
When they are up shallow, these fish can sometimes be seen from the surface. At these times poppers can work well. Make sure you pause in between "chugs" and fish them a little slower than you would for Jacks and some other fish. Poppers are worth a try even if you can't see them if you are over rock piles that rise up to 40ft or so. The can also be caught on metal jigs fished deeper.
Mullet Snapper Baits
Live baits such as sardines work well. For the really big ones, larger live baits can work. The giant pictured above was caught on a live skipjack tuna of around 3lbs.
Where to get the big Mullet Snapper
I've caught some nice ones in the 20+lb class in Panama but all my fish over 30lbs have come from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Other Mullet Snapper Resources
These guys will put you on fish: www.marlasportfishing.com
Click below on any pic to enlarge
