The author's world record-size Mullet Snapper caught in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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 generally caught on large live baits fished on the bottom.
Mullet Snapper Pound for Pound Fight Rating - 8 out of 10 on the Saltwater Scale
Mullet Snapper pull very hard for their size. If hooked near rocks they will try to break you off there, but they are often hooked closer to or on the surface which increases your chances of landing them. They pull extremely hard though, and you should not mess with light tackle if you want to land them.
Mullet Snapper Culinary Rating - High
Mullet Snapper are absolutely delicious with firm white meat that can be cooked a number of ways like most Snapper.
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. Personally I like using 80lbs for the larger ones. 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. If a more subtle presentation is called for, try a surface iron jig such as those made by Tady. 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 and Costa Rica but all my fish over 30lbs have come from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Other Mullet Snapper Resources
These guys will put you on fish in Puerto Vallarta: www.marlasportfishing.com
In Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica the owner of this lodge can find you the big Pargo: Las Islas Lodge
Lutjanus aratus
HOME
Other Species
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 generally caught on large live baits fished on the bottom.
Mullet Snapper Pound for Pound Fight Rating - 8 out of 10 on the Saltwater Scale
Mullet Snapper pull very hard for their size. If hooked near rocks they will try to break you off there, but they are often hooked closer to or on the surface which increases your chances of landing them. They pull extremely hard though, and you should not mess with light tackle if you want to land them.
Mullet Snapper Culinary Rating - High
Mullet Snapper are absolutely delicious with firm white meat that can be cooked a number of ways like most Snapper.
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. Personally I like using 80lbs for the larger ones. 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. If a more subtle presentation is called for, try a surface iron jig such as those made by Tady. 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 and Costa Rica but all my fish over 30lbs have come from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Other Mullet Snapper Resources
These guys will put you on fish in Puerto Vallarta: www.marlasportfishing.com
In Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica the owner of this lodge can find you the big Pargo: Las Islas Lodge
Mullet Snapper often take surface lures like this one that grabbed a Yo-Zuri Sashimi Bull out of Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
A beautifully colored medium-sized specimen caught casting a surface iron lure over the rocks in Panama.
