When red snapper are around Steinhatchee
Red snapper fishing out of Steinhatchee lines up with the fall run, October to December. Sea Hag’s fall fishing calendar lists offshore grouper, black seabass, red snapper and a kingfish run in the same window, so a single trip can put grouper, black seabass and kingfish in play alongside snapper. For the whole coast, see the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
Ramps, the river and port details are in the Steinhatchee port guide. The biology and the Gulf-wide picture are in the red snapper species and Gulf guide.
How far boats run for red snapper
Off The Clock’s 12-hour trip runs 80 to 120 miles offshore, far past Buckeye Reef, which sits at 47 ft about 24 nautical miles due west of the port. An 80 to 120 mile run, out and back, inside a 12-hour day sets the fuel range and boat requirements. Work those out for your own boat before you commit to the distance.
- Charter run: 80 to 120 miles offshore
- Buckeye Reef: about 24 nautical miles due west, 47 ft
- Trip length on the charter: 12 hours
Reading conditions before the run
Check wind speed and direction, wave height and wave period for the whole distance, out and back. Pull the National Weather Service marine forecast for your zone and read the numbers along the route, including the return leg, since conditions can shift over a 12-hour day.
Grounds and structure off Steinhatchee
These are the named grounds near the port, with depth where a figure exists.
| Name | Type | Depth | Location or coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steinhatchee Reef | Permitted public reef, four bottom areas plus cube field | 20 ft | |
| Buckeye Reef | 47 ft | About 24 nautical miles due west of Steinhatchee | |
| Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) | Permitted artificial reef area | 35 ft | Centered off the mouth of the Steinhatchee River |
| Super Ledge | 29 22.817N 83 45.675W | ||
| The Crack | 29 23.819N 83 42.722W | ||
| Lamb Spring | 29 26.628N 83 50.627W | ||
| Birdrack Reef | Concrete culverts around bird rack platform | 4 ft | 29 40.78N 83 34.25W |
| Nine Mile Bank | 29 41.10N 83 34.60W |
Coordinates and chart layers are not for navigation.
Steinhatchee Reef, the SFMA and Birdrack are the artificial and permitted reef areas. Super Ledge, The Crack, Lamb Spring and Nine Mile Bank are listed by coordinates only.
How red snapper are fished here
The local method is bottom fishing with live or cut bait. Sea Hag advises 40 to 50 lb leaders and circle hooks for big snapper.
- Live or cut bait, fished on the bottom.
- 40 to 50 lb leaders for big snapper, per Sea Hag.
- Circle hooks, per Sea Hag.
- Braided line, which helps you feel bites when snapper are present.
For broader bottom-fishing technique, see the reef fish guides.
Who runs red snapper trips from Steinhatchee
Two local charters list red snapper.
Off The Clock Charters
Captain Shan Roper runs a 36 ft Contender with triple 350 Suzuki engines. The 12-hour red snapper trip runs 80 to 120 miles offshore. Website: https://otccharters.com
Chase N Fish Charters
Captain Chase Norwood lists red snapper among the charter’s targets. Website: https://www.chase-n-fish.com
FAQ about red snapper fishing out of Steinhatchee
When is red snapper fishing best out of Steinhatchee?
Red snapper fishing out of Steinhatchee centers on the fall window, October to December, per Sea Hag. Offshore grouper, black seabass and a kingfish run show up in the same months, so you can mix targets on one trip.
How far offshore do boats run for red snapper?
Off The Clock’s 12-hour red snapper trip runs 80 to 120 miles offshore. Buckeye Reef, a named ground, sits much closer at about 24 nautical miles due west of the port.
How deep is Buckeye Reef and where is it?
Buckeye Reef is 47 ft deep and lies about 24 nautical miles due west of Steinhatchee. Treat that as a reference point only, since coordinates and chart layers are not for navigation.
What leader and hook do local captains use for snapper?
Sea Hag advises 40 to 50 lb leaders and circle hooks for big snapper. Fish live or cut bait on the bottom, and use braided line to feel bites when snapper are present.
Which charters target red snapper from Steinhatchee?
Off The Clock Charters, with Captain Shan Roper, runs a 36 ft Contender with triple 350 Suzuki engines on a 12-hour trip. Chase N Fish Charters, with Captain Chase Norwood, lists red snapper among its targets.
