Representative of the spearfisherman’s “most wanted” in the snapper family, the mutton snapper is a highly prized catch for most American spearfishers. For the vast majority of the Caribbean spearos this species is at the top of their most wanted fish list, too. It is typically a Caribbean species that can be found from North Carolina to South America on reef structures or wrecks. The mutton snapper is a very challenging prey, rather shy and difficult to approach. The excellent taste of the species is another motivation for mutton hunters. The meat is white, flaky and its taste is light; it can be prepared in a variety of ways.

The spots where the coral reef meets the sand (sand edge) and small defined rocks in the middle of nowhere are the best areas to seek the mutton snapper. Huntingwise, the mutton snapper is skittish and shy, providing the spearo with big excitement. Static Ambush (SA) and gliding on the bottom towards it the “Indian style” (Dynamic Ambush) are the two best spearing techniques to hunt this fish with. The mutton snapper, aside from being tasty, is a very nice looking fish. An absolute hunting pleasure on a single breath of air!

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Photo by Sandy Orca