Mutton Snapper
Lutjanus analis
How to tell it
Blue line under the eye, small black side spot, pointed anal fin; red tail edge.
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No size limit | 20-fish reef fish aggregate | Open year-roundAL MRD 2026 · checked | Open |
| Florida (Atlantic) | 18 in TL min | 5 per person within 10-snapper aggregate | Open year-roundFWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| Florida (Gulf) | 18 in TL min | 5 per person within 10-snapper aggregate | Open year-roundFWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| GeorgiaFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) | 18 in total length | 5 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate | Open year-roundSAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked | Open |
| Louisiana | 18 in total length | 10 per person in snapper aggregate, max 5 mutton | Open year-roundLDWF 2026 · checked | Open |
| Maryland | No size limit | 20 aggregate; max 10 of any one species | Open year-roundMD DNR 2026 · checked | Open |
| Mississippi | 18 in total length minimum | 5 per person per day | Open year-roundMS DMR 2026 · checked | Open |
| North CarolinaFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters) | 18 in total length | 5 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate | Open year-roundSAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked | Open |
| South Carolina | 18 in total length | 5/day, within 10-snapper aggregate | Open year-roundSC DNR 2026 · checked | Open |
| TexasFederal rule (Gulf federal waters) | 18 in total length | 5 per person within 10-fish snapper aggregate | Open year-roundNOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked | Open |
Not specifically regulated in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20 lb 12 oz | 2006 | Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Florida | 30.25 lb | 1998 · Dry Tortugas | FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Georgia | 18 lb 9.92 oz | 2019 | GA DNR CRD Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-23 · GA keeps men's/women's records; heavier taken as overall |
| Louisiana | 22.31 lb | 2019 · Green Canyon | LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Mississippi | 5 lb 8.8 oz | 2023 | MDMR State Saltwater Records (Conventional) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| North Carolina | 17 lb 12.8 oz | 2025 · Ocean Isle offshore | NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22 |
| South Carolina | 26 lb | 2002 · Murrells Inlet | SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Texas | 18 lb | 2004 · Gulf of America | TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
On the table
Excellent.
In the app
Point the camera at a mutton snapper and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about mutton snapper
What is the size limit for mutton snapper?
It depends on the state. Florida (Atlantic): 18 in TL min; Florida (Gulf): 18 in TL min; Georgia: 18 in total length; Louisiana: 18 in total length; Mississippi: 18 in total length minimum; North Carolina: 18 in total length; South Carolina: 18 in total length; Texas: 18 in total length.
How many mutton snapper can you keep?
Alabama: 20-fish reef fish aggregate; Florida (Atlantic): 5 per person within 10-snapper aggregate; Florida (Gulf): 5 per person within 10-snapper aggregate; Georgia: 5 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate; Louisiana: 10 per person in snapper aggregate, max 5 mutton; Maryland: 20 aggregate; max 10 of any one species; Mississippi: 5 per person per day; North Carolina: 5 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate; and more in the table above.
What is the record mutton snapper?
30.25 lb in Florida (1998), Dry Tortugas. Other states’ records are in the table.