Red Porgy

Overview

The red porgy, or pink snapper, is a handsome deepwater bottom fish of the Atlantic, prized for its firm, sweet flesh and its steady bite over hard bottom. A staple of bottom-fishing trips, it rewards deep-drop anglers with excellent table quality.

Identification

Red porgy are pinkish-silver with fine blue and yellow spotting, a steep forehead, and the deep body and strong grinding teeth of the porgy family. The rosy color and blue-flecked back distinguish them from the smaller scup.

Range & Habitat

They live over deep reefs, ledges and hard bottom of the US South Atlantic and Gulf, typically in 60 to 300 feet of water.

Behavior & Diet

Red porgy feed on the bottom on crabs, mollusks, worms and small fish, holding over hard structure in loose groups.

Best Seasons

Caught year-round where seasons allow on bottom trips, with access and weather dictating the best days.

How to Catch Them

Bottom rigs with cut bait, squid or shrimp dropped to deep hard bottom; they bite steadily on a well-presented bait.

Tackle & Rigs

Medium-heavy conventional bottom gear, braided line, high-low or knocker rigs with bait and enough weight to reach the depths.

Landing, Handling & Release

Crank from deep water; vent or descend deep-caught release fish. Ice keepers promptly.

Table Quality

Red porgy are excellent - firm, white, sweet meat that rivals snapper on the plate.

Common Mistakes

Not reaching the bottom in deep water and keeping short fish under strict size rules.

Regulations & Conservation

Red porgy are managed with strict size, bag and seasonal rules after past overfishing. Always confirm the current federal and state regulations before keeping fish. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Red porgy or scup? Red porgy are rosier, larger and blue-flecked; scup are the smaller northern porgy.

Good eating? Excellent - firm, sweet, snapper-like meat.