Two-spot red snapper Fishing

A big lutjanid known as 'bohar' in the Red Sea; it roams the 20-60 m band of the reef walls off Hurghada, Safaga and Sharm in loose groups. Metal jigs and live sardine are the best presentations, with first light and late afternoon the most active hours. It makes a very strong first run, so set the drag before the fish arrives. Warning: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk in some areas, which is why releasing fish over 4-5 kg is common practice.

Lutjanus bohar

Two-spot red snapper (Lutjanus bohar)
Photo: Hectonichus · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
January–December
Water temperature
23–31 °C
Spawning
May–July
Behaviour
Ambushes from structure

Techniques

  • Bottom rig
  • jigging
  • live bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch two-spot red snapper?
The productive window for two-spot red snapper runs January–December. May–July is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does two-spot red snapper feed in?
Two-spot red snapper is most active between 23 and 31 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for two-spot red snapper?
Common methods: Bottom rig, jigging, live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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