SNAPPER, CUBERA
The Cubera Snapper is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean. It inhabits areas associated with reefs, preferring areas with rocky substrates. It can be found at depths of from 18 to 55 metres (59 to 180 ft). This species can reach a length of 160 centimetres (63 in) TL though most do not exceed 90 centimetres (35 in).
The Cubera Snapper is dark brown or gray and may have a reddish tinge. It has a Broad-based triangular tooth patch on roof of the mouth without a posterior extension. Despite its specific name, which translates to "blue-fin," the fins have only a slight tinge of blue and thr canine teeth in both jaws are very strong. It also has one pair of canines which are enlarged and visible even when the mouth is closed.
The Cubera Snapper can be found on very deep water reefs, and fishing for them becomes a very special activity. For tackle, you should use a medium to heavy weight bottom fishing rig. Also, a Peen 4/0 reel and 50 to 80 pound test monofilament line. 80 to 100 pound fluorocarbon leaders should be used for this type of fish. Deep jigging can sometimes bring a strike from a Cubera Snapper. A red and white, 8 ounce or more nylon jig with a good strip bait jigged off the edge of the reef in water from 180 to 250 feet deep can sometimes entice a Cubera Snapper to bite. For live bait you can use crawfish, small yellowtail or small mangrove snapper.
Internationally
The Cubera Snapper can be found from Nova Scotia to the mouths of the Amazon River in Brazil though it is rare north of Florida. It can also be found in the Caribbean Sea and, rarely, in the Gulf of Mexico.