Also known as
- Flags US
- Cola US
- Yellowtail US
Identification
A slim torpedo-shaped Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Caribbean reef snapper built for fast mid-water cruising rather than ambush.
- Blue-green upper body fading to white underside
- Distinctive yellow side band running from snout through eye and widening toward tail
- Completely yellow deeply forked tail
- Small head and mouth compared to other reef snappers
Where it holds
- Coral Reefs
- Sandy Shores
- Seagrass Meadows
Behaviour
An unusual mid-water snapper that feeds suspended above reef structure rather than tight to bottom. Active nocturnal carnivore with exceptional eyesight; the deeply forked tail enables superior manoeuvrability for intercepting drifting prey through the chum slick. Schools cruise above offshore reefs and adjacent sand flats. Peak feeding through the night and into early morning in 25-27°C (77-81°F) water. Juveniles use seagrass beds before recruiting onto reef.
Diet: Pilchards, Glass Minnows, Small Reef Fish, Shrimp, Small Crabs, Squid, Worms
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Chunking
The iconic Florida Keys and Bahamas method. Drift over offshore reef structure deploying a heavy menhaden chum block (often 100lb+) mixed with rolled oats to extend the slick. Free-line cut squid or fresh shrimp chunks on a #1-1/0 hook with 15-20lb fluorocarbon leader at chum-drift speed in free spool — the bite comes mid-slick when the fish lift up to feed. Strong current concentrates fish and disperses chum further; the heavier the slick, the bigger the school.
Bottom Fishing
Targets larger 'flag' fish hanging deeper than the chum-slick school. Drop live pilchards, small minnows, or fresh cut bait on a size 1-2 hook with light 15-20lb fluorocarbon leader and minimum weight over hard bottom and reef edges in 18-50m. Best at twilight and overnight when bigger fish move up to feed. Light leader essential — these fish are notoriously line-shy.
Jigging
Tip a small 1-4oz vertical or bucktail jig with cut squid or shrimp strip and let it drift naturally in the chum slick at mid-water depth. Subtle lift-fall action mimics drifting prey; aggressive jigging spooks fish. Most productive in moderate-to-strong current that keeps the jig swinging back through the slick at chum-drift speed.
Saltwater Fly
Cast small Clouser minnows, Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and 2-3 inch baitfish flies into an active chum slick over offshore reef on a 7-8wt rod with intermediate line and long 8-12lb fluorocarbon tippet. Slow strip at chum-drift speed — flies need to behave exactly like the cut bait drifting alongside. Heavy chum brings fish up to surface fly range.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
A productive Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Caribbean reef-spearo target on shallow-to-mid reefs in 5-25m. Schools cruise above structure and approach divers — patient stalking from a holding position behind cover produces shots. Wary by nature; clean approach essential. Float-line setup; fish are small enough that a medium speargun is sufficient.
