Mississippi Angler’s Record-Breaking Vermilion Snapper Catch Stuns with Electric Reel

In a vibrant splash of triumph, Joseph Hoang of Biloxi, Mississippi, has reeled in a record-breaking vermilion snapper, setting a new all-tackle state saltwater fish record. Using an electric reel, Hoang landed the bright red beauty weighing an impressive 6 pounds and 9.6 ounces, as certified by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) this May.

Vermilion snappers, known for their striking crimson hue and sleek, slender bodies, are a prized catch in the Gulf of Mexico. These fish, which can grow up to 2 feet and tip the scales at 7 pounds, swim from North Carolina to Brazil, gracing the West Indies, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea with their vivid presence, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Mississippi’s red snapper season kicked off on May 23, allowing anglers to harvest two fish per day, each with a minimum length of 16 inches. Meanwhile, the state’s beloved largemouth bass, Mississippi’s official fish, remains a common giant, often exceeding 10 to 15 pounds and stretching over 26 inches, per the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP).

Hoang’s catch not only highlights the thrill of fishing but also celebrates Mississippi’s rich aquatic heritage, where every cast tells a story of skill and serendipity.