Don't catch many snapper, but might start fishing for B-liners soon. Seems like the pictures I see posted say that the snappers posted are B-liners, but to me, they look like Red snappers. Can one of you gentlemen or Ladies tell me what to look for. Seems that the eye of a B-liner is large for the size of the fish.

Google is your friend ....

Beeliners

Try this and don't forget all the other snappers:

http://www.tx.rodngun.com/gulffish/gulffish.asp?cmd=view&FishID=66

http://www.tx.rodngun.com/gulffish/gulffish.asp?cmd=view&FishID=67

Study your pictures, it is easy to tell the difference once you have caught a few of both.

When caught, vermillion (beeliners) have thin yellow stripes on their bodies, which fade to red when they die.

They also don't have teeth to speak of, so if you stick your thumb in a snappers mouth & get jabbed with really sharp teeth, it's not a beeliner

Seems from all the ones I've caught, the beeliners tend to have a slightly more streamlined body than red snapper, which tend to be wider. I agree though, once you see them side by side, the color is different as well.

I like Zeeks method. Stick your finger in the fishes mouth. If it comes back bloody, it aint a beeliner. Simple huh?

If that don't float yer boat, beeliners do have a line going down the body (sometimes faint, but it is there). Red Snapper has no line.

Try the finger in the mouth trick with a trigger fish and let us know how that works out for you too, lol..

pfft, easy!

if you actually come back with fingers, the triggerfish is already dead.

Thanks DayOne, Oldtrackster and Zeek the Greek. We have caught several of the lane and beeliners and I guess some smaller 12-16 inch red snapper. I know you are right that the more you see of the types the better you get at it. Just did not want to throw back a big beeliner thinking it was a red snapper. I might add that when people ask a question on here, they don't need any smart [censored] remarks. They very well might have more experience fishing and are an overall better fisherman than you are. They are looking for real advice and seeking knowledge from people that can possibly help them. This happens on here way to much. Some regulars that have comments on many posts think they are being clever. To me, their letting their dumb hang way out!!!!!! Google is your Friend ........... Really!!!!!! Save your breathe, been there and done that!!!!! Wanted more advice from nice fellow fisherman on the subject.

lighten up Francis we were just joking
I know you're new, but being a hardass won't get you much help around here either
As Bobby suggested, if it's nothing but facts & answers you want, google & wikipedia might be just the spot for you. If you like light-hearted conversation amongst a community of like minded folks,(& maybe even a smartass joke or 2) you're in the right place. but lighten up, man.

The day I cant fish and joke at the same time is the day I sell my gear. All work and no joke makes you a dull fisherman.

So how many bloody fingers did you end up with?

Too much blood to tell, controlling the bleeding is first priority! No not really, Just got back from down there.
Planning my next trip to go back and it will not come fast enough. As you know well, fishing in the gulf spoils you.

Thanks DayOne thats the kinda info we are looking for! Good site to check differnt fish out!