Besides the traditional two-hook and Carolina (sow)-snapper rig, Vescey said there are a couple of non-traditional things fishermen can do to be prepared for the unexpected.

Capt. Markus Borsman-Gneist, of Mayhem charters in Stuart, demonstrates how to tie a dropper-loop rig, often called a "chicken" rig, to fish for red snapper.

Ed Killer offers these tips on bait, tackle and locations to catch a red snapper during the two-day Florida Atlantic season on July 8-9.

A lively discussion about the best offshore spots to catch red snapper in the gulf led to a few time-tested tips and at least as many funny stories.

Which rig is best to use on the business end of the snapper line? Some people opt for a ledger rig, others prefer a trace.