The bait used in a days fishing should vary. The re-frozen bait from the last trip (when available) should be used as chum or in some cases it is still usable as backup bait. Cigar Minnows, Silver Sardines, Herring, and Mackerel all are options for good bait . Try large Spoons, Jigs (weighted), double drop leaders , and single hooks with different combinations bait. Pogy oil soaked bait is another option that can increase productivity. Multiple baits on a single hook will in fact encourage Amberjack, Grouper, and larger Snapper. For extra feel use an Ambassador reel with Spider Wire backed with mono. Use more of what works best on each spot, and don't guess, keep a Log.   

Here are a few more tips on baits and rigs. 

Squid and cut bait should be limited. 
Use Sturdy hooks with slightly curved shank.
Barrel swivels only. No clips. 
Mono pink or blue. Avoid yellow and green. 
Leader 50 to 100 lbs. and not much heaver. 

Previously Published

Sow Snapper do not always hit your bait with that slam-bang bite.  A slower , more gradual bite is typical of  a larger snapper. She may toy with your bait for longer than a full minute. It helps to hook your bait thru the mouth, out the gills and then back into the body down as far as the tail. 

When fishing structure you will typically show a large mass of tightly packed fish. This is the Christmas Tree Effect. This is more than likely the apex of the obstruction. This is a good place to start for the first pass and you will probably get instant bites. Larger fish are usually spread out away from  this point. They can be located with a good depth recorder and show up as larger individual marks. Remember they are not always on bottom and they can be as far off the apex as 100 yards or more.  

Drifting , or holding position can be more exact than trying to anchor in the exact spot. If you have three fisherman then us three different rigs.  I recommend , one sow rig with a single egg sinker and one hook, a one (1) to four (4) oz. Jig , and one double drop rig. All with a barrel swivel on  top , good sturdy hooks and 80 to 140 lb mono. The line should be pink or blue.

Rik