Mangrove snapper targeted species as we move into August

Catching mangrove snapper is the highlight for another week as anglers can’t get enough of catching these tasty fish while they are so abundant and fishing structure in the Gulf of Mexico and in Tampa Bay is a great way to begin your search for the popular inshore snappers.

Several methods of fishing are working to catch these fish. One is anchoring and chumming. After catching enough shiners to use for bait, take an extra throw with the cast net as to have an ample amount to chum with. Handfuls of fresh-dead small shiners trickled over the transom during the slower stages of the tide is a great way to lure the snappers out of their hiding places in the deep and up toward the surface where they are visually targetable. 

Once the fish are in the chum, free-lining baits to them is quite effective — just remember to use a light leader and a small hook as mangrove snapper can become spooked easily.

If the snapper don’t rise up in the chum, try adding a weight to the rig to get the bait on the bottom in front of their noses.

Usually a knocker rig — an egg sinker and a small circle hook — will work in this scenario. You may find chumming, even when bottom fishing, will aid in keeping the bite going. If the current increases, you want to stop as the chum will drift too far away and take the snapper with it.

Lastly, mangrove snapper will congregate on deeper grass flats. In these areas a free-lined shiner with a light leader and small hook will suffice. 

On many occasions you’ll be targeting other fish such as spotted seatrout when you discover a school of snapper. So you may see a mix or catches including both the trout and snapper and possibly even mackerel and ladyfish. Either way, the snapper will have no problem competing with other species for your bait. 

On my own Just Reel charters, I’m targeting mangrove snapper. Fishing structure such as rocks and ledges is working well. Using a knocker rig with a live shiner is producing the best action. In fact, it’s resulting in limits on most days. 

After snapper fishing, I’m moving to the deeper grass flats to target trout. On most days, I’m seeing good rallies of fish as long as the tide is moving. Mixed in with the trout are Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and the random mangrove snapper. 

Lastly, catch-and-release snook are being caught, although some patience is required as they are being finicky.