Mangrove Snapper are found through out Florida’s Shores year-round, but they are only truly abundant inshore during the warmer months. Now that the mercury has started to rise, its time to get ready to catch limits of Mangrove Snapper.
Gear Prep
Most Mangrove Snapper that are caught inshore are no larger than 2lbs, but they are almost caught around heavy cover. Because they are caught around structure the gear requirements to consistently catch inshore Mangrove Snapper are a little heavier than many other inshore fish of similar size.
A good set up for inshore would be:
- Spinning Reel on a Medium Action rod
- 30 pound test braid main line
- 24-36″ 20 pound test fluorocarbon leader (Mangrove Snapper have good vision, fluorocarbon helps keep the tackle less visible)
Finding Bait
The 3 most successful baits for inshore Mangrove Snapper are live shrimp, mud minnows and small finger mullet. All 3 of these baits can be found at high quality bait shops, or captured with a cast net / traps. Lively baits work best!
Scouting Locations
The best locations to find Mangrove Snapper are areas with a lot of structre that is near deeper water. They frequently inhabit areas around bridges, docks, rock piles and mangrove shorelines that are near deeper channels.
Small Mangrove Snapper will be found in these areas almost year-round. If the small ones are caught before the summer months arrive, that same area will most likely hold the larger fish later in the year as well.
Catching Mangrove Snapper
Here are a few articles that will help with catching inshore Mangrove Snapper:
- Fishing For Mangrove Snapper
- Fishing for Inshore Mangrove Snapper
- Mangrove Snapper Rigs
- Fish Profile – Mangrove Snapper
