As we have just passed the full moon June 21, anglers are anticipating a last hurrah for tarpon season and the long-awaited arrival of mangrove snapper.
In many instances, the tarpon will migrate offshore to spawn a few days after the full moon and then will return to our local waters.
Upon arrival in our waters, these fish are hungry from spawning and making the voyage back, which can make them quite targetable.
Another species that can be found in our inshore waters after the June strawberry moon is mangrove snapper.
As we begin to see more large schools of hatchbait washing in and out of the bays, we can expect the arrival of mangrove snapper.
Typically, the mangrove snapper will congregate around structure, such as reefs, wrecks, bridges and piers, but don’t be surprised to find groups of fish in some of the deeper grass flats and passes.
Although the inshore mangrove snapper rarely exceed 20 inches in length, they are a favorite among anglers and a top target for the frying pan. And with a minimum size limit of 11 inches, the limit is attainable for most anglers of five fish per day.
Snapper can be caught on a variety of baits, including shrimp, bait fish and even frozen squid.
Snapper can be leader shy. So be prepared to experiment with different pound tests of leader.
For rigging, a knocker rig will suffice in deeper areas. Just a small hook with a split-shot can be effective on shallow spots.
Once on the hook, mangrove snapper are fierce fighters, performing much more than would be expected from their size. And on the plate, they are one of the best.
Spotted seatrout remains steady throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding waters. Deeper grass flats with good tidal flow and clarity seem to be holding fish more than stagnant waters. Free-lined live shiners work well as bait.
Top-water plugs are effective during early morning hours, just before and just after sunrise, especially if you’re hunting large trout.
On my Just Reel charters, spotted seatrout are a mainstay for another week. Free-lined shiners over deep grass flats aren’t lasting long before being inhaled by hungry trout.
Sizes are all over the board, with a range of 13-22 inches. Larger examples are harder to come by, although limits of fish 15-19 inches are being attained.
Catch-and-release snook are cooperating on my charters, with a dozen or more fish on the hook most days.
Lastly, blacktip and sandbar sharks are prevalent in most of the inshore waters and are quite fun on medium-heavy spinning gear.
Strong winds kept Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters inshore, but he’s finding plenty to do while staying in the island’s back waters.
Catch-and-release snook fishing is going well for Mattay on free-lined live shiners along mangrove shorelines and along the beaches. Most snook catches are 20-30 inches.
Fishing around docks is yielding some good catches for Mattay’s clients, where he’s finding snapper, as well as an occasional redfish. Dead shiners as bait works best for these fish and fishing deeper grass flats throughout Sarasota and Tampa bays are providing numerous catches of spotted seatrout. Mixed in with the trout are ladyfish and jack crevalle.
Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is spending windier days working the flats in the bays, where he’s finding spotted seatrout responding to live shiners as bait for clients over deeper grass flats.
While targeting the trout, White is putting clients on a mix of other species, including jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel, as well as a sporadic mangrove snapper.
On the shallower flats, snook — although catch-and-release — are supplying good action for White’s clients. While targeting the snook an occasional redfish is being caught.
On the calmer days, when White can fish offshore, he’s finding large examples of American red snapper in depths of 150 feet.
In slightly shallower depths of 100-110 feet, White is finding red grouper and yellowtail snapper.
Lastly, between all the inshore and offshore action, comes tarpon fishing. Evening outgoing tides are producing the best action for White’s charters, while using past crabs as bait. Silver kings running 80-100 pounds are the norm.
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