Fall Fishing Outlook: Time to Get After Those Mangrove Snapper!
-As we transition from summer into fall, one thing is for certain… THE FISH GET HUNGRY! After a very successful Gag Grouper season in September, it's time to shift our focus to Hogfish and Mangrove Snapper. And don't forget, Red Snapper are still on the menu during the weekends, so there's plenty of opportunity to get offshore and put some fish in the cooler!
Best Bet: Full Moon Mangrove Snapper
-The upcoming full moon is shaping up to be a great opportunity to target Mangrove Snapper, weather permitting. As temperatures begin to cool, these fish can really start to chew, putting on weight ahead of the cooler months. If you can get out for an evening trip around the full moon, you're setting yourself up for some excellent fishing.
Bait Selection: Bring the Buffet!
-When targeting bigger Mangrove Snapper, I like to have plenty of options on board. Load up on big live shrimp and a variety of live baits, including pinfish, whitebait, and my personal favorite, pigfish. Of course, don't leave the dock without a few boxes of frozen sardines!
Chumming for Success!
-Once you've picked out a rock pile, wreck, or ledge, position the boat slightly up-current and get a good chum slick going. My go-to chum mixture consists of sand, tropical fish food, oats, and glass minnows. I generally avoid menhaden oil because it can attract some unwanted toothy critters! I mix everything to a consistency that allows me to form chum balls and toss one overboard about every minute. As the chum sinks, it breaks apart and disperses chunks and glass minnows throughout the water column, helping draw Mangrove Snapper up and get them fired up.
Start With Frozen Bait, Finish With Live Bait!
-I always start with frozen bait to get the bite going. Chunks of sardine fished on a SnappaSlappa jig will usually do the trick. Depending on the depth and current, I'll typically use a jighead ranging from 1/4 ounce to 1 ounce. I'll work the frozen bait for the first 20–30 minutes before switching over to live bait. And here's a tip: Don't be afraid to put a big pigfish right on that jighead and let it drift down naturally. That's a great way to target the bigger fish, and it's how I often catch my biggest Mangrove Snapper of the day! When I'm targeting larger Mangrove Snapper, I typically use a 4k- to 5k-size spinning reel spooled with 30-pound braid and a 10–15-foot fluorocarbon leader in the 20- to 30-pound range. Pink fluorocarbon is my preferred choice. Generally, the lighter your jighead, the more naturally your bait will drift with the current. Just be careful not to go too light on your tackle. A Mangrove Snapper over 25 inches can pull like a Gag Grouper and find structure just as quickly. I have had plenty of big Mangos wrap me up and when I get them out they are all scraped up. Make sure your setup has enough backbone to turn those big fish before they wrap you up!
Watch the Weather and Pick Your Window!
- Keep an eye on the forecast and take advantage of those beautiful fall days whenever you can. For your best shot at a great Mangrove Snapper bite, plan your trip around the full moon, especially the days leading up to it, and fish into the evening when conditions allow. Get your baits ready, tie on a SnappaSlappa jig, and go make it happen! Until next time, tight lines! — Capt. Chris