Mangrove Snapper Bonanza In Tampa Bay!

We have hit the hot time of year, and it is the beginning of August. This is a great time of year to fish. Mangrove snapper is the main targeted species. Mangrove snapper invade the Tampa Bay area around the summer months of July and August for their spawn. Mangroves are not only fun to catch but they are great table fare as well. Most snapper fishing is done on light tackle spinning gear. We normally use a 2500 Daiwa Tierra spinning reel matched with an 8ft medium-light Daiwa coastal rod. Braided line helps when fishing mangroves since you are normally fishing around structure. I use the Fins #10 braid, Ohero 20lb fluorocarbon for leader, and a #1 Daiichi circle hook for a good strong hook set. Basic areas fished in Tampa Bay are artificial reefs, rock ledges, and rocky banks for starters. The legal size for mangrove snapper is 10 inches minimum with a bag limit of 5 per person and no closed season. Redfish and tarpon are still around. I look for big schools of reds to start showing up toward the latter part of the month with sizes ranging from 20 to 40 inches. Tarpon will start to migrate towards the bays and river mouths and will feed well around the stronger tides of the month. To book a great fishing trip on Tampa Bay, call 813-727-9890 or email captjasonp@aol.com. Also check us out on Facebook and Twitter for daily fishing reports, pictures, and videos. Search Steady Action Fishing Charters Inc on Facebook, and @Captjasonp on Twitter.