When it comes to Tampa Bay fishing charters, tarpon and snook really steal the spotlight—especially this time of year.
But trust me when I tell you that the awesome fishing options in our shallow waters run way deeper than those two species. For instance, in the summer months, I love a day of fishing for mangrove snapper.
This is the best time of year for “mangs” (aka gray snapper). And as an added bonus, they bring a lot of action—both biting and fighting—for younger and/or inexperienced anglers. If you’re looking for a widespread Tampa Bay fish species that’s relatively easy to find, super-fun to catch for all experience levels, and also happens to make a delicious dinner, then mangrove snapper the way to go.
Why We Love Mangrove Snapper
Inshore Activity
There’s a lot of reasons why you might not want to head out into the Gulf. Whether it’s a choppy day or you only have time for a short trip, sometimes staying inshore is the best option. Fortunately, Tampa Bay has tons of fantastic species right here in our shallow waters, and mangrove snappers have loads of perfect hangouts. On top of that, they’re most active in the summer months, and each person is allowed to bag up to five a day (minimum 10 inches).
And if you have a young and/or novice angler, Tampa Bay inshore charters for mangrove snapper will provide plenty of quick-and-easy action to get newbies hooked on the sport.
Great Fight
For a species that tops out around 8 lbs and 20 inches in the bay, mangrove snapper provide plenty of fun fight when they’re on the line.
Fantastic Flavor
On top of the fun of catching them, mangrove snapper love to eat crustaceans—which is to say, their diet makes them delicious. Even compared to red snapper, mangrove snapper stand out as a mild white meat that’s subtly nutty and sweet.
They go great in ceviche, but just about any home cook can make a masterpiece out of mangrove snapper tacos.
Where to Find Mangrove Snapper in Tampa Bay
Yes, they’re called mangrove snapper for a reason, and Tampa Bay’s inshore waters have loads of healthy mangrove areas for them to hide in (including some out-of-the-way, lower-traffic places I know well).
But these fish also love any underwater places where they can hide—from docks, bridges and other structures to reefs and even grass flats.
The bigger mangs generally go deeper, but all of them move shallow to feed. And with the warmer waters this time of year, and with spawning season in June and August, they’re super active and on the hunt.
Bait for Mangrove Snapper
Shrimp and crabs (alive or dead) are the treats mangrove snapper are looking for. Finger mullet and small pinfish are perfectly acceptable as well. And if it comes to using lures, imitation shrimp, 1/16 oz jig heads and even silver spoons work, too. (Though I prefer live bait, and the fish do, too.)
Book Unreel for a Mangrove Snapper Outing
When it comes to a quick summer outing, a smoother day inshore, or an adventure for fishing newbies, you can’t beat Tampa Bay boat charters targeting mangrove snapper. You’ll get lots of action, plenty of fight, and even some delicious prizes at the end of the day.
Not only will you have a great day on the water, but as a bonus: You, your friends, and/or your kids can catch dinner!
Deckard & Company