http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-mangrove-yellowtail-lane-are-new-snapper-targets/2326154
With the closing of red snapper season Saturday, mangrove, yellowtail and lane snappers are the new target species. But red snapper are still covering most of the offshore ledges and wrecks, so targeting the other species without catching reds will be difficult. Mangrove snapper can be found inshore and offshore. Targeting them offshore can be difficult because they will inhabit the same areas as reds, and because they are not as aggressive, they will usually be the last to eat. Areas in the gulf including the Middle Grounds and the Elbow will hold mangroves in large numbers. If a run of 70-plus miles is not in the game plan, concentrate your efforts on ledges, wrecks and reefs in 70-120 foot depths. Yellowtail snapper can be found primarily over larger structure in depths of 120-180 feet. Fish wrecks, springs and big ledges with small baits and light leaders. Chumming is key. Ground chum is good, but sardines cut up into thumbnail-size pieces works better. Lane snapper is prevalent in our area. They can be found in hard-bottom areas, where lots of bait stacks are on the bottom. Small chunks of sardines or strips of squid are the baits of choice.
Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at (727) 642-3411 and fintasticinc.com.
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