April is the month of the “snapper” across the offshore waters of the Treasure Coast- vermilion, mutton, mangrove, lane, and yellowtail headline this fishing show, and make for major color splashes in the fish boxes and frying pans, belonging to bottom fishing enthusiasts along the Treasure Coast. These tasty representatives of the snapper family will be found among the many reefs and wrecks (natural and artificial) that lay just beyond the St. Lucie Inlet in depths that range from 50 to 180 feet of water. Anglers using proven and basic bottom fishing techniques that include multiple hook rigs (chicken rigs) and cut bait, deployed with lead weights, sufficient to reach and “hold” the bottom, will enjoy the catching. It is not uncommon for anglers to enjoy a Snapper Slam, which is achieved by catching three different species of snapper in one trip!
Further increasing the excitement of snapper fishing during this month, is the opening of vermilion snapper season on the first day of April. Starting April 1st, anglers will be allowed to “catch and keep” vermilions also known as “BeeLiners”. For a “BeeLiner” to be a keeper it must measure 12 inches total length overall. Anglers will be able to keep five vermilions per person-per boat (check local regulations for State and Federal limits as they are constantly subject to change). Vermilion snapper are best caught in depths from 70 to 180 feet by anglers who either employ a drifting or anchoring strategy over the reefs or structure that this species of snapper populate. Artificial reefs positioned in 90 to 150 feet of water built by the Martin County Artificial Reef Committee (MCARP) tend to hold the largest populations of vermilions. These fishing “spots” are by no means secret, the GPS coordinates can be found on the MCARP website (www. martinreefs.com).
As the chilly winds associated with winter cold fronts fade like a “lamb”, the golden days of April are characterized by moderate southeast breezes and warm north currents that usher in boundless fishing strategies, thanks to user friendly ocean conditions and calm seas. These calm seas, coupled with warmer water temperatures will lead offshore bottom fishing enthusiasts to target the many species of snapper that inhabit the near coastal ocean waters of the Treasure Coast. Trophy mutton snapper that can reach sizes of 20 pounds or better become the target for many of our local game fishermen. Muttons prefer warm bottom temperatures and congregate around the edges of reefs in 50 to 90 feet of water. Fishing for large mutton snapper can become academic and artistic as anglers employ long leader strategies to snag this elusive bottom dweller!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Rocky Carbia
SAFARI I
Pirates Cove Resort and Marina
4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno, FL
Reservations: (772) 334-4411
www.Safari-1.com