In many parts of the country, Labor Day weekend is considered the last weekend of summer. Certainly, that’s not the case here in South Florida as this month brings some of the hottest days of the year. That said, September brings us some of the best bottom and reef fishing of the year, especially at night. Mangrove snapper have congregated on the near and offshore reefs to spawn. I like to leave the dock late in the afternoon and head offshore to troll for an hour or two to see if we can find a dolphin or two. As the sun starts to set, we will anchor up in 50 to 80 feet and start chumming. Make sure you bring lots of chum and that your chum bag has the larger holes to allow the chum to flow freely into your slick. I prefer to use a 12 lb spinning outfit with about six feet of 20 lb fluorocarbon leader and finish it off with a 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook or yellowtail jig. Live shrimp works great, but I find that a piece of filleted ballyhoo or a sardine chunk will entice the larger fish to bite. Freeline your offering back behind the boat at the same rate as the current is taking your chum. Don’t be afraid to send it way back. When you get a bite, line will peel off your reel at a blistering pace. It’s important to not lift your rod to set the hook like you are bass fishing. Instead, simply close your bail and reel until you come tight. Once you’ve landed your fish, be careful removing your hook or you’ll find out why they call them snapper!
Keep reelin,
GENE DYER
Editor & Publisher
Coastal Angler Fort Lauderdale
fortlauderdale@coastalanglermagazine.com
(954) 680-3900