May is a great month to target Mangrove snapper in Tampa Bay. It’s time to pull out those ¾ ounce Mission fishing jig heads and some 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Grab about 10 dozen shrimp from Mitch’s Bait & Tackle.
Try finding a nice rock pile or fish around the Skyway Bridge–there’s lots of places around there. It seems to attract the snapper more if you hook the shrimp in the head. I like a nice flowing current when fishing for these guys. If you really want to get the snapper going, buy a chum block and cage and drop it down to the bottom. I like to stick with a smaller reel like a 3000 size and a custom Kris Green rod.
While fishing for mangrove snapper, free line one of the shrimp with a heavier leader and a 3/0 hook. There is a good chance you will hook up on a Spanish mackerel. Mackerel taste so good right off the smoker. I’m pretty sure that you will catch other fish, too. At times, we have caught snook while fishing for mangrove snapper using this method. Now it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish!
If you would like to take a fishing charter with us, you can save 20% for May–just mention this fishing report.