If you’re looking to catch something a little different in the Tampa Bay, then consider targeting lane snapper, currently the Bay is loaded with lane snapper at the St. Pete Bay Reef and other artificial reefs near shore.
We’ve caught some nice ones on live shrimp and cut bait. The tackle that I use is a 7-foot Star rod medium action and a Penn SSV 3500 with 15-pound braid. I like to use a half to three quarter ounce knocker rig, depending on the current, with 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 Owner hook. Fish finder rigs with a 2 to 3-foot leader also work great using the same size tackle. These setups also work for mangrove snapper, hogfish and Key West grunts.
While you’re fishing the Bay reefs, throw a live threadfin out of the back of the boat with the drag semi loose on the reel. You just may hook into a tarpon. I like to use a 7-foot 6-inch medium heavy action Star Rod with a Penn SSV 7500 reel loaded with 50-pound braid with a 60 to 80-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 6/0 to 7/0 Owner circle hook. All this tackle can be purchased at Mitch’s Bait and Tackle in St. Pete off of 4th street and 62nd avenue north. Put these tips to use and you’ll set yourself up for some great summer time fishing!