Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

Daily fishing report

If you're thinking about mangrove snapper fishing in the coming weeks, you're in luck. June and July are prime months as the snapper will be gathering in large numbers over ledges and wrecks from Tampa Bay to the Middle Grounds. While daytime fishing will produce nice fish, night fishing around the June 24 full moon will be extremely productive. Head to your favorite snapper spot and look for a show of fish holding above the structure. The prime nights will be the three or four before and three or four after the full moon.

While live bait is a necessity during theday, frozen bait works better at night, because the snapper will be drawn to the scent. Use 15- to 25-pound tackle tied with a 4-foot length of 40-pound leader and attach a 2-3/0 live bait hook. Use just enough weight to get the bait to the bottom and hold it there.

Head out just before dark and give each spot 30 to 45 minutes. If the fish don't start biting, move to the next spot. By moving from spot to spot looking for the best bite, you should have your limit in a couple of hours.

-- Randy Rochelle runs Islander Charters in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 528-1213 or by e-mail at Islandercharters@ij.net.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright