By DOUG HEMMER, Times Correspondent
Published September 11, 2005
There are two dependable targets in the lower Tampa Bay area. Sheepshead and mangrove snapper seem to be the least affected by Red Tide. Sheepshead can be found along the docks and sea walls inside area passes. Mangrove snapper are in the same area, as well as the edge of the dropoff into the Skyway shipping channel.
To locate a good sheepshead area, drift by the docks and sea walls until you see them hanging close to the wall or off the side of the dock pilings. Dice fresh shrimp into small pieces and sprinkle in the area where sheepshead are feeding. Free-line a small piece of shrimp up-currant and let it drift into the area. When the line gets tight, set the hook. If you miss, reel it in and check the bait. Rebait if needed and cast in the same area.
Mangrove snapper will hit the same presentation, but along the shipping channel you'll need to change tactics. Dice a big handful of shrimp and put it into a small paper bag. Look on your depth recorder while motoring down the dropoff of the channel and mark a spot where there is a good show of rocky breaks. Anchor upcurrent and deploy the shrimp bag using a rod with a heavy weight inside the bag. Give the bag a few minutes to get soft before jerking on the weight and breaking the bag. This will send the snapper into a feeding frenzy just below the boat. Use cut shrimp or small white bait on a 20-pound outfit.
Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
