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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 9, 2001
The recreational season for American red snapper closes at midnight Oct.31. Most of the consistent action will be found in waters deeper than 135 feet. You can locate them around structures such as wrecks, ledges and springs.
They also can be in depressions or humps in areas with shrimp. Many times, they will be suspended in the water column instead of hugging the bottom.
Red snapper will bite anything from live pinfish to dead sardines. One of the top producers is a 4-ounce white nylon jig tipped with a sardine.
A 4/0 grouper outfit with a 50-pound test will work. When using live or dead baits, a 13/0 circle hook is a great choice.
When a big one bites, the fight usually lasts all the way to the surface. However, they are one of the tastiest fish found in the Gulf. They are outstanding grilled and hard to beat either broiled or pan sauted in butter and garlic.
The minimum size is 16 inches with a bag limit of four per person. Most of the fish we have caught are heavier than 6 pounds with the larger ones running up to 16 pounds.
-- Tom Turke charters The Mixed Bag out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 854-5779.