Targeting Grey (Mangrove) Snapper in Tampa Bay

To target gray (mangrove) snapper in Tampa Bay, use light tackle with braided main line and a fluorocarbon leader, bait them with live shrimp, pinfish, or cut bait, and target structure like the Tampa Bay Shipping Channel, bridges, docks, and artificial reefs. Chumming with dead bait can attract them to an area, and you must use circle hooks to avoid tearing their soft mouths. 

Where to Find Gray Snapper

• Structures: Gray snapper are attracted to structure where they can hide and find food. 
• Tampa Bay Shipping Channel: The dredged areas of the shipping channel offer ledges that are excellent places to find concentrations of snapper. 
• Bridges: The Skyway Bridge, Gandy Bridge, and Frankland Bridge are popular spots, as they offer structure and food. 
• Docks, Wrecks, and Artificial Reefs: Look for any man-made structure or natural reef within the bay. 

Bait and Tackle

• Live Bait: Live shrimp, pinfish, and small mullet or sardines are excellent baits. 
• Tackle Setup:
  • Line: Use a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader, such as 15-20 lb braid and 15-20lb leader. 
  • Hooks: Circle hooks in the 1/0 to 2/0 range are recommended to avoid tearing the snapper's soft mouths. 
  • Rods and Reels: Light tackle is preferred. A 3000-4000 series reel 

Gray snapper is a common resident of all of the Tampa Bay estuary waters.   I have been fishing for them for as long as I have lived in this area and before I moved here eleven years ago.  On most charters with Five O’clock Charlie Boat Tours and Charters we land these fish.   They live on reefs, in the mangroves and on grass flats during different times of the year.  They typically spawn during the warmer months of the year.  The large ones are caught offshore often when targeting red grouper.   

On many of my charters we target these fish as they are in my opinion one of the best eating and most plentiful fish out there.  With them we often catch grunts as well which are also an under rated good eating fish.   The edibility is rated excellent on these fish.

I live on the water and see these fish every day.  The juveniles live around docks and seawalls and feed on the different sea creatures found in those areas.  Off shore the largest one I have caught was 9 pounds.  

Book a trip today and we will catch some of these delicious fish.