Bridge Fishing For Mangrove Snapper In Tampa Bay New Link

[SnookMook]

For all members who requested the new link, here it is.

http://forshorefishing.blogs.theledger. ... tampa-bay/

I hadn't realized the old link expired when they changed blog hosting sites at my newspaper.

This bridge fishing technique will work just about any bridge on any coast in Florida as well as the Keys.

I slayed the mangos from the bridge over Blind Pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands back in October. Caught my limit each and every day during a week long fishing vacation.

[PhishingPhanatic]

Nice. A technique I use with great success in the Keys is very similar to yours, but instead of a leader rig, I just use a trollrite (jighead). I usually fish a spinner w/ 12 lb pink Ande mono. If the bite is easy, I use 15-20 lb flouro or mono leader, but if they are biting hesitantly, I will just tie the jig straight to my 12 lb mono. I like to fish on the upcurrent side of the bridge, and drop my bait (usually a live shrimp, small pinfish or pilchard) in front of and near the side of a piling. This will give it a chance to sink into the strike zone, and then the current will catch it and sweep it under the bridge. I fish with an open bail, just like yellowtailing, and watch carefully for any kind of tick in the line. Sometimes the bite will be noticeable as your line will zip off the spool, but sometimes it is very subtle. Close the bail, take a step or two to the side and pump the rod to get them out of the piling, I always fish with a pretty heavy drag in this situation. They give you a good fight while they are digging for the structure.

[firefighter 76]

thanks for posting again mookie by the way i am Flattitude1976 on the other site

mark

[cotton]

I love this article...its a great read for the winter doldrums; gets me pumped for next year's mango fishing!

[SnookMook]

FF and Cotton--I appreciate the comments and input.

FF--Thanks for letting me know the old link didn't work any more. Those freaking IT/Net guys will kill ya. They're always changing stuff. LOL