We have been plagued with record-setting temperatures the past several weeks and not much wind to cool things off, so fishing at night for mangrove snapper is a great way to beat the heat and bend the rod.
The mangrove snapper fishery has been difficult to capitalize on during the day, given our 90-degree seawater temperatures on the reef and irregular currents. Targeting this species at night has several benefits and is currently more productive than fishing during the day. With night fishing, the competition for anchoring space is much lower, exposure to harmful UV is nonexistent and the snapper are more apt to feed.
The past few weeks when targeting mangrove snapper at night, I get to my favorite fishing spot just as the sun is sinking past the horizon. After anchoring, I deploy a chum hoop with a fresh block of chum and wait for the bite. Patience is key in this type of fishing, as I have had to wait until almost midnight for the bite to get red hot.
Typically, during this time of year when the snapper are spawning, they will be on the surface of the water or mid-water column when feeding at night. My preferred method of landing these fish is with a weighted jig head, typically 3/8 ounce depending on the current. You can use either a cut piece of ballyhoo, cut pinfish, whole pinfish, Bonita strip or live pilchard to target these fish. Be sure to bring a sabiki rod, as I have had pilchards come up in the chum slick at night, and they are my bait of choice for these hungry snapper.
Reef waters from 45 to 65 feet have been the most productive area this season so far. Just a degree or two in water temperature can make or break the appetite of these snapper. As we have had, and will continue to have, relatively calm sea conditions this month, this is an enjoyable way to get out on the water. Several reputable charters offer nighttime charters this time of the year for targeting mangrove snapper. In local waters, the bag limit for this species is five fish per angler, with a minimum total length – measured from the snout to the tip of the tail – of 10 inches. In federal waters, the limit is increased to 10 fish per angler with a minimum size of 12 inches.
Most of us get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to appreciate where we live. The Florida Keys has very low levels of light pollution, so gazing at the stars, watching a lightning storm over the Everglades, or enjoying the sunset can all be appreciated when night fishing. Make sure to pack your headlamp for navigating around the boat and a good spotlight for the drive home. I try to use minimal light on the boat while night fishing, as the extra light will spook the fish coming to the surface to feed on your chum slick.
Mangrove snapper is one of my favorite fish to eat for dinner. I enjoy it coconut fried with a sweet Thai chili sauce served with coconut rice. However, the white, flaky filet of a mangrove snapper will absorb the spices and flavors of whatever seasonings you choose. So get out there and enjoy a break from the heat with a relaxing evening of rod-bending action.
