Mangrove Snapper Tips: Bait Size Matters

Mangrove Snapper Tips: Bait Size Matters.
Mangrove Snapper are one of the predominant fish available in the Keys. They are also one of the must sustainable in the good eats category. But being sustainable means that there are a large amount of juveniles especially in the inshore range. Often times you can find a great fishing spot and you end up catching a ton of fish, but nothing with size. By alternating bait type and size, you can weed out the small biters and narrow down to only larger that are able to eat a larger bait. Pinfish are a great bait option. They come in a multitude of sizes and because of their defense mechanism, can keep the small bait peckers at bay. This narrows down your bite to only the larger size fish. So in general, big bait equals big fish.
KEY WEST KAYAK FISHING: Equipment Used
The Car - 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX
The Motorcycle - 1997 BMW F650
The Kayaks
1) 2010 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140.
2) 2012 Hobie Adventure Island w/ Outboard Motor Mount
2010 Suzuki 2.5 HP 4-Stroke Outboard
Lowrance Hook-5
The Rods/Reels
1) 7' MH Shimano Teramar, TMS-X70MH, Line Wt. 10-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-1 1/2oz, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Extra Fast
Penn Conflict 4000
Power Pro 20lb
Power Pro 10lb
Andes 15lb pink mono
2) 7' H Shimano Teramar, TMS-F70H, Line Wt. 15-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-2oz, Power: Heavy, Action: Med Fast
Penn Conflict 6000
Power Pro 65lb
3) 5'8" XH Shimano Treval Jigging Trigger Rod, TVC-58XH, Line Wt. 80-200, Lure Wt, 160 - 270grams, PowerExtra Heavy
Shimano Torium 16
Power Pro 65lb
4) 7'6" M Hurricane Calico Jack IM7, CAJ-457, Line Wt. 8-17lb, Lure Wt 3/8-3/4oz, Power: Medium
Shimano Solstace 4000 FI
Power Pro 20lb
5) 6' Ande Tournament Stand Up Rod, ASU-601A SDRMH, Line Wt. 20-50, Power: Medium Heavy
Shimano TLD-30A 2-Speed
Power Pro 65lb
6) 6'6" Shimano Trevala, TVC-66MH, Line Wt. 50-100lb, Jig Wt 50-100g, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Medium Fast
Abu Garcia 6500C3
Power Pro 30lb
7) 7' Shimano Trevala, TVC-70ML, Line Wt. 20-50lb, Jig Wt 55-135g, Power: Medium Light, Action: Medium Fast
Abu Garcia 6500C3
Power Pro 30lb
Plus a few other misc saltwater rigs that are used sparingly and some Bass rigs which I won't use in salt water.
Cast Nets
-5' 3/8" Plastic enclosed weights
-6' 3/16" Super Spreader SS-1000 1 lb per foot
-7' 3/8" Mako 1lb per foot
Filming
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
GoPro Hero 3 Black
GoPro Studio Editing Software
Panasonic G7
-14-42mm F3.5-5.8
-20mm F1.7
Header Graphic Created By: Jeff Kaphingst (www.jeffthedesigner.com) (www.rack30.com)

[@jackpolmann6159]

Because of you I can now consistently catch mangos when I go out. Knocker rig with bait hooked in the tail. I prefer greenbacks (pilchards) but right now all we have are pins and finger mullet which work fantastic still. I appreciate the tips and techniques. Thanks Steve.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Great to hear. Once you get out of that quantity state of mind and have patience for the bigger fish, it really sets you up for some quality fish.

[@steveburg5273]

I learn so much watching these types of videos. They're great! Well, other than the fact they make me want to move to FL.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad they were helpful. Plenty of room down here. Fishing is great throughout the state.

[@scottmckenna9164]

Buy your air conditioner as soon as March arrives!

[@rubenlopez7582]

Steve you have the best fishing chanel on KZbin!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate the support Ruben.

[@samuelalejandrosalazarcabr5309]

Ruben Lopez Are you sure?????. No way Bro,this Narra knows make a good dinner,but really he dont know what is fishing. Remember "everybody catch fishies on Key West"

[@lojofishing]

That's what she said.....

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Don't bring up the bad memories. LOL.

[@lojofishing]

Lol

[@del55555]

You became the most fun to watch fishing youtuber for me ! cheers from Oman

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Del. Say hello to everybody in Oman from me.

[@edmiyares1044]

Nice video that it's what I was looking for what type of bait for the mangrove snapper's

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

My go to bait.

[@peacekeepermoe]

Always great tips... A wealth of knowledge. Always a pleasure to watch!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate the compliment. Thanks for watching.

[@chapstickwarrior9277]

I'm jealous of your fishing trips, this looks really fun

[@dabkiller4204]

thanks for all the tips and tricks helps for beginners like me

[@diegoespin787]

You couldn't have watched the vid that fast

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No problem dab. Hope they are helpful.

[@jeffmullins1475]

I really enjoy your videos. Very creative, informative and fun to watch.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Jeff. thanks for checking them out.

[@boashna]

bravo - you are a fish slayer

[@revbknox]

Stumbled upon your channel and I am hooked! (pun intended ;-). Now I have a kayak and am heading to the creeks and inlets of the South Carolina coast with all your tips and help in hand. Thanks bro!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Good deal. Welcome to the channel and to the kayak fishing family.

[@stuartgoodrich7712]

Nice video. I know they are not as glamorous as tarpon or snook but I much more enjoy your mangrove/bridge videos for snapper.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No worries. I like to mix things up. Fishing is fun regardless of species and technique.

[@5winder]

Nice tips, man. God bless you.

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

awesome fishing Bud... I love snapper fishing... need to get a kayak... so when you roll up on your spots... I'm there 😁😁😁😀😀

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No worries, I have lots of spots. Definitely should.

[@konnorbalon8888]

i just went out and got a fly rod, you fishing guys inspire me.Thank you-konnor 16

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Fly fishing is an art. I need to do more.

[@CathySue911]

Always good videos! You either know what you are doing or one very lucky guy!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Super lucky. LOL.

[@FishingFinAddict]

Appreciate the synopsis. Tight lines 👊

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No problem. Thanks for checking it out.

[@PushinWaterFishing]

Enjoyed the vid!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks Pushin. Appreciate it.

[@Thedentduo]

Holy crap, you've been growing super fast, you were at 20k like a month ago. Keep it up man!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, we keep chugging along. Thanks for the support.

[@ajmiller7317]

Thanks for the tips Steve! I'm taking a week long vacation to the Keys the last week in August, I've never been there so I'm physched to actually get a chance to see the worlds fishing Mecca firsthand.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

You'll have a great time. It gets hot but plenty of water to cool off. Lots of stuff to do as well as the fishing.

[@likezandz7827]

thank you fot this video Steve

[@JamesWright1955]

nice young cubera , I love playing with our local black tips. good vid.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Tasty Cubera. My bad Lemon Shark.

[@makingthepush2313]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you liked it.

[@Fatboii007]

i love these tips Keep them coming !!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad they were helpful. Thanks for checking them out.

[@donfleming9528]

Another great video keep on keeping on

[@sanjeevsingh2831]

Good to know how the bait size matters on what you catch...

[@edmiyares1044]

Nice job on the video Steve

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Ed.

[@XtremeH18]

Great video and tips! 👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks Harom.

[@aguirre9988]

Thank you for the tips

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No problem Oscar. Thanks for watching.

[@TheMasterCaster]

Jeez... You're posting so many videos I can barely keep up lol. Next time in FL I'll definitely try that tactic of bigger baits, cause it looks to definitely work!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Pretty much daily vlogging but going fishing rather than talking into the camera. LOL. May, June, July, August are prime time fishing as the winds tend to lay down a bit for Summer.

[@prather4realestate605]

Thanks for the reply!! Great vids too, I really need to get down to key west!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Definitely should.

[@thefitadventure1597]

Nice cubera on that pin, that will make a fine dinner for sure!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Lunch. Coming up next.

[@tjs8494]

U have awesome vids!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it TJ. Thanks for checking them out.

[@diegoelcienfueguero7865]

Hi Steve, nice vid bra I love to fish 🐟 for those big grovers, keep up the great work bra.👍🤙🙏🇨🇺

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, gotta do the upgrade.

[@hummer4u2nv11]

Questions: If i caught some pinfish one day, but wanted to save time and just head directly out to Patch reefs the next morning...1) Are pinfish hardy baits or do they die quickly? 2) Do you think its possible to keep several pinfish alive inside my kayak with either a bucket or cooler with 'small' holes by refreshing the water throughout the day...3) Do you think they would last overnight in my Motel room if i kept them in a bucket with bubble machine/aerator?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Pinfish are very hardy which is one of their biggest positives. If you get a five gallon bucket from Home depot and poke some holes in the cover, throw the pinfish in there and just submerge the bucket somewhere. Much easier than a bubbler in motel room. Just pick them up on the way out. I do that when I am bulk baiting for Tarpon. Especially for Mullet. If you watch some of my latest Tarpon videos you will see me doing this.

[@andrewwaters1993]

Just an idea, it would be interesting to do a 24 hour challenge where you catch as many species within a 24 hr period measuring the largest/longest of one species and tally a total at the end. Got this from EliasVfishing channel. Would like to see how you fair haha. Good luck

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

What do I win.

[@andrewwaters1993]

Best prize of all.....bragging rights

[@cmoon682]

Enjoy your channel,you've put in the hours,some of the most talented anglers I've met hook mullet using bread,or native seaweed here in Hawaii striped(open ocean) mullet is excellent steamed,tho most are caught w throw nets.Have you tried hooking?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It is possible but in open water, they are constantly on the move so getting withing casting distance with bread would be tough. I do fine with the snagging so easy enough. In shallow water i just throw the net one and done.

[@wagnersantana_]

More one Nice fishing!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. Nice day.

[@alexyelequipobarracudas2827]

Imagine how surprising can be go out looking for baig this morning to catch mangroves, and ight search a random video on KZbin looking for mangrove fishing and realize i was looking for bait on the exact place he's fishing and I have to pass by that key every day but I never tried there cuz is to shallow. Idk you friend but I have to pick my workers in card sound twice a day and I pretty sure your cayak looks familiar,

[@lorenzopena7957]

You usually mark the area around your fishing, looking to hit something different since I have limited time..

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, i post all my spots. Search my channel for Shark Channel. I posted a video about spots for Tarpon and Snappers.

[@brendank.8202]

When r we gunna be bonefishing on the flats. Best vids!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Very soon. Got some flat winds coming up.

[@saltology9586]

Was this filmed very recent? Great to see some more white bait around, i'll be on my way down for a while tomorrow

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, the day before I posted. Been seeing tons of them on the flats in the cuts. Wherever the glass minnows are they are there. Small and mediums though. But have heard they are coming in through out the Keys and up to Miami.

[@miamiwax5504]

Damn steve I just had a revelation. Fish peck at baits because they don't wanna get spined in the mouth. I bet if u cut off the spines snapper wouldnt be so peckish and take fewer bites. I'm gonna try this next time I go to the bridge.

[@FlKeysFishingChannel]

Another Awesome Video! Why do you think the Cuberras in shallow water?! Is there a spawn going on or something? How often do you encounter them?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

The juveniles hang around the mangroves and flats. Then they head offshore. Lots of species do that as there is security and food.

[@FlKeysFishingChannel]

Thanks for the reply. Hope you make and put an interesting spin on a lobster catch and cook soon with mini season approaching. I don't believe i've seen you film one of those yet.

[@djnewyork1844]

Grate Video man I love your channel but I go Key West every year for my Birthday the first week of October to fish but never seem to have much luck I do a little bridge fishing but I like White Street Pier and by where the cruise ship dock is there anywhere you can recommend in that area that has good fishing and is day or night better i go on the Charter boat but not all the captains put you on fish ,I know your off sure most of the time but just thought I’d ask

[@7citiesfishing]

when I was in the keys I caught only small mangrove like the beginning ones you got, idk if you remember talking to me in the comments but check it out if you have the time

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, I watched your videos. That would have been a perfect time to use the live Pinfish. Catch the small ones first to get it out of your system then drop a bigger live bait and wait for the big ones. On the bridges as well. Sometimes I will use two rods. One for drifting baits and one heavy duty for a bottom big live bait.

[@omegasalmonfish]

You have to do a video where you catch successively larger fish using the previous fish as bait!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Sounds good. Will do.

[@evancain6421]

croakers are the best bait for snapper small 1 to 2 inch ones

[@LetsGoFishingSfla]

Nice Cubera Snapper!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, it was a surprise catch.

[@draketp8897]

It’s better for snapper when the glass meno (idk how to spell) are alive on the hook and the smallest ones work best from my experience so far

[@An9eL_C]

Been dying to catch a bunch of Minnows then batter, fry them and eat them whole... Always wondered how they taste... How about you try a catch and taste bait fish and see which one is best even if they are all fried... Heard the Scaled and Spanish Sardines are really good while Pinfish are horrible... I've eaten many Grunts and while not the best they can make an excellent fish soup...

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, I have been waiting to set some larger ones. Eat them like french fries.

[@An9eL_C]

Cool Steve will be watching the day you do... Best of luck and tight lines...

[@spencermotz3158]

Another great vid Steve! Always learning new techniques. quick question, how do you attach your leaders? uni-uni?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful. Most of the time uni-uni. When I am using heavy leaders and I am at home i use the FG.

[@spencermotz3158]

Key West Kayak Fishing thanks for the reply! I use the same, works very well and locks on tight with the power pro braid.

[@henrydang8908]

Hey I'm gonna be fishing out of marathon the last week of July and was wondering if you have any good numbers to fish at around there? Snappers, groupers,almaco etc.. Thanx in advance!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No numbers, just hit the reef for the Snappers and Grouper. Spawn will be over but some stragglers will still be around. Yellowtails always. Just gotta find current and schools. Almacos at any of the wrecks over 150ft.

[@kimberleywooten4362]

Kind of off topic a bit but.... When you're fishing for tarpon using pinfish, grunts or crabs....and while using a float (or balloon)....do you allow the bait to freely drift in the current...from your anchored kayak? If so....I'm assuming you have to reel it in from time-to-time to begin a new drift. Am I on track here? Thanks Steve for all your hard work.👍🏻

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Generally when there is moderate to heavy current. You do want to make the bait look as natural as possible, especially the crabs. When there is light current, then you can basically just let it drift around and put the rod in the holder. I generally like to do two rods. One where I leave a bait in a light current spot and put the rod in a holder with no drag or clicker on. Then the other rod I am throwing and drifting the bait in the current and constantly reeling it in and putting it back out.

[@kimberleywooten4362]

Thanks Steve....that clears it up for me. Thanks to your videos I landed my first tarpon in the kayak....on a Hogy. I did jump a few drifting crabs and pinfish. Thanks again.

[@edwardkrasno321]

i'm from key west moved to Pensacola are you fishing lower or upper keys good job

[@powerdbyfood1]

Man florida summer in all black long sleeves

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Just gotta man up a bit.

[@AkaNomasyo]

Great video and advice! Are using a circle hook for snapper? What size hook do you recommend. Thanks

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I use 3/0 to 7/0 depending on the size of the pinfish. If I am dealing with small dead baits I use a live bait hook and do a quick hook set. Circles with live bait and I let them run with it.

[@AkaNomasyo]

Great ! Thank you.

[@pilotguy2fy]

Great vid. is it necessary to chum before catching mangroves

[@TK-2Quick]

Darien Artis you don't have to but since he had a surplus of bait it doesn't hurt to chum.

[@pilotguy2fy]

Tomas Klimas ok thanks Ima go try today

[@TK-2Quick]

Good luck find the bait you'll find the fish! Tight lines!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

When I am targeting larger mangroves, I prefer not to chum and be stealthy. Big ones are smart (that is how they get big) so if you can drop a nice Pinfish in a good hole even those big ones will get greedy. When you chum and there is all that commotion, it can sometimes make the bigger ones more wary. On the other hand a lot of times that action makes them come over and see what is going on then the pack mentality takes over. That is when you need the hardier bait to survive all the little guys so you can get to the bigger ones.

[@pilotguy2fy]

Key West Kayak Fishing do plastics eve work for you?

[@southfloridatrucking8147]

Steve that rod you were using what kind of combo was that ? Ugly stick gx2 with the penn conflict?

[@donarcangel5742]

Can you try to see if putting a bunch of small baits on a single hook will work like one larger bait?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No, they will just get picked apart. A big solid chunk bait might do better as it would be harder to pick apart and last long enough for a bigger fish to fill comfortable in taking it.

[@Bsm136]

What’s your rig look like please?

[@joshwhite1749]

How do u hook your baits

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

When drifting under a bobber between the head and the dorsal. On a knocker rig on the bottom above the anal port.

[@Bsrt2]

Stakeout pole through the scupper hole for anchor?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I don't have any scuppers that are straight through available. Under the seat. Under the rear cross member and the rear has to be open as it gets a lot of water.

[@gulp_man1026]

Nice Snappers. What rig were you using? Want to try that next time I'm in the keys.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

My light tackle rod 7' med. 4000 reel. 20lb braid. 30 lb mono leader. 3/0 circle hook. Set up with knocker rig.

[@gulp_man1026]

Thanks for the reply Steve. I'm Enlisting in the US navy As soon as i hit 18. Can't wait to explore the beautiful world and nature. Def will bring a travel rod to put in my berthing area!

[@PrettyMissAshley]

Can these snapper be caught year round in FL ? I am on central west coast. What size is OK to keep and what is not? (newbie)

[@scottydawg8489]

how about a catch and cook black tip?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYaxo5Zpg6uEgaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGHRYoqmnJp4r7c

[@iluvpugstoo]

Keep it real K.W.K.Fishing. How good wud u rate this video Steve ?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Always do. Extremely valuable info.

[@AverageJoeB]

Catch and cook Cubera??

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Done.

[@torrance8577]

Does anyone know what rod he is using?

[@vsonic86]

What net size was this?

[@JimMFishing]

Which is why in deep water, they use a whole lobster as bait for the Cuberas. What a waste if some junk fish steals your bait!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Lobster season is starting soon... Plus the Goliaths as well. Lost your bait and have a broken back or rod.

[@prather4realestate605]

Are those cuberas good eating

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Just like Mangroves. All the Snappers I would say are excellent eaters.

[@challengersrt5397]

Wow nice fish #roadto100k

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Tasty too.

[@benjaminoutdoors8017]

My family and i are going down to Marathon in a week and i was wondering if you know any good places in Marathon for fishing (any type of fishing)

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Bridges, reef, wrecks, humps. There are fish everywhere.

[@1539Mickey]

Snapper for dinner !

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Didn't want to do an all nighter so lunch it is.

[@AnhvLe]

notice me senpai

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Gotcha.

[@AnhvLe]

dude, my friend and are avid watchers of your channel...would it be weird if we follow you one of these days and learn from you?

[@AnhvLe]

to catch some monsters

[@saltyfishing7103]

i love your vids . i wanna start a kayak fishing channel. is it hard ?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Nothing to it. Just gotta get on your kayak with a camera. It's free and easy. Makes a new challenge.

[@ShaggyDogg0128]

I live in broward! Let's do a meet up! I got my own kayak and gear

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

To far to drive for me.

[@ShaggyDogg0128]

Do a little meet and greet and a mini fishing tournament down in the keys. I'd take the trip.

[@toledo152]

How many fishing rods do you own?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

18.

[@smoothguy920]

Hey bud I have your Christmas gift....I'll just leave it under your net

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Oh Christmas Tree...

[@lorenzopena7957]

Location?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Lower Keys. Geiger Key area. Shark Channel.

[@joshwood288]

👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks Josh.

[@CarlosPerez-gt8oy]

What kind of hook do you use to catch bait?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

#12 long shank.

[@RedfishInc]

Key West Kayak Fishing so you do microfish after all?

[@petebeebe1338]

Blacktip? I think you meant Lemon...👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yup, you got it.

[@fishingsouthwestflorida1586]

can you catch a snook please?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Looking for them on this video. We don't really get them down here though.

[@oldacc1335]

nicccccce

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Hey what's up Klae.

[@butwhatif9645]

M kay

[@EJCUSTOMLURES]

2 comment nice video

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it J.

[@king_side9875]

Orava

[@lukews1519]

Why do you hate me.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Hate is such a crude term. Despise fits more elegantly.

[@lukews1519]

Key West Kayak Fishing Oof ouch my heart. 💔

[@coolhand1598]

MAKE SURE THE FISH YOU EAT IS 🅱️🅾️NELESS

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, fish with boners is not good.

[@johnyj2236]

You should not be catching fish in spawning pools.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Not sure what a spawning pool is. Snappers spawn out on the reef.