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Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon Hot

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles, left, with "Reel Animals" partner Mike Anderson.

By 10:30 in the morning it's roasting. The good news is, so are the fish.

At the beginning of the week, I took longtime friend Doug Butler of Riverview out for a couple of hours. Here I am the pro fishing guide, and Doug sells tomatoes, and he kicks my head in.

We pull to the first spot - as it turns out the only spot - catching several mangrove snapper. Then I hear the drag scream, hear the launch and automatically my brain says, "Doug's got a tarpon."

The tarpon I have been getting on this spot are the little 10- to 15-pounders. Doug's is 50 pounds if it's an ounce, and to boot on 10-pound-test line.

Then there are a few more snapper, a couple of snook and goliath grouper. Then I hear that sound again, Doug's got another, thank goodness this one's only 30 pounds. Then there are a few more snapper and my line sings - I think it's about time. You guessed it, mine's a whopping 6 pounds. Not bad for a couple of hours - thanks for the schooling.

Look for mangroves on any rock pile in the bay. They are literally everywhere, and bait is not a problem as there are tons of the little 1- to 2-inch baits all over the place. Just look for the birds for an indicator of where the bait is.
Spanish mackerel continue to be thick along the ship channel in deeper water around the range markers. Be ready with a larger rod, as there are plenty of sharks to be had as well. Wayne Edmonds of Apollo Beach told me that live ladyfish is the ticket for the larger sharks. He said they had a couple they just couldn't turn on a 4/0 reel.

It seems that with the heat and water temperatures approaching 90 degrees, the best bite is early in the morning.

Catch captains Billy Nobles and Mike Anderson on the "Reel Animals Fishing Show" on Saturdays from 6:30-7 a.m. on WFLA, Channel 8, and on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. on WHBO, 1470 AM. To book a charter, call 1-866-GAMEFISH or visit www.reelanimalsfishingshow.c

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