Mangoes
by Moonlight Re-Discover Old Florida By Xander Fong
Waterfront Charm A
The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts
BOOK NOW FOR TH E FALL SEASON
Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.
• Fully Furnished 3 Room Cottages w/ Fully Equipped Kitchens Kingfish Lodge includes a wide screen TV and bar for small gatherings Sailfish House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups • Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power • 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area ALL RESERVATIONS OF • FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage 28 DAYS OR LONGER • Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet RECEIVE 50% OFF • 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet ACCOMMODATIONS • 12 miles to the Gulf Stream Offer valid through 11/30/2020. Rates • Laundry, BBQ Grilles subject to change. Limited availability. • FREE use of our Kayaks
lso known as the “gray snapper” and to many locals as “mangoes,” the mangrove snapper derives its name given its abundance in Florida’s mangroves. Anglers can find mangoes around shoreline structure year-round. Although larger individuals of the species (14-plus inches) venture offshore once matured, they return to inshore waters from June to September to spawn. Weighing up to 10 pounds as adults, they can be found under docks, along rock lines and bridges all over the Florida coast. With delicious white meat and as a highly sustainable seafood option because of their abundance, mangrove snappers make great table fare. From a boat or from shore, night fishing is the best way to catch mangrove snappers. Cooler waters and darkness result in more aggressive fish. I prefer spinning tackle for chasing mangoes. A 6- to 7-foot medium-light action spinning rod outfitted with a medium spinning reel is a common setup. Use 10- to 20-pound-test braid. The abrasion resistance is necessary because big mangrove snappers are known for bulldogging runs directly to rocks, oyster-covered pilings and other structure. The limited stretch of braid also allows for better sensitivity to bites. A 7- to 10-foot 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader is also key. Mangrove snappers have excellent eyesight, so a tough, low visibility leader can often be a necessity depending on the amount of moonlight when fishing. The additional abrasion-resistance of fluoro as compared to mono can often mean the difference between an unsuccessful trip and one resulting in several offshoresize keepers. In terms of bait, live shrimp or sardines are often the preferred snapper fare, and mangroves can typically be spotted swimming toward the surface to ambush these prey. However, if live bait is unattainable, large cut chunks of pilchards, mullet, ballyhoo or even squid will suffice. A simple fluorocarbon leader tied to a weightless size 1 hook serves as the best low-profile method of naturally presenting bait. A knocker rig is a good second option when fishing waters exceeding 10 feet. When searching for potential structure, look for pilings, bridges and docks with protective cover such as rocks. Mangroves also prefer some current. Some particularly good places to look are jetties close to inlets, which commonly hold large schools of snapper. As ambush predators, mangrove snappers tuck tight to cover and wait for whatever prey might swim by in the current. After locating good structure, cast your bait a few yards up-current, letting the bait drift naturally toward areas where snappers are believed to be hiding. When a mango bites, be patient. They frequently carry a bait back toward cover before swallowing it. After setting the hook, anglers should put pressure on them quickly, as larger snappers take advantage of structures to sever fishing lines.
NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES
3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com
Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206
YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE OUR UTMOST CONCERN COVID-19 CDC GUIDELINES ARE IN FULL EFFECT
All accommodations are completely cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival 22 FLORIDA
AUGUST 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM