THE ANGLER’S OUTLOOK

A small collection of annoying wildlife KEYS CRITTERS

Mangrove Mania

Mangrove snapper, commonly known as gray snapper, is one of the few species targeted by fishermen here in the Florida Keys year-round, and the bite is about to turn on! Mangrove snapper spawn on local patch reefs in June through August in anywhere from 20 to 90 feet of water. This makes them one of the most sought-after species in the coming months. Not only are they a fun fighting fish, but they taste delicious too.

Don’t stress about the bait. For many species of fish, live bait is a necessity. However, when targeting mangrove snapper, using cut bait is fine. Although a live pilchard, pinfish or ballyhoo is a prime choice of bait, several other types will suffice. Cut ballyhoo, live or dead shrimp, scented imitation bait or artificial lures can also attract mangrove snapper. Soft plastic lures such as DOA or NLBN paddle tails on a lightly weighted jig head offer a thrilling strike when attacked by a snapper.

is the owner and operator of Top Notch Sportfishing in Marathon. His passions include scuba diving and enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

Mangrove snapper are found all over the Keys, but begin to congregate on reef patches this time of year. In the winter months, mangrove snapper can be found near bridges, in the bay on grass beds, on wrecks or in channels. Once spring comes and begins raising the water temperature, mangrove snapper begin to move out of Florida Bay and toward the reef on the Atlantic side.

I prefer to use lighter tackle when targeting most species, and mangrove snapper is no exception. My favorite setup is a seven-foot light action rod with a 4500 series spinning reel, spooled with 12-pound monofilament. As always, I use a Bimini twist on the main line to connect my fluorocarbon leader, typically six feet of of 20-pound fluorocarbon. Depending on the current and size of your bait, a weighted jig head of ¼ to ⅜ ounce should get the job done. The goal is to get your bait in the lower portion of the water column where the snapper spend most of their time, but not to continuously snag the bottom. Some anglers prefer to use a knocker rig with a ½-ounce egg sinker and 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook.

When you anchor up at your favorite spot to target mangrove snapper, start out by deploying a chum hoop with a block of chum to put a scent in the water. Remember, we are just putting some scent in the water to get the attention of the fish, not actually shaking the chum bag vigorously as we would do if we were yellowtail snapper fishing. Fish your spot for at least 30 minutes before giving up and moving on, as it may take some time to get bites if the current is slow. When showing up to a popular reef site, remember to be courteous of the anglers and chum slicks that are already there.

Regulations on this snapper vary from state to federal waters, so be mindful of where you are fishing. In state waters, you’re allowed to possess five mangrove snapper with a minimum size limit of 10 inches total length (from the fish’s snout to the tip of the tail). In federal waters, you’re allowed to possess 10 mangrove snapper with a minimum total length of 12 inches. Before leaving the dock, always check for any new updated regulations or closures on the FWC website. I personally don’t keep mangrove snapper under 14 inches, since the girth from a 10-inch to a 14-inch fish is doubled, giving you a more substantial filet for dinner and the smaller fish time to grow.

I wish you the best of luck this summer targeting mangrove snapper, as it is a great way to put some meat in the box while having fun. Bring the kids and grandkids, as the conditions are typically calmer this time of year and you can help the younger generation get hooked on fishing. Tight lines!

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor is every online shopper’s best friend. Originally born in Cuba, Manuel Torquemada has delivered packages for FedEx for more than three decades. Today, his route takes him throughout Marathon, including the Weekly office. Meanwhile, his wife Dawn operates The Nurse’s Station on Big Pine Key as a family nurse practitioner.

MANUEL TORQUEMADA Courier/Driver, FedEx

How did you come to the Keys? My wife Dawn and I were in Orlando for many years, but she had never been to the Keys. I’d been there because I lived in Miami for many years. I took her here, and she loved it. She goes, “Why don’t we start working in the Keys to plan for our retirement?” So I said, “Yes, let’s do that.” We moved down in early 2020 and bought our house on Summerland Key right in the beginning of COVID.

Finish this sentence: My wife would say I am… great! She always says I’m the best.

If you could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be? My granddad.

What’s the strangest package you ever delivered for FedEx? Drugs. I didn’t know it at the time, but I found out later.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you? My dad used to say, “Whatever you do, do it by yourself.” Whatever you do, wrong or good, don’t involve anybody else.

What’s one thing that’s always on a menu, but you never want to try? I don’t eat any type of sweets.

What’s one thing most people never knew about you? That I’m shy. Most people don’t know that, because I’m always reflecting the opposite.

Any brushes with death? There was a big accident in Miami right in front of me. I believe in God, and I felt like I went through the traffic. Everyone around me was totaled, but somehow my car wasn’t even touched. I still have no idea how it happened.

Are there any weird food combinations that you love? Rice and spaghetti with red sauce. One day I mixed it, and I loved it! You should try it.

What’s the worst day for delivery drivers? December 24 and 25, because everyone is trying to order things last minute. We’re supposed to be off the 25th, but we work.

If you could be any character from a TV show or movie, who would it be? Clint Eastwood! That’s the man. I love cowboy movies.

CORNBREAD

2.5-year-old female domestic shorthair. Looking for: I've been looking for a home since 2021.

Turnoffs: Scorpions! I've killed a couple in my time here.

Take Me Home

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

LUCY

2-month-old female domestic shorthair.