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)