Mangrove Snapper tips??
 

Went offshore out of Sabine Pass last weekend. Big mangrove snapper were thick as ever at one of the rigs we stopped at. Only managed to keep two though because they kept breaking our line! We were fishing with 30lb mono and a small khale hook so that we could concele it in the cut cigar minnow. Tried fishing with braid but couldn't get bit. What is the secret to catching these fish???? Please help, it was one of the most frustating things that has happened to me!

Use heavier line and stout rods and as soon as they hit, horse them back from the rig cuz that's where they are going.

80# braid with flouro leader. Start with 40# flouro if they want hit it drop down to 30 then 20. Stiff rod and crank drag down all the way. Live croakers or live shrimp works better than chum and u can usually get away with a little heavier leader.

Ok. Heavier line and use flourocarbon leader. I had the same problem with flourocarbon leaders last year. I guess they were cutting the line with their teeth. Idk? I use really small hooks so going with too big of a line may not fit through the eye of the hook. What kind of hooks do you guys normally use? Im guessing when you fish with the live bait you dont have to bury your hook? Or do you not bury your hook at all? If I can't get live bait what is the next best option? Thanks guys.:cheers:

Chum, check out the Mustad big gun live bait J hooks (size 1/0). They've always worked well for me...tie them on with a snell knot. Big lively croakers are going to be the best bait for mangroves probably 80% of the time. Pogies are always tough to beat for cut bait.

Tie on your leader to main line with a double uni knot. If you have good live bait you can probably get away with using a swivel. Lock down your drag all the way and when you get hooked up, fight like hell during that initial run. Walk away from the rig to the front or back of the boat and keep reeling why the fish in running. Once their head is turned, the fight is usually over.

Thanks hightower! I appreciate it!

Circle hooks. I use Gamagatsu Octopus Circles in either 2/0, 3/0 or 4/0 depending on what I can get away with. Just about any other similar hook will work too.

I use spanish sardines almost exclusively for mangroves. To me, they're easier to handle, the chunks are uniform and half a sardine hides a hook well. I don't use live bait, but that's just me.

I couldn't imagine trying to catch mangroves wit circles

No only will you catch more fish with circles, but it's a requirement for offshore fishing with natural bait.

Read under Reef Fish:

http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/saltwater-finfish

That is what I was thinking while reading this thread. Would like to know cause going on Wednesday.

Thanks Yellablazer! I think I can get my hands on some spanish sardines. Lots of good info here. I appreciate you all sharing with me. I hope to try out your tips on Sunday!

Most important things are
#1 smallest leader possible
#2 smallest hook possible
#3 keep no tension on your line while letting it drift

Get in the water and shoot them.

chum em up and grab the bow fishing rig...

Thanks guys. I tried shooting them last trip, but a band broke on my spear gun and we had to rely on rod and reel. It was very frustrating.

Circle hooks are required for reef fish and once you get things right with the hook set you will get a lot more fish. Use a thin wire circle for the mangroves.

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthread...-71366-042.jpg

Wow! Those are beautiful. Any particular brand thin wire circle hooks?