Another fish people get mixed up with the mangrove is the dog snapper. Three of the snapper were under the size limit of 10 inches. 1. However, there is absolutely nothing on the FWC site to help identify a black snapper or show the difference between black and mangrove. Great article on Mangrove Snapper in the October issue of Texas Saltwater Fishing! Top. The flesh should come off cleanly but be on the lookout for any small bones. 1/4 cup coconut milk. “We are still getting some huge mangrove snapper from 8- to 14-pounds in size. 1% harvested. A typical adult weighs around 10 lbs. 5% (37,411 km2) were estuarine and 21. Here is what you need to know. Two weeks ago they just sort of. So the state hasn't caught up yet. They are flat bottomed, silver fish that have barbels (whi. FL Atlantic State Waters 26° 56′ 33. There is no closed season. Great article on Mangrove Snapper in the October issue of Texas Saltwater Fishing! Night Wing. Mangrove snapper is one of the most prevalent fish in Florida. The mangrove snapper is one of the smaller snappers, rarely exceeding 18 inches in length or 10 pounds in weight. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. Offshore the gags, mangos, red snapper are chewing. Snapper, Gray. Gray Snapper. The mangrove snapper bite on structure and the reefs inside the bay as well as the shipping channel has been excellent with plenty of keeper size fish up to 18-inches being caught, reports Capt. King Mackerel Permit – Gulf of Mexico Northern Zone. In Roxas City, one fishfarmer actually raised mangrove snapper in his pond. 10. Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Forsskål) spawned naturally in captivity, without the use of hormones or other treatments, from May 21 to September 15, 1999. Jan. An 11” fish that was more than fat enough to justify throwing him in the cooler. In this part of the Gulf mangrove snapper must be at least 12 inches in length to keep, but we had no problem catching legal-sized fish. On my 4000 and 6000 size reels (large striper and mangrove snapper on the 4000 and cobia/mahi on the 6000), I have found that because those setups require 4-6 lbs of drag at full spool, the 20 (4000) and 30 (6000) lb braid digs into itself significantly. 1 kg (9. . Then I tie on six feet of 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon and a 5/0 to 8/0 circle hook, based on the bait I'm using and size of the fish. I usually fish knocker rigs on a 20-pound spinning outfit for mangrove (gray) snapper. The mangrove snapper is a smaller snapper, typically reaching a maximum length of 18 inches and a maximum weight of 10 pounds. You are studying the population size of mangrove snapper in a restored wetland using the mark-recapture method. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. When we think summer inshore fishing around Southwest Florida, we generally think tarpon, snook and redfish, but seldom mangrove snapper. 513. It clearly states that mangrove or grey snapper must be 10" and there is no size limit on black snapper. 1/2 red bell pepper, diced. The size limit for mangrove snapper in Florida is 10 inches. See Full post. Long time Florida Fisherman ll regulars, Will (L), and Rich (R), discuss the trip with mates Will, Kyle & Captain Garret. This depth range offers the right balance of temperature and habitat, making it the go-to zone for seasoned anglers. Growth, maturity and induced spawning of mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, broodstock reared in concrete tanks. e. Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) p. Light tackle fluorocarbon leaders in the 12-20 range for inshore and stuff in the 30-60 pound range for. Can you catch mangrove snapper at night? At night, snappers come out. Yelloweye and button snappers are the common players between 350 and 600 feet, with black snapper becoming more prominent farther south in the Bahamas. 5 cm). The average size of mangrove snapper is between. Aquacult. TKF 10,000 Club. This snapper is easily the largest snapper occurring in. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Yes, mangrove snapper will often hold on grass (that’s actually what we were fishing in this video). Meanwhile, Mangrove or Gray Snapper is a smaller species and will only reach 20lbs (commonly commercially fished closer to 10lbs) yet the record for Mangrove Snapper is 44lbs. Mangrove snapper and mutton snapper can be found in depths of 15 – 200 feet. Mangrove Snapper are found through out Florida's Shores year-round, but they are only truly abundant inshore during the warmer months. 44 comments. 08/10/2023 Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper. What is the size limit on mangrove snapper? The mangrove snapper is one of the smaller snappers, rarely exceeding 18 inches (45 cm) in length, and is almost always less than 10 pounds. The mangrove snapper, also known as gray snapper, are in spawning mode that draws together many of the largest fish. Mangrove Snapper —Winter season is a good time of year for Mangrove Snapper. The size of the fish you are seeing on the wrecks, rigs, rock piles or whatever structure you are fishing will determine the tackle you use. Invertebrates bag and size limits. The mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) – commonly called the Mangrove jack – is a species of snapper native to the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Red Grouper. This means that the hook will be embedded into the side of the mangrove snappers’ mouth. Size limit: 14 inches. Min Size. These mid water swimmers are the only member of its genus Ocyurus! The genus name is derived from the Greek okys- meaning quick and oura- meaning tail, the species name chrysurus was inspired from. To find out more about each life cycle stage, click on the links beneath the diagram. Follow this expert’s advice to target big fish. Leader: 20-30 lb fluorocarbon, which is less visible underwater. The mangrove snapper is one of the smallest members of the snapper family. Vermillion Snapper (beeliner) (#) Size Limit: 10" Min. ”. None; Check for state record. Bag limit: 5 fish per person. [3] The mangrove snapper can be confused with the cubera snapper or black snapper, L. Mangrove snappers have a delicate flavor with a slightly. Size limit: 14 inches. Swordfish. Book a trip with Captain Jason here. 5. Fish reefs in 50 to 90 feet of water to get bites from mangrove snapper to 9 pounds and lane snapper to 2 pounds. Seasonality. 50 in total* including a maximum of 20 cockles. Big mangrove snapper are also biting in the same areas. ” Caruthers said he has been filling his coolers with. Just recently we spent a day on a different Bimini reef, dropping live pilchards on knocker rigs; we scored amberjack to 40 pounds, horse-eye jacks to 15 pounds and, of course, yellowtail snapper. Triangular snout. This summer is looking to be another good […]Tsunami’s uniquely designed Facet Jig also fits the red snapper pursuit. Stir until thick for 10 minutes. Discussion in 'Fishing Chatter = anything to do with fishing' started by rwolfe7764, Jun 7, 2016. 0 / 5. Inline Feedbacks. The mangrove has an anchor-shaped tooth patch while the cubera has a triangular-shaped patch. The ideal size hook for targeting Red snapper from shore is a 5/0, 6/0, or 7/0. Region: South. J. Currently no bag limits on mangrove snapper. JIRCAS Working. October 15, 2014 Patrick Bonin Field Notes, Snapper. 4-35. THE 2023 LOUISIANA RED SNAPPER SEASON:The 2023 private recreational red snapper season will begin on Friday, May 26 in both state and federal waters. At John's Pass, the mangrove snapper are absolutely thick in the pass and biting around just about any structureLocation: Lost in Freeport Marsh. Scamp, Yellowfin, &. This species can reach a length of 89 cm (35 in), though most do not exceed 40 cm (16 in). 06 ± 0. Unlike other snapper species, mangrove snappers are euryhaline, which means that they have teeth. They are sexually mature at about 16 inches (40 cm) in. by mickeyd » Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:52 pm. Minimum Size: 12 in Total Length; Gear Description: Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. The gag, red and. three cm (34. However, there are some common regulations that apply year-round. “We are still getting some huge mangrove snapper from 8- to 14-pounds in size. Deeper offshore, triggerfish season opened on August 1 and the bite is pretty good. Peak fishing season for Mangrove snappers is July and August. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like. 1/4 pineapple, dicedThe fish species can grow to marketable size of 300 to 500 gm, says official . p. Offshore. Switching to a light 1/16-ounce jig head, the mangrove snapper size increased as the box began to fill up. 1/4 cup brown sugar. Presence of white spots in lateral linear formations on the body. Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris): Lane Snappers are relatively small, with an average weight of 1 to 3 pounds (0. Each red snapper fillet should be seasoned with salt and pepper. Hatchery production is challenging. Hubbard so successful is that he uses a double snell rig. Since mangrove snapper are such quick biting fish, one of the secrets that make Capt. The season will reopen on September 1 for 3-day weekends in September, October and November (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) as well as Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. Before taking part in this fishery please call 251-861-2882 or 215-968-7576 or explore this website for updated information. The best methods for catching Mangrove snappers are bottom bouncing, drift fishing and jigging just offshore around reefs and shipwrecks using a #3-#1 J hook or 1/0 – 3/0 circle hook baited with small piece of shrimp. This pattern repeated itself until I ran out of mud minnows. in June 2008, and the International Game fish Association lists the. Offshore: Good mangrove snapper fishing can be enjoyed on the reefs at Bethel Shoal and the Offshore Bar. Yellowmouth Groupers. Inshore they average between 10-14 inches and weight between 1-2 pounds. 1 - Apr. Mangrove snapper are not picky, but Northern Gulf rig fishermen use live croakers, shrimp, and freshly netted pogies. 1 - May 31. On average they will reach a length of 14-16". Meanwhile, Mangrove or Gray Snapper is a smaller species and will only reach 20lbs (commonly commercially fished closer to 10lbs) yet the record for Mangrove Snapper is 44lbs. Size – Even though cubera snapper usually weighs about 40 pounds, some can grow to about 100 pounds and grow to be about 4 or more feet long. Suicide hook patterns ranging from size 1/0 for pinkies, through to size 5/0 for large snapper are recommended. The spontaneous spawning of mangrove red snapper Lutjanus. If Champagne’s fish is certified a world record, it will give Louisiana three world record snappers, and he’ll join “Doc” Kennedy’s massive 50-pound, 4-ounce red snapper and Marion Rose. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Age at maturity: ~ 4 to 5 years 2. Juveniles can have pale bars along their sides but these fade with age. I usually fish knocker rigs on a 20-pound spinning outfit for mangrove (gray) snapper. Habitat and Ecology: Coral and rocky reefs and estuaries, to 80 m depth. They get their name from the fact that they call the roots of mangroves their home, especially in the shallow backwater bays and creeks. 45 to 1. The previous state record Mangrove Snapper weighed 12-pounds, 5-ounces and was. This fish lives mostly in coastal waters near reefs, seagrass, and mangroves. The spontaneous spawning of mangrove red snapper Lutjanus. However, the sweet spot for catching these elusive fish typically ranges from 30 to 120 feet. 1 day ago · Size limit: 14 inches. 4 kg). The depth range will fluctuate, but I prefer the 5ft to 10 ft range for getting keepers… ideally in areas with hard bottom mixed with grass. Adult snapper can grow to 1 m in length (over 15 kg) and live to over. 30. Figure 2 presents the size distributio n of mangrove r ed snapper at harvest a er 180 days o f culture. While it doesn't take a degree in rocket science to catch these fish, it does take the proper gear and a. They will most often be 10-14 inches long. Creek Red Bream, Dog Bream, Mangrove Red Snapper, Purple Sea Perch, Red Bass, Red Bream, Red Perch, Red Reef Bream, River Roman, Rock Barramundi Similar species: The Mangrove. Mangrove snapper: Also called gray snapper, mangrove snapper range from 8 to 28 inches long, however anything typically over 20 inches is found offshore and usually weigh no more than 10 pounds. Transfer the fish to the air fryer, and cook it for 12 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until it is thoroughly done. Colour. Conservation Status Common, widespread. Size, Age, and Growth. rwolfe7764 Newbie. Here, a lighter line in the 10-15 pound range may be more appropriate, allowing for a delicate presentation that entices these cunning fish. 08/03/2023 Triggerfish, Yellowtail Snapper. Before you get a snapper for your aquarium it is very important to find out its maximal size because snappers can grow really fast and the largest species can reach a length of 100 cm (3. November 6, 2022. Size limit: 36 inches fork length. What size hooks for mangrove snapper? The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook . Twinspot Snapper (Lutjanus bohar): Yellow-colored eye. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. B. The minimum size limit for mangrove snapper is 10 inches with a five fish per harvester daily limit. With tongs, remove the lemon and place on another separate plate. The cleaner, the more you will have to down size. From shallow backwaters to offshore structure, these fish seem to thrive in a variety of conditions and habitats. Leader material should be at least 10-20 pounds test strength depending on the size of the fish you are Targeting. Re: Mangrove Snapper Question. On your first visit, you mark 150 fish. Size Comparison Mutton Snapper can grow to as big as 34 pounds and 37 inches long. zero in), although most don’t exceed 40 cm (16 in). In terms of size, mangrove snapper typically range from 12 to 18 inches, although some individuals can reach lengths of up to 24 inches or more. This snapper reaches maturity at a length of about 39 cm (15 in). Serve and enjoy. The next rig was in more than 150 feet of water, and its surface waters swarmed with Bermuda chubs and mangrove snappers ping-ponging off both the macaroni and the cut bait on the men’s hooks. The snapper family Lutjanidae consists of 250 different species. Cubera, gray (mangrove), and yellowtail snapper: 12 inches minimum total length: 10 per person per day within the 10 snapper aggregate; the 10 snapper aggregate is all snappers (gray, mutton, yellowtail, cubera, queen, blackfin, silk, and wenchman) except red, vermilion, and lane snapper. More on Mangrove SnapperNovember 6, 2022. Bag limit: 5 fish per person. 5 sh•m -2 and 1 sh•m -2 SD achieved 100% of all. Adult Cubera Snappers are much larger than Mangrove Snapper, but when young (and similar in size), the only telling feature is a difference in the tooth pattern inside the roof of the mouth. As far as weight, mangrove snapper can reach a weight of up to 17lbs. Only been in the last few years that mangroves have moved up this far north in larger numbers that you are starting to see some substantial catches of them. Discussion in 'Fishing Chatter = anything to do with fishing' started by rwolfe7764, Jun 7, 2016. [5] This species occurs in comparatively shallow clear waters at depths from 25 to 95 m (82 to 312 ft) where. Juveniles may enter freshwater. 24-inch TL. 46 (see below). Gag grouper go shallow in winter and spring when fish you usually catch in 50 to 100 feet of water move to 20- to 30-foot depths, where they are susceptible to trolled deep-diving plugs. The best weight recorded for this species is 4. Olive green color on back and upper sides, fading to a lighter belly. Here, we present a new global mangrove biophysical typology and show that, based on their 2016 extent, 40. Gear, Rigging and Techniques for catching late summer Mangrove Snapper. Atlantic and Gulf - 18" Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester Snapper, Schoolmaster . By no means the largest fish in local waters, but what the mangrove snapper lacks in size, it makes up in availability, tenacity and excellent table fare. We are seeing lots of sailfish action at about 12 miles out. /Bamidgeh 51(2): 58-64. Introduction. With a paper towel, dry the fish fillets off. Mangroves snapper do not get extremely big like their cousin the red snapper. We are seeing lots of sailfish action at about 12 miles out. Popular with anglers looking for Mangrove Snapper fishing charters in Florida. Juveniles inhabit mangrove estuaries, maily feeding on crustacean. Captain Garret is a true. Catches have included mutton snapper, mangrove snapper and cobia. Aquaculture, 170(3/4):215-227. They will most often be 10-14 inches long. Google Scholar. 5 inches long, with a 23-inch girth, and was caught at the famed. 14. Maximum Size. As the current washes the chum away from the base of the. What is the biggest mangrove snapper ever caught? The existing State Top 10 Fish Records top mangrove is a 14. “If you can find some medium- to big-size shrimp. What Size Hook For Mangrove Snapper. Rig fishing. Gag grouper go shallow in winter and spring when fish you usually catch in 50 to 100 feet of water move to 20- to 30-foot depths, where they are susceptible to trolled deep-diving plugs. beyond 50m of high-tide mark. t Snapper, Muttonl Minimum Size Limits: • •Atlantic and Gulf - 10" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • •Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester pt. Swenson of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Quota. Feeds on crustaceans and small fish. Adults are usually 12 inches or longer, with the heaviest. Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day. How big is a mangrove snapper? The average mangrove snapper size range is around 10-14 in (25. The N. These fish are particular. Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico can be fast and furious, with fish reaching up to 20 lbs and averages 7-8 lbs. 5 cm) total length. Fish Rules - Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) in Texas State Waters. The mangrove roots and shallow waters offer shelter from predators until the juveniles reach a size large enough to avoid most predators. Port Aransas. The size of the fish you are seeing on the wrecks, rigs, rock piles or whatever structure you are fishing will determine the tackle you use. Blue stripe below eye, following contour of gill cover. In this photo gallery from King Sailfish Mounts, you can study up. As mangrove snapper mature and increase in size, they will move offshore to deeper waters and then stay there. The cleaner, the more you will have to down size. As often happens in winter, the snapper stayed close to the bottom but happily ate a. 1 to April 30. Mangrove snapper grow large and healthy in the Gulf waters off of Crystal River, Florida, and fight hard. This snapper is solitary. Mangrove snapper and lane snapper are in the same zone along with. Behavior Spawn June through August. Fishing’s good. * Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers…. 91 ± 1. Adrian Faircloth of Supply caught the 15-pound, 3. Want to catch more mangrove snapper for dinner? Check out these two tricks to catch more bigger snapper, and fewer smaller snapper. Mangrove snapper fishing is on fire, as some dandy newcomers to the spawning stocks make their way. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has certified a new state record for mangrove snapper on Wednesday. Gray snapper, also called mangrove snapper or “mangoes,” are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Remove the snapper from the skillet. Venice, Louisiana offers abundant resources for mangrove snapper, a delectable fish species found in oil platforms. What are Mangrove Snapper. Absence of. For nursery operation, he stocks 700 pieces of one-inch fingerlings in a cage measuring 4 meters by 6 meters and 1 meter deep. The minimum size limit for lane snapper is 8 inches length overall. Red Snapper. 24 in FL. RECREATIONAL SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS It is illegal to sell any seafood taken with a recreational license. l. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112 Mangrove Snapper spend the majority of their juvenile life inshore and move offshore when they reach maturity. In 2022, commercial landings of vermilion snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic totaled 1. It is commonest in the warmer waters of Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea and in the Gulf of Mexico. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified a new state record Mangrove Snapper, or gray snapper ( Lutjanus griseus ). Yellowtail Snapper description. ** Because of Federal regulations, these species can no longer be legally retained and must be released alive, the record listed will remain. No minimum or maximum size limits. This species can attain a size of 86. Remove the snapper and set on a plate. State size/bag limits. As soon as you feel a sharp tug on the tine, gently jerk the line upward, avoid the classic up-and-back setting motion, and start to reel in your catch. Join us on an adventure for Mangrove Snapper along Florida's Nature coast. Grey Snapper Weight: 13 lbs. The mangrove snapper bite is good right now on the outside bars, in all the passes, around structure and the on. 3 kg), but larger individuals can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg). In Roxas City, one fishfarmer actually raised mangrove snapper in his pond. In a large skillet, add the butter and wait until it melts. Sustainable production systems of aquatic animals in brackish mangrove areas. Their formidable size and powerful build make them a sought-after catch among anglers who relish the challenge of reeling in a spirited opponent. Dr. Night Wing TKF 10,000 Club Posts: 33440 Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2003 2:30 am Location: Magnolia, TX. The species can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including brackish and fresh waters. Not as popular as its related species the Yellowtail Snapper, some claim it is the best tasting snapper in the Keys. There is also a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person, per day. Higher body size: Higher spawning behaviour: Sub-tropical: Japan: Juvenile: E. rwolfe7764 Newbie. Instructions. Dark spot on side, just above lateral line. The offshore realm is more dangerous with bigger predators. Maximum weight: 125. Best times would be early morning and evening although snapper can also be caught throughout the night. Jack, snapper. e size distribution showed tha t both 0. On you second visit, you catch a total of 200 fish and 80 of them are marked with tags from the first visit. Adults are abundant over deep reefs than over shallow reefs. The mangrove snapper or gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) is a species of snapper native to the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Sea. Young ones can enter freshwater or mangrove areas as well as grass beds. there has been good fishing for mangrove snapper up to 9 pounds on dead sardines. We got meat in the cooler and memories in the bank. It’s possible to catch snappers on Pensacola Beach, Pompano Beach, Florida’s western panhandle, and the Gold Coast. Mangrove snapper, available year-round as shallow as 10 or 15 feet, spawn in late summer in 50 to 70 feet. Other catches of note include white grunts, a few speckled trout and a 33-inch slot size snook on Wednesday, reports Big Pier 60 Bait & Tackle (727-462-6466). Mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Forsskål) spawned naturally in captivity, without the use of hormones or other treatments, from May 21 to September 15, 1999. 66 pounds (57 kilograms) 3. Dr. Inshore redfish, trout, and black drum are heating up. One fish per angler per day. Re: Mangrove Snapper Question. Good size trout in the 19- to 20-inch range are biting on the deeper grass flats. Fishing year begins Oct 1. This rig increases your hookups by at least 50% and can be fished with dead bait or live bait. Add in the coconut milk, diced peppers, onions, and pineapple. 1/2 green bell pepper, diced. Decent schools of Spanish mackerel are starting to show up, reports Capt. One of the last spawns of the season is getting under way. This snapper reaches maturity at a length of about 39 cm (15 in). In past you could get one as an occasional by-catch, but they have only recently become more prolific. The mangrove snapper bite remains good along the shipping channel edges, the reefs in the bay and around the Skyway. 3 feet). Mistake #2: Not Having The Proper Terminal Tackle. 46 (see below). Open year-round. Make sure the cuts are clean and straight, forming a nice chunk of bait. “If you can find some medium- to big-size shrimp. Red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, juveniles specimens were collected from the mangrove areas and stocked at an initial stocking density of three hundred numbers of red snapper of initial average length 19. You’ll be fishing from a 2022 Skeeter sx2250 that accommodates up to 6 guests. There have been a few mutton snapper caught. Breeding Habits of Mangrove SnapperThe Mangrove Snapper, also known as mango or gray snapper, is a fish with dark brown or gray skin with red-orange spots in bars along its sides. Snapper: Adult. Comparatively little is known about this species of snapper. Size 7/0 to 8/0 for larger reds and 4/0 to 6/0s for smaller fish is good starting point. The yellowtail is a semi-pelagic transient species that sticks out among the ~113 species found in the snapper family of Lutjanidae. Each female laid an. Figure 2 presents the size distributio n of mangrove r ed snapper at harvest a er 180 days o f culture. Place the whole Mangrove Snapper on a frog mat and place in the smoker for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your Mangrove Snapper. please. The average white grunt, sometimes mistakenly called gray snapper (which in local waters is called the mangrove snapper), usually weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds and measures 12 to 15 inches, but larger. Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit. The best out of 234 charter fishing deals in Fort Myers - enter dates to check availability . The snapper will congregate on the outer edge of the Keys reefs to mate and spend the next few months. 40″ W. They are rather large and are red in color. Fishing Chatter anybody have a suggestion for hook size for mangrove snapper around the docks near North Bridge in NSB? rwolfe7764, Jun 7. On my 4000 and 6000 size reels (large striper and mangrove snapper on the 4000 and cobia/mahi on the 6000), I have found that because those setups require 4-6 lbs of drag at full spool, the 20 (4000) and 30 (6000) lb braid digs into itself significantly. The Reef Fish Endorsement will be required for any person possessing, taking or attempting to take any gulf reef fish species listed in Rule 220-3-. Capt.