For those anglers who can take the heat, some of the best inshore mangrove snapper fishing can be had on live hard bottom and rock piles.

Although these inshore mangroves are not their big brothers, further off shore, in deeper waters, they can provide a spirited fight on light tackle and excellent table fare. Most of the mangrove snapper I catch on my charters come from natural structure but I have also had success from targeting channel markers, deep cuts along the out side keys and wrecks. I like to anchor up-tide of the structure and free line live shrimp on a 2/0 Owner circle hook, or if the tide is running hard I will use a 1/16 oz. chartreuse jig head.

Most of the time the fish will school just down-tide of the structure and, if your lucky on a slack tide, I’ve had them just below the boat.

Frozen glass minnows are very good for chum as well as small bits of old shrimp, but only use enough to keep the fish biting. Too much chum will bring in undesirable species like catfish, porgies and spot tails. The size limit is 10″ in state waters and 5 per licensed angler.

Red fishing continues to be a little tough for me but I’m still working up a fish per person on the incoming tide using live or cut pin fish.

Trout fishing along the Chassahowitzka channel can be productive on an overcast day with some breeze use a D.O.A. Deadly combo with a near clear shrimp.

Scallops are scattered along the Citrus County coast line but the southern end seems to be the best bet. High incoming tide will be mid morning this weekend.