How to catch a snapper....

[grant]

I have only been out twice, one was a terrible day alound and the other was the BBQ. So seeing as I have a very light presence this year on the water, I would like all of you to post your best REAL tip for catching a snapper. I need to make my time on the water count.

I have been to rentlos night and got a load of idea, but I havent been out and I am starting to miss the little things.

So as a start what terminal tackle do you folks use?

g./

[fishing_dave]

How to catch a snapper,

Even when in boat ( which is rarely) I keep my baits moving, checking about evry 10mins, that way you will always have afresh bait in, yes it means going through more bait than normal, but it brings results, a comment was made to me by a fellow landbased anglerseveral years back, " dave we have finally relised why you get more fish, you change your baits and keep them moving", I take it the same applies no mater where or what you are fishing for,

I also have about 4 different baits with me, main baits I use are frsh pillies, squid, couta and sauries, if i can get salmon that is a top bait also.

hope that helps Grant

dave

[kingrichard]

I sound up the bait fish and fish there. We like an easy feed and so do the snapper.And imho guys fish with way to much lead(sinker weight).NO 1 ball sinker man here.And even then if no tide or slow tide go smaller no 0.
Good sharp hooks.In my case i use new each trip or replace after each fish,then they do onto my deckies gear for a trip.After that mr bin gets then.
Cheers Rick

[grant]

What size hooks do you all use?

and which bait do YOU think is biting best at the moment.

g./

[hillbilly]

I always rig up 4 rods each one with a differant rig, 1 wieghted , 1 unwieghted with a circle and a keeper hook, 1 paternoster and the other snood hooked with a running ball sinker.
I also take a varriety of popular snapper bait, pillies, silver whiting, squid, garfish, octopus ect, I have a differant bait on each hook which helps me know which bait they are taking .
Then when I get to where the fish are I berley the water only a hand full at a time to spark the fishes interest and not to give em a free feed.
Then I sit back with my eyes peeled on all 4 rods, my ears open for that wonderfull sound of line being stripped from the reel, my fingers crossed and I say the fisho,s prayer { please God just one decent snapper and I promise the bloke next door wont get a brick through his windscreen next time he revs his car at 5 am and starts all the dogs barking for mile around } :evil:
Mind you thats when the weather usually turns bad on me :roll:
Kaz :wink:

[Dekka]

I agree with what's been put up above. Keep baits moving, checking regularily, throwing them a little wider/further etc.

2 xrods unweighted and 2 with pea size sinkers. Combination of 4/0 suicide hooks or 6/0 circle hook with 4/0 as keeper. Combination of both snelled or keeper running depending on what bait I'm using.

Always have Pilchards and fresh squid and will take s/whiting, scads, salmon, coutta and gars if I catch any.

2 side rods out wide from boat with 1 centre in close and 1 right out the back.

Coffee and rollies a must