So You Want To Catch... Snapper

So You Want To Catch… Snapper

Snapper The ultimate Kiwi catch. A fine fighter and an exquisite table fish.

If there was ever one fish that disappeared forever I think the Snapper would be the most sorely missed of all New Zealand fish.

The methods to catch them are as varied and individual as are the fish themselves.

Generally speaking snapper are found right around the North Island and around the top of the South although they do extend down the west coast of the South Island to around Hokitika

The number 1 method to catch snapper is still with fresh bait although softbait is fast catching on and the pro soft baiters are now out fishing fresh bait in most situations. I'll get on to the vast world of soft baiting in another article.

When snapper are in the mood they'll eat anything you throw at them from luncheon sausage to sandwich bread but nothing really beats fresh strip baits or shellfish. Baits that consistently produce big snapper are whole pilchards, fresh mullet fillets, spotty heads, bonito heads, tua tua & my favourite of all, whole or split- fresh piper.

I have seen snapper turn their nose up at nearly all these other baits when in a picky mood but fresh piper is very seldom ignored.

As a general rule snapper hold up around structure and deep water during the day and go on the prowl during low light. Fishing open areas such as shallow sounds, sand beaches etc is far more successful at dusk and dawn or even at night.

Extensive berleying can draw fish away from structure towards you during the day and this is a proven method off the rocks when there is strong current to distribute a strong scent trail. As a general rule the calmer and clearer the conditions the more you will rely on low light and barley to get results.

I could write an entire book an where to catch snapper under which conditions but by far the best method is to try and obtain local advice from those in the know. As a general rule when snapper fishing the old 'think like a fish' line goes a long way. Where would you be where cover and concentration of food are highest?

Tackle:

Snapper will generally pick up baits gently and move away with them, mouthing it as they go. A running rig with a single octopus style hook and just enough lead to get to the bottom is the preferred setup for most snapper fishing. A ball sinker is threaded freely on the main line which is then tied to a swivel that acts as a stopper. A trace of around a meter is then tied to the other end of the swivel and onto the hook.

Rods:

For general fishing a 6-10kg 7' setup is ideal for snapper fishing from a boat although you'll need something in a 15kg rating if chasing the really big ones.

From the rocks an 8' rod in the 10-15kg range is ideal.

Beach fishing will usually require something in the 12' range loaded with 10kg.

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REELS:

Snapper reels need to be tough. They are subjected to saltwater, sand & barnacles and the juices and scales of all your best and stickiest baits and berleys! The drags also need to be pretty top knotch.  Don't skimp on the reel here. Get the best you can afford.

If opting for a spinning reel a bait-runner system is a huge advantage. These reels have a lever on the back that disables the clutch allowing line to be pulled freely from the reel to a pre-determined, super-light drag setting. Turning the handle engages the clutch and applies full drag to hook up and play the fish. SWEET! Most can be found here.

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