Snapper Fishing Gear

Snapper, A.K.A Pink Snapper, Pinky, Knobby, Big Red, Squire and Nobby are very viable targets from many of Australia's coastal areas. They can be found in waters from as shallow as 2-3meters out to 120 meters offshore. Snapper tend to chase fish baits such as pilchards, fresh herring fillets, mullet & squid rigged on ganged hooks. Rods in the 5-8kg weight range will cover most inshore snapper fishing with rods up to 15-24kg needed if you're fishing 80m plus. Night-time, dawn and dusk will generally see the most action.

Pink snapper (Pinkies) have a very widespread distribution and although they are a predominantly demersal (bottom dwelling) fish they are equally as common around inshore shallow reefs as they are sitting on structure in 100m+. They prefer reef environments and areas of patchy reef and sand. Juveniles prefer shallower near shore habitats such as bays and estuaries.

The change of light periods of dawn & dusk always being prime snapper periods. In terms of moon phase, it is believed that the lead up to the full moon is a good period for targeting snapper. They become particularly active around low light periods and will often patrol areas of rubble, reef or bomies.

Pinkies respond well to a variety of whole and cut baits like pilchards, squid, tuna and herring. A paternoster style dropper rig with a set of gangs or two snelled hooks is an effective method to present a bait. In shallower waters a 'float-lining' rig consisting of a running ball sinker to a set of gangs works well on wary fish.

Pink Snapper respond well to soft plastics, particularly in waters 80ms and shallower. Jerk shads, flick baits and curl-tails in the 5-9 inch range are great choices. When choosing a jighead consider, soft plastics size, depth of water and strength of current on the day.