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.