Best Snapper Rigs in Port Phillip Bay?

Short answer: There is no single "best" snapper rig in Port Phillip Bay. Different conditions call for different rigs.

Hi, I’m Brett — owner of Reedy’s Rigs. I’ve spent the last 16 years targeting snapper year-round in Port Phillip Bay. Below is a full breakdown of rigs I use depending on conditions, plus a video tutorial showing exactly how I tie them.

What I’m Using in the Video

• 🎣 Reedy’s Premium Mono Leader (100m) – Tough, reliable, and snapper-ready
• 🪝 Reedy’s 187 Lumo Hooks (4/0, 5/0, 6/0) – My go-to for snapper
• 🔗 Rolling Swivels Size 2 – RTG 40kg, strong and compact
• 🔥 10x Scallop ULTRA Rigs (5/0 Mixed) – My recommendation for the full snapper season

How to Tie a Snapper Rig (Video Tutorial)

Rig Options Breakdown

🪝 Unweighted Fly Rig – Great in Shallow Reef

This is my go-to early in the season when snapper are in the shallows. It’s rigged with a Reedy’s 187 Circle Hook (4/0) and no sinker. These hooks don’t snag as easily, making them perfect for the shallow, snaggy reef areas around Black Rock, Altona, Elwood, Brighton, Sandringham, Mornington, and Mount Eliza.

The unweighted fly adds that extra 10% attraction — sometimes you’ll even hook fish with no bait. I use a 20–40lb leader and tie it to my mainline using a double uni or a swivel if I plan on going deeper later.

🎣 Twin Snell Rig – The Port Phillip Classic

The most used rig in the Bay. I snell up two Reedy’s 187 Lumo Hooks (4/0 or 5/0) and fish full baits like pilchards, silver whiting, or squid heads. Smaller hooks like 4/0 still catch big snapper, but also let you hook into 2–3kg school fish more reliably.

I keep my hooks fixed for better hook-ups and often run a Size 1 ball sinker to keep lines spaced when fishing 4–8 rods.

🔥 Reedy’s ULTRA Rig – Paternoster Power

This is hands down my favourite rig. It’s what I catch my biggest snapper of the season on most years. I’ll fish fresh squid rings or pin a silver whiting head through the nose. With circle hooks, I usually size up — if you use 4/0 normally, go to 5/0 for big fish.

Grab a 10-pack of ULTRAs and you’ll be covered for the whole season.

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Want to Know When Snapper Are Biting?

Check out the Reedy’s Bite Guide™ – a free tool that gives you real-time advice based on tide, moon, and wind. Trusted by thousands of fishos each week.

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Keep Learning

Check out the Reedy’s Blog for more up-to-date guides like this, including:

• Snapper Bite Patterns & Planner Tips
• Spring vs Summer Rigging Strategies
• Gear Reviews & Boat Mods

Tight lines and good luck out there!
– Brett from Reedy’s Rigs