Autumn is an excellent season for catching snapper. I’m going to outline some of the tackle you’ll need for snapper fishing. While lures can be effective for catching snapper, they might not be the best choice for beginners. In my experience, bait and hook often outperform lures when targeting snapper. So, for the best chance of success, I recommend focusing on bait fishing. After Reading Please spend the time to watch the video Below as i go out and capture Snapper
Beginner’s Guide to Autumn Snapper Fishing
Autumn is a fantastic season for targeting snapper, and as a beginner, there are several key elements to consider for a successful outing. This guide will provide you with an overview of the essential gear, bait selection, techniques, and additional factors such as tides and lunar phases.
Gear Essentials
For snapper fishing, a well-balanced setup is crucial. Opt for a medium to heavy action rod around 7-8 feet in length. A combination like the Shimano Sonic Pro rod paired with a Shimano Baitrunner D6000 reel is a great starting point. Your reel should be spooled with 17-20lb monofilament or braided line, with Berkley Trilene Sensation being a popular choice for beginners.
When it comes to hooks and rigs, size 4/0 to 6/0 hooks are ideal. Employ Snell twin hook rigs or Ultra Rigs by Reedy’s Rigs for effectiveness. Attach a size 1 ball sinker and a green bead to your rig to enhance its appeal to snapper.
Bait Selection
Snapper can be finicky eaters, so variety is key. Always have a selection of pilchards, squid, and silver whiting on hand. Cut the bait into appropriate sizes and ensure it’s neatly presented on the hooks.
Techniques and Tips
- Location is Key: Look for areas with structure like reefs or drop-offs, as snapper tend to congregate in these spots.
- Anchoring: Position your boat up-current from your fishing spot to allow your bait to drift naturally over the area.
- Bait Presentation: Use a spread of rods with different baits to maximize your chances of attracting snapper. Keep your bait near the bottom, as snapper are often bottom feeders.
Understanding Tides and Moon Phases
Tides and lunar phases play a significant role in snapper fishing:
- Tides: Fishing around the change of tides, especially during high tide, can be particularly productive as snapper are more active during these periods.
- Moon Phases: Full and new moons often lead to stronger tides, which can result in better fishing conditions. Pay attention to these lunar phases when planning your trip.
Additional Considerations
- Time of Day: Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times for snapper.
- Chumming: Introducing small amounts of chopped bait into the water can attract snapper to your vicinity.
- Safety and Handling: Snapper have sharp teeth and spines, so handle them with care. Always use a net to bring them into the boat.
With these tips and techniques, you’re well-equipped for a successful autumn snapper fishing adventure. Remember, patience and practice are key, so don’t be discouraged if success doesn’t come immediately. Enjoy the experience and the thrill of the catch!
[row]
[col span=”4″ span__sm=”12″]
[ux_image_box img=”10559″]
Autumn snapper
Marlon with a nice pair of autumn Beauties Caught on 187 Hooks By Reedy’s Rigs
[/ux_image_box]
[/col]
[col span=”4″ span__sm=”12″]
[ux_image_box img=”10558″]
A Nice Shot of a Big
Reedy’s 187 Hooks Doing the Damage
[/ux_image_box]
[/col]
[col span=”4″ span__sm=”12″]
[ux_image_box img=”10562″]
A Big Snapper Caught
on Reedy’s 187 Hooks
[/ux_image_box]
[/col]
[/row]
What Are the Best Snapper Bait’s?
To increase your chances of catching snapper, it’s essential to have a wide variety of baits, as they can feed on different foods throughout the day. When beginning your fishing session, start by putting a different bait on each hook across your spread of rods. Essential baits for every trip include pilchards, squid, and silver whiting.
Tackle you MUST Have to catch a Snapper.
Over the years, I’ve used various tackle to catch snapper, both light and heavy. I believe in investing in well-balanced, high-quality fishing gear for a better return on investment over time. When buying fishing tackle, I recommend purchasing the best you can afford.
For snapper fishing, I use a graphite fishing rod that’s between 6 to 8 kilos and has a fast action, meaning it’s a bit stiff. My setup includes:
- Fishing Rod: Shimano Sonic Pro, 6-8 kilos, fast action.
- Fishing Reel: Shimano Baitrunner D6000.
- Fishing Line: 17lb Berkley Trilene Sensation.
On my boat, I have four rods per person. Three of the rods are set up with Snell twin hook rigs using Reedy’s 187 suicide hooks, a size 1 ball sinker, and a green bead. The fourth rod uses a different type of rig called an Ultra Rig by Reedy’s Rigs.
Here’s a video demonstrating how to tie the Ultra Rig and showing it in action: Reedy’s Ultra Rig Video.
Below is a video of me talking about the water temperature and where to look for snapper
[block id=”featured-fishing-tackle”]
