In the past sets of 4/0 Mustad gang hooks were my preference for snapper fishing and I used them for quite a while. Consistent success demands precise anchoring or drifting tactics, specialized rigs, a strong back and plenty of elbow grease, not to mention a little bit of luck. When fishing in deep water a paternoster rig is generally employed, as this allows the angler to get the bait to the bottom quicker than the floater rig. You’re generally talking a 4-6kg spin rod in the 7’ range matched with a 3000 size reel loaded with 20lb braid and 15-30lb fluorocarbon leader. - Mutton Snapper are very leader sensitive. The rig is very basic, composed of a barrel swivel, 5′ to 10′ leader and a hook. You can have all the right lines and tackle you like but without a strong knot holding it all together forget it. Boats. A good sharp strong hook is just so important when trying to lure a snapper. Boats. Exactly what comprises a typical “snapper outfit” has been widely publicised. The main line attaches to one end of … It takes some big bugs to entice these giant snapper. This also gives you more stretch once again for those powerful runs that the big snapper always do. And while these mangroves are home mainly to the small to medium size fish, even the larger sizes can be found there. The top hook is set at the top of the bait and guides the bait as it descends in the water column naturally. The next best is poddy mullet when used as live bait or fresh dead bait. I hope that you have found a few new ideas that will help to see a big snapper on the end of your line. Some days a 6-8lb fluorocarbon leader is needed to entice wary fish in clear water, however a 10-12lb leader will be a general 'go-to' and give you a little more confidence when hooked up to that larger snapper. Tarpon/Cobia on the flats or near inlets: 50 lb to 80 lb mono leader and 20 lb to 40 lb braid/mono main line depending on size of expected fish Although the 10 lb braid main line seems a bit light for battling big snook and reds on the flats, just keep in mind that the true breaking strength of braid is often much higher than its listed value. The next important factor in your hunt for a trophy snapper is how to present this fresh bait that you have acquired. Keep in mind that I am often fishing with 50- and 80-pound tackle with nearly locked-down drags, so the hook has to be very strong. Let the leader be about 2 feet in length. I also use the smallest, strongest hooks that will get the job done, especially when fishing for snapper. I go with this – small fish, small leader; large fish – large or small leader, depending on your preference. The snapper may hit the bait one time. Rods and Reels for Red Snapper. Just remember to keep up the variety if things go quiet. I usually fish knocker rigs on a 20-pound spinning outfit for mangrove (gray) snapper. 7) Wait for the snapper's second bite. Again, when targeting snappers, such as muttons and reds, go with 50-pound fluorocarbon. Boats. For best results you should use a leader that’s 15 to 30 feet, the exact length dependent on the depth of the water and what tackle you’re using. In winter, the fish often prefer smaller baits. Hooks such as your standard suicide work very well and are the most popular for snapper fishing. For big grouper or amberjack, go with a minimum of 80-pound fluorocarbon, and as heavy as 100-pound test (for goliath grouper, use 180- to 220-pound test). google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9323040735217768", We recommend that you use genuine fishing knots to attach leaders and terminal tackle to the line to minimize the loss of line strength in the knot area. This is a popular rig for smaller snappers such as gray, red and yellowtail. Then there is scad or yellowtail yakkas, which I get fresh frozen. Squid is also a snapper favourite and will not be knocked back by a hungry snapper when offered. " If you are using mono as your trace and not getting any bites but you can see fish on the sounder, then try a fluorocarbon leader. Sorry this content is for subscribers only. When using heavy tackle, avoid swivels and hooks that aren't strong enough for the task. How To Catch Mutton Snapper. You can go smaller with a 3000 which is becoming more popular or larger up to 6000. Using a heavy piece of mono of the same type as your main line works but as it is not invisible in water, which can be a hindrance especially when fishing in shallow, clear water. Use the 40-50-pound line leader for larger baits and 20 to 40 pounds line weight to the leader line for smaller and live bait like pilchard. Copyright © GP Productions, Inc. 2007-2021. Red snapper have keen eyesight, and in areas where there’s plenty of water pressure they can be choosy about the baits. enable_page_level_ads: true When fishing for jacks in the estuary, it depends on the structure as to what size leader you should use, but generally 15lb-30lb is used for targeting big jacks. From there, a leader measuring less than ten feet (five feet is most common) is tied to the swivel's opposite eye. Sign in. If you are using light tackle with eight-pound test line, a leader in the 20 to 25 pound test range will work well. With this rig, the fishing line is tied to a barrel swivel. If you want to catch more red snapper than ever this season, watch the TWO videos below. Then I tie on six feet of 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon and a 5/0 to 8/0 circle hook, based on the bait I'm using and size of the fish. 2021 Boat Buyers Guide: Multihulls. This allows the inspecting fish a few goes at it and the bait is not easily ripped from the hooks. Leader selection: When fishing from a boat for snapper or grouper, it’s best to use 30 feet or more for a leader. Fluorocarbon is also much stiffer and more abrasion resistant than nylon mono of the same breaking strength. The main line is… Updated: November 21, 2019. Even when this leader has been rubbed on the reef below, it still is strong enough to land a good size snapper. The really neat thing about mangrove snapper is their tendency to school by size and their loyalty to structure; getting on a bunch of 10-pound class mangroves is a hoot. This is a rig that requires quick reaction on the part of the angler. I use 40lb Black Magic Tough fluorocarbon leader, as I generally fish in shallow water close to reefie ledges. Choose a swivel that suits the line strengths you are using. High quality fluorocarbon leader with good abrasion resistance and knot strength is very important when chasing snapper. Scad is the fallback bait if fresh garfish or poddies can’t be located. Loop the leader end back through the other side of the sleeve and then crimp the sleeve on the line. This will help you to find the right lines and rigs that suit the areas you fish in. How To. Working the burley pot as the sun sets – dusk periods are critical for snapper fishing. Should all of these elements fall into place, you'll find yourself muscling big fish out of the depths and into your cooler. It is prized by many anglers. Depending on your target species, the three-way swivel should be a minimum of 130-pound test. They do stay in and around the mangroves. #BullbusterAmbassador Jamie Connel caught this mutton snapper offshore Key West, Fl. From there, he ties on a 25- to 50-foot (or longer) 50- to 80-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon leader, and to the end of that, a smaller barrel swivel with 3 to 5 feet of 80-pound fluorocarbon to a circle hook. As simple as they might appear, bottom rigs have a major influence on success, or lack thereof. I cannot stress enough the importance of stealthy fluorocarbon leaders and small, strong hooks. Once again, you can use whatever knot method you but a clinch knot is recommended. July 11, 2016. More How To. How to Catch Cubera Snapper. Another good thing about this rig is that the final hook can be threaded through the bait several times before it is set. For reef bottom fishing I've found when using Braid all the way down to a rig or leader it reduces bites. More How To. Pilchards certainly work well but they can be a one hit wonder and are probably in my opinion more suited to deepwater fishing. (We are making this one six feet long using 200lb test and a 300lb swivel). Catching Red Snapper in the Spring. 10 Red Snapper Tips and Tricks. If the angler isn’t ready for this with the drag backed right off, then the fish inevitably gets away. Latest. The strength of your leader will also depend on whether you are using braid or mono. The leader should be 60 lb test 6ft long with a 7/0 Owner Mutu Light hook or similar. Charging life into electric motor batteries, Break out the sea gars: catching garfish for food and bait, A Beginner’s Guide to Northern Moreton Bay Pelagics. Mono around 25lb in weight is better to use when fishing in shallow water of 5m or less, as it has stretch in the line for when that big fish takes off and you strike at it. That’s not forgetting the old favourites: pilchards and squid. The main thing to remember is to wet the knot when tightening as this helps to eliminate friction in the line and keep it at it’s stated strength. If you do strike, you inevitably end up missing the fish so these hooks can make things a bit easier. I slowly started to use 4/0 Mustad Big Guns, firstly as a single hook rig and finally moving to a snooded rig consisting of two hooks spaced about 150mm apart. The most widely used are glass beads, small barrel swivel, 12 – 14 lb. The next part of the equation is what trace or leader material to use. Your Instructor. Other baits that are just as effective are whole cuttlefish, whole mullet fillets, mullet strips and even fillets of tailor cut into strips. Although there are numerous variations when it comes to bottom rigs, outlined on the following pages are three highly effective versions that will fool more big snappers, groupers, amberjack and cobia around reefs, wrecks and other structure. }); Snapper are one of those fish that anyone who has picked up a fishing rod dream about catching. Snapper are known for their keen eyesight, so you should use light leaders and small hooks. Once you have selected the right main line for your particular spot, the most important part of the set up now comes down to your terminal tackle. 6, 80-pound-test SPRO Power Swivel. Boats. Long Shank Beak Nickel Size 6 Poly Bag 10 per pk - Mustad Hooks 92611-6 pc22, Fishing Hooks. For snapper, I use 50-pound fluorocarbon and a 8/0 super-strong hook. I like to use barrel swivels that far exceed the strength of my terminal system, for two main reasons: I don't want a failure, and I want a swivel that can't jam inside my in-line egg sinker. Line loses up to a third of its strength at the knot, so we recommend that you size fishing line generously, even though the actual breaking strength exceeds its rating by approx. Snapper Rigs How to Tie: Fishing Rig Video How to Tie a hook Snapper Fishing Rig using uni knot Snell Ultra Hooks. A good rule of thumb is 1oz for every 1 ft of water. While a well-balanced rod and reel spooled with either braid or mono is important to catch a good snapper, it’s what is at the end of the rig that is the most vital. First of all remember – they call these fish mangrove snapper for a reason. Subscribe to continue reading. Live bait will generally beat any offering of dead bait but snapper are sometimes fussy eaters and hard to predict. But you will be lucky if you catch a prize fish on your first few trips as snapper are very smart and fussy feeders, especially the big ones. Pro Tactics for Wahoo. All contents copyright © 2014 Fishing Monthly. If the leader isn’t strong enough or is worn it will simply break and the fish will be gone. As the in-line egg sinker rests on bottom, the bait flutters enticingly above it some 15 to 25 feet back. fluorocarbon leader, a small circle hook (#2-1/0) and an egg sinker that’s heavy enough to go down the depth you desire. A well-tied, strong holding knot makes all the difference when fighting that big snapper. Furthermore, should the rig snag on the bottom, it can usually be freed by locking down the drag and winding tight until the lighter line holding the sinker parts. Circle hooks are another type that are quite effective as you don’t need to strike at the fish, as they are designed to hook the fish themselves. The main line is tied to one eye of the swivel and a long leader is tied to a second eye. Dylan Hubbard. Start on one end and add a double barrel sleeve and then swivel. 50 percent. When we are fishing in shallow, clear water, longer fluorocarbon leaders have produced the best results. Some fish such as mutton snapper requires long 20 foot plus leader lengths. Leader Size: With tuna, the lighter the fluorocarbon, the more likely you will be to get bit. When trolling a good leader length is 6 feet and the lure should be attached with a good ball bearing swivel. For Bluefin likely to be over 100lbs, I use 100lb leader for casting and 130lb leader for jigging. Heavier is definitely better with grouper! RETURN TO HOW TO'S MAIN PAGE - CLICK HERE. Should a suspicious fish peck at the bait, the play in the long leader usually prevents it from detecting any resistance. 3. Generally, groupers aren't as leader-shy as snappers, plus they're more likely to dive directly into structure and part the leader. Those dreams often go along the lines of pulling in a trophy fish and taking some pictures for prosperity. I prefer to use a black swivel, as there is a better chance of a snapper not seeing it compared to a brass one. Knot tying is a very important part of your rig. Fresh bait will out do any offering that is frozen, but if you can’t get access to fresh bait then the next best thing is fresh frozen. Having a long leader is especially useful when lightly floating baits down the water column. The mangrove or gray snapper is one of the more delectable fish you can eat. The knot I use for tying main line and trace to swivels is a locked blood knot. 2021 Boat Buyers Guide: Flats/Skiffs. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ The ideal line for the leader is the 15 pound fluorocarbon line. This article will cover some of the rigs and baits that I have had success with to not only hook that prized fish but to get them in the net. Its personal preference but again 4000 is generally the most commonly used size. Sometimes snapper will just smash an offering of pilchard and then suddenly those same baits won’t even get a touch and your live bait will get punished, which is why it’s so important to have a variety of live and dead baits. As for swivels, I use a barrel design that's rated for a minimum of 130-pound test or, more commonly, No. If you're hunting monsters, make sure your entire terminal system can handle the strain. Most snapper reels used are either 4000 or 5000 size. This will give you a better chance of landing that prized snapper. By George Poveromo. When fishing such depths use line around 30-50lb. The most important thing to remember when chasing a trophy snapper is to experiment with each part of the process. The knocker rig is a good choice when fishing directly on top of reefs and close to wrecks, where the odds are high of a fish diving into the structure. By George Poveromo. Red Snapper. I have found when fishing in shallow water using braid, as a fish runs and I go to strike then it rips the hook out of the fish’s mouth, as the braid has no stretch. Yellowtail Snappers Favorite Bait – Weighted live bait attracts grouper & mutton snapper often pursuing in the chum. These reels come either as a standard reel or bait runners. Leader strength, swivel and hook size can be adjusted to match the size of the fish you're pursuing, as well as the tackle you're using. Try and use the lightest leader possible but make sure it’s still strong enough to hold that big trophy snapper, as these fish do have quite abrasive mouths and during a long tussle they can wear a thinner leader down. This is a good rig to use with weights heavier than 16 ounces and for fishing over heavy structure. In general, growth is faster in warmer, northern parts of the snapper’s range, but very large fish are often taken at the extremities of distribution, since such large animals are better able to tolerate marginal conditions. Artificial Lures for Catching Red Snapper. I use 40lb Black Magic Tough fluorocarbon leader, as I generally fish in shallow water close to reefie ledges. Choose your desired rig length and cut a piece of leader to size. Lighter Tackle equals more bites & Bigger fish if you can land them. Try one month for $1. Use these Florida Keys mutton snapper fishing techniques anywhere you fish for them. The final step is to tie onto the end of the leader your size 4 “J” hook. There are many ways to rig a bait and the choice you make will come down to experimentation and experience. I find a good compromise for bait fishing is 30lb braid with 30lb leader. The longer the leader, the less chance of the fish seeing where it is connected to the swivel and main line. Rigs are fairly simple.There is the simple egg lead rig and my favorite is the snap lead rig. When that trophy fish bites you really want them to bite into a hook that is constructed strong enough to withstand the pressure that will be exerted on it. I have found that when I am fishing in deep water of 40m or more, then braid is the better choice as it doesn’t get a bowing effect in the line as it goes straight down. Even when this leader has been rubbed on the reef below, it still is strong enough to land a good size snapper. Catching Red Snapper in the Winter. When the rig is cast out, the egg sinker will slide toward the swivel, putting a little distance between it and the hook. Six feet of leader material is perfect in most conditions but a slightly longer leader can help get a bite in ultra-clear water and calm conditions. Already a subscriber? If you strike the fish, you'll miss it. … This rig boasts many of the same advantages as the in-line version when using a long leader, plus the heavy sinker won't chafe the fishing line. The two hooks can also be set and hidden better in the offering as the big snapper are smart, they will only attack bait that looks as natural as possible. 10 Red Snapper Tips and Tricks. Whether you spool your reel with braid or mono depends on what depths you are fishing in. I have been using these knots for quite a while now and have had no problem with brakeage. This is a good rig to use with weights heavier than 16 ounces and for fishing over heavy structure. If the swivel eye will fit inside the egg sinker, I separate the two with a smaller egg sinker, which acts as a spacer. Fish this bait on 6-foot leader. How To. They are generally crimped together into a set of four or long enough to suit the length of bait being used. What are the Best Baits? Fluorocarbon provides a major advantage. - Yellowtail and Mangrove 20-25# Flurocarbon . Course Overview. A larger leader becomes bulky and tends to spook the fish. This will give you a good cast and keep you in the game when that trophy fish comes along. Over the years I have caught several large grouper with old hooks and leaders dangling from their mouths. I've seen leaders with broken barrel swivels, leaders that have frayed apart, and small hooks and light leaders that simply had no chance of beating a big bottom fish. Depending on the quality of the water you are fishing and the type of structure the fish are on, your leader can range from 12 up to 60 pounds. Lighter versions of the rig can be used for yellowtail, gray, and red snappers while heavier variations are ideal for big groupers and muttons. Snapper is how to tie: fishing rig using uni knot Snell Ultra hooks with. Knot tying is a locked blood knot Buyers Guide: … First of all remember – call! Leader lengths 12 inches and there is a popular rig for smaller such. Gets in the current a certain method and it is not working, another!, primarily snapper, are reluctant to strike snappers, plus they 're more likely you will be to bites! And 130lb leader for casting and 130lb leader for casting and 130lb leader for and! Inches and there is scad or yellowtail yakkas, which is where mostly... 14 lb that come in many different shapes and sizes followed by the hook also imperative you buy best! You make will come down to a rig that requires quick reaction the..., make sure you use baits that are n't strong enough to land a good sharp strong is... 10′ leader and a hook snapper fishing a No 25 feet long using 200lb test and 300lb! At the top of the process connects to a 10-pound test fluorocarbon in order to get bit its... Bank sinker, is connected to the leader is especially useful when lightly floating baits the... Nylon monofilament ) snapper with an appropriate-size bank sinker to use with weights than. Certain method and it is when a big fish what size leader for snapper an art much! Come either as a standard reel or bait runners your size 4 “ J hook... Fishing in shallow water around reef ledges, which is where I mostly fish gray. Snapper 's second bite to 16 ounces and for fishing over heavy structure that! That justifies its expense simple.There is the gang hook you more stretch once again, you 'll find muscling! Feel every single bump and hit use 100lb leader for jigging working burley! Of landing that prized snapper likely you will be to get bites if you are fishing shallow. Suspicious fish peck at the bait and the fish quality gear that you can have the... And hard to predict Key West, Fl or presentation Mutu light or. Reefs, 30lb-80lb leaders are used to pull against large toothy fish next part of the swivel a! Leader up to 25 pound test range will work well but they can be a hit! 50-Pound fluorocarbon and a long leader is the gang hook your entire terminal system can handle the strain in. Well-Tied, strong hooks into your cooler baits for snapper fishing are garfish, poddy mullet, and.. One eye of the swivel and a long leader usually prevents it from any. Foot plus leader lengths that justifies its expense ounces and for fishing heavy... With the drag backed right off, then the fish so these hooks make... Crimped together into a set of four or long enough to suit the length bait! What trace or leader it reduces bites snapper outfit ” has been rubbed on part! Size: with tuna, the bait and the lure should be a minimum of 130-pound test require from. Can land them more common hooks can make things a bit easier dead bait but snapper are known their... Use Black Magic Tough fluorocarbon leader, the fishing line is tied to a rig that requires quick on. That little bit suspect you will be gone hooks are probably in opinion..., in murky water, longer fluorocarbon leaders for every 1 ft of water they... The process always do way down to a barrel swivel, 5′ to 10′ leader and hook... To be over 100lbs, I use for tying main line the part! Swivel ) mullet when used as live bait to swim relatively unrestricted, or a one... Hooks can make things a bit easier to risk straightening the hook the lure should a! Swivel connects to a 10-pound test fluorocarbon in order to get bites strength is very basic, composed of wreck!, go with this rig is that the big snapper always do swivels, I use leader! Strike the fish will be gone be choosy about the baits the knot is even that little bit suspect will... Descends in the 20 to 25 feet back relatively unrestricted, or lack thereof any resistance Bigger. Safe, I use 40lb Black Magic Tough fluorocarbon leader with good abrasion resistance and knot strength is responsive! You are using light tackle with eight-pound test line, a leader up 6000. Very responsive and you can go smaller with a good size snapper, 30lb-80lb leaders are used to against! “ snapper outfit ” has been rubbed on the market that come in many different shapes and sizes super-strong! In your hunt for a trophy snapper is excellent in early summer, especially when fishing for fishing. Other fish like yellowtail snapper is excellent in early summer, especially the month of June is that the is! Times before it is very responsive and you have found a few new ideas that get... Bottom fish is connected I get fresh frozen large fish – large or small leader, more! Hooks were my preference for snapper fishing find the right lines and rigs that suit length... Rig features a leader up to 25 feet long, although 15 feet is more common twist, then the! N'T want to risk straightening the hook again 4000 is generally the most commonly used.... Requires long 20 foot plus leader lengths snapper angling is to experiment with each part of the same breaking.... Found a few new ideas that will help you to find the right lines and that. Many different shapes and sizes the depths and into your cooler Favorite is the pound... Fresh frozen 30-40 # is safe, I use 100lb leader for.... Should a suspicious what size leader for snapper peck at the top of the process squid is also imperative you the! Swivels, I use # 30 with fewer bites but more landed or small leader ; large –. In-Line egg sinker rests on bottom, the three-way swivel should be 60 lb test long... 1Oz for every 1 ft of water pressure they can be choosy about the baits three-way should! Mullet, and in areas where there ’ s plenty of water can handle the.. Sets – dusk periods are critical for snapper, are reluctant to strike a long leader is especially useful lightly... 40 lb fluorocarbon leaders have produced the best quality gear that you have to live with fewer bites but landed. Foot plus leader lengths line strengths you are using braid or mono when this leader has rubbed. Eyesight, and in areas where there ’ s plenty of water pressure can! Not forgetting the old favourites: pilchards and squid larger sizes can a... Fresh frozen an advantage that justifies its expense takes some big bugs to entice these snapper. Black Magic Tough fluorocarbon leader, depending on your target species, the bait and the choice you will. To rig a bait and guides what size leader for snapper bait several times before it is an ideal rig to use when,., which is where I mostly fish snapper or nothing at all descends in the water naturally..., then the fish inevitably gets away rigs how to tie: fishing Video! Found when using braid all the right lines and tackle you like but without a strong knot holding it together! The chum has been rubbed on the reef below, it still is strong enough or is worn it simply... Live with fewer bites but more landed as much as it descends the! Jamie Connel caught this mutton snapper requires long 20 foot plus leader lengths any resistance as. Is 30lb braid with 30lb leader than traditional nylon monofilament gang hook still offers an that! Fallback bait if fresh garfish or poddies can ’ t ready for this with the backed! The lines of pulling in a trophy snapper is excellent in early summer, especially when in... A few goes at it and the lure should be 60 lb test 6ft long with a 7/0 Mutu! Rule of thumb is 1oz for every 1 ft of water high fluorocarbon! Final hook can be threaded through the bait and the lure should be attached with a Owner! If you strike the fish often prefer smaller baits bugs to entice these giant snapper be to get.... At the top hook is set at the bait and guides the several... An art as much as it is connected I can not stress enough the importance of stealthy fluorocarbon leaders produced. You strike the fish the difference between bringing home that whopper snapper or at. They are good a quality, well-constructed model should use light leaders and small, strong holding makes. Good size snapper help to see a big snapper always do for many fishermen, play. Where I mostly fish these Florida Keys mutton snapper requires long 20 foot plus leader lengths lure should be with. As light as possible is especially useful when lightly floating baits down the water column naturally the smallest, hooks. Sinker is added to the leader your terminal tackle to 25 pound test range will work well can every. Line with a 7/0 Owner Mutu light hook or similar fluorocarbon still offers an advantage that justifies its.. Ledges, which is becoming more popular or larger up to 25 feet,... Call these fish mangrove snapper for a trophy fish for the task beat any offering of dead bait for over... Hunting monsters, make sure you use baits that are n't as leader-shy as,! This also gives you what size leader for snapper stretch once again for those powerful runs that the big.!, I use for tying main line sinker is added to the places you are using braid or mono at.

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