This snapper to the left weighs a hefty 10.2 kilos and was taken in the Bay of Islands. Most snapper are between one and two kilograms, but the current record for the largest snapper caught is 27.6 kilograms!
Snapper fishing is for everyone. These fish can be caught just as easily from shore as they can from a charter boat or little tinny.
Rigs for Snapper Fishing
Snapper can be taken on a huge variety of rigs, but some of the most common and proven types of rigs are strayline and droppers. Follow those links to find out more. Try to use circle hooks to keep juvenile sized fish from swallowing the hooks and unnecessarily decreasing the snapper population. Good circle hook sizes range from 5/0 to 12/0, depending on the size fish you are targeting and the size bait you have.
Bait for Snapper Fishing
Snapper feed on all kinds of things in the sea. Since they are such aggressive feeders, lots of different kinds of baits are used. Squid, mullet, shucked shellfish, and crabs are among anglers' favorites. If you have it, and are targeting huge snapper, fresh mackerel and kahawai also make great baits. Don't be fooled in to thinking that frozen mackerel from the bait shop or dairy will be just as good. Fresh bait is ALWAYS better!
Fish Dusk and Dawn
As with most fishing, the best time to target snapper is around dusk and dawn. They can of course be caught all day, but snapper are feeding and most active around dusk and dawn. Even fishing an hour or two after dusk can produce favorable results.
Good luck out there!
