Snapper

SNAPPER a.k.a. squire, red bream

Snapper are a sought-after saltwater fish with a savage bite and strong fighting ability. Anglers love the challenge of snapper fishing with the added bonus of snapper being a prized table fish.

Physical Description: Younger snapper (squire) have bright blue spots over their upper bodies, and with age these spots disappear, the snout bulges and a hump forms over the nape. Colouration varies from rosy pink to red brown with pinkish fins.

Size: Snapper grow to more than 130cm and 19.5kg, although they are usually caught around 7kg.

Habitat: Snapper can be found in inshore and offshore rocky reefs, coral, gravel and shell beds, shallow bays and inlets. Rising tides, early to mid morning or late afternoon to evening are the best times to catch these fish. Snapper have no preference for any particular weather conditions.

Hint! Look for white water where a current or surge breaks over high ground and enters a deep hole.

How to Catch:
Bait - Snapper can be caught on fresh strips of mullet and tuna, squid, pilchards, prawns, crabs and octopus. Lures to try are small leadhead jigs with plastic tails.
Hint! Snapper are bottom dwellers so try enticing them upwards with a trail of berley.
Rod and Reel - There are several options of rods useful in catching snapper: offshore rods with eggbeater, overhead or sidecast reels, handlines and deck winches. All rods should have a fast tapered tip.
Line and Tackle - Line should be 10-15kg breaking strain in offshore waters and 6-8kg in shallower waters. Hooks should be strong, from 2/0 to 6/0.
Hint! The snapper's swim bladder may inflate and protrude through it's mouth when brought to the surface and must be deflated or it will not survive.

Hot Spots: Snapper can be found in coastal waters from southern Queensland around to Western Australia.