How to Catch Snapper on Bait Junkie Soft Plastics

By Nabeel Issa

If you're looking for a great fight, impressive size, and delicious eating qualities, then you can't go wrong with snapper. These fish are highly sought after and can be challenging to catch, especially the larger ones. In this article, we'll cover some shallow (up to 5m) and deep (up to 40m) tactics for snapper fishing in Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast areas using Bait Junkies.

The first step in catching snapper is to find a good location. Snapper love structure and are usually found close to cover such as reefs, rock bars, or wrecks. Current and water clarity are also essential factors to consider. Fishing in spots with clean water and some flow is ideal, as dirty water can push the fish away.

The Tackle

Once you've found a suitable location, it's time to focus on the gear. For shallow water fishing, use lighter gear consisting of 8-10lb J braid matched to 12-16lb J-Thread Leader, a 3000 sized reel, and a rod with a 3-6kg rating. The lighter gear allows for long casts, and the lighter leader helps to get bites from finicky fish. When fishing deeper, use heavier gear such as 15-20lb J-Braid and 20-30lb J-Thread leader, a reel size of 4-5000, and a rod rating of about 4-8kg. The heavier gear increases your chances of catching the larger snapper found in deeper water.

Lure selection is also crucial in snapper fishing. I like to stick to a few favourites and keep it simple. Both in shallow and deeper water, I use the 4-inch Grubs and 5-inch Jerkshad soft plastics. Colours aren't critical, but it can be useful to mix it up on some days. Motor Oil, Strawberry Ripple, Cream Soda, and Red Bait Glow are a few favourites. The jig head weight is the most critical part of the lure equation, so choose a weight that allows for a slow sink and can reach your target depth. This means selecting weights from 1/12 up to 1/2 ounce. Snapper will take the lure as it's sinking down, so maximizing that "hang" time will help to increase bites.

Cast and Retrieve

When you're ready to cast, remember that snapper prefer a sinking lure. Cast ahead of the boat in the direction you're drifting and leave some slack line so that the lure can fall as naturally as possible. Sinking the lure on a tight line will affect how it sinks and reduce the amount of attention it receives. Once the lure hits the bottom, use a double hop retrieve to work the lure back to the boat. Vary your jig head weights, soft plastics, and drift angles until you find a pattern that works.

Lastly, keep in mind a few tips to increase your chances of success. Fish during low light periods and avoid boat traffic when possible, as snapper can be put off by noise. Use a drift anchor to help slow your drift and give you more time for the lure to sink. Downsizing the leader can trigger more bites, but be careful not to lose good fish.

In conclusion, snapper fishing can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Finding a good location, selecting the right gear and lure, and casting correctly are all essential steps in catching these prized fish. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to catching your own snapper in SEQ.