EVERYONE I know wants to catch a snapper – a big one – to take a photograph to stick on the fridge for years to come.
If it is a big snapper you are chasing, you have come to the right spot.
Monsters in excess of 10kg are cruising through the perfect habitat that the underwater country off the coast of Port Stephens (and the Myall Coast) provides.
The reefs from Birubi to Broughton and further north to Seal Rocks are alive with cracker snapper.
Huge snapper play differently to smaller fish in that they hit like a steam train – no pick, pick, picking.
It is full on attack, the rod flattens and the reel screams.
If you are not prepared to be smashed there is a big chance that you will lose the fight before it begins.
Here are the “rules” to catch a monster snapper:
– Preferred line size around 20-30 lb, tied to a hook 6/0-8/0. I use a strong swivel to prevent any line twist. It is vital to set the drag on your reel to the correct tension. Not too tight but loose enough to let the fish run.
– The best bait is a slimy mackerel, filleted and pinned with the hook at one end. Yellowtail filleted or cubed, a big prawn, fresh squid or a whole pilchard.
– A rich, steady berley stream set up over time will increase your chances. Once the berley trail has attracted attention, toss your unweighted bait, with the wind at your back, as far from the boat as possible. Place your rod in the holder and let the bait slowly sink. Once hooked, the big fish will head off at an amazing speed, testing your equipment and knots to the limit.
This is an instant of great excitement which must be controlled.
– Remove the rod from the holder and let the fish swim without you winding the reel. When it slows, start making ground by retrieving. Stay cool, calm and collected as the reel continues to squeal. A big snapper has 3-5 power runs when you just hope that nothing snaps. The first two runs are the most intense.
– Steady, steady as the runs become less frequent and shorter. Nearer and nearer – time for the landing net to scoop the giant, head first.
Time for celebration! Now a decision needs to be made. Do you take photos and place the fish on ice or take photos and place it back in the water to fight another day. The decision is yours.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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