Snapper are a favourite species of many fishos…and for good reason. Aside from their eating quality and fighting spirit, they can be targeted plenty of ways.
From bait to jigs, soft plastics and even trolling, Snapper will munch anything that moves.
They are particularly prevalent in the cooler months of they year. This is due to them coming in closer to shore to spawn. The Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast get a great run of them, but little old Moreton Bay is often overlooked. Bo from Capn’s Charters says otherwise.
Much of Moreton Bay sits very shallow, with a lot of the rounds that Bo targets being no more than 10m deep. He also loves to fish light. How light? We’re talking 10pound line, 2500 size reels and 3-inch soft plastics. That means if you hook a legal Snapper, it’s going to be a load of fun.
Bo recommends the lightest possible jighead for the depth you’re fishing. You want your plastic to slowly waft down the water column so it looks natural. Then once it hits the bottom, slowly work it back to the boat, with a few little hops. The Snapper will more often than not, hit it on the pause.
It’s important to remember that species as popular as Snapper have a closure. These vary across the country, but here in Queensland, theirs is July 15 to August 15. That gives the stock a brake from the pressure of recreational anglers, and allows them to focus on creating more fish for future generations.
BCF is the place to stock up if you’re keen to chase some shallow water snapper.
