Super Sydney Snapper!

[wacko]

Hi Wacko, do you mind sharing some of the techniques? You say shallow and deep water, what depths do each of these mean? Are you heading to specific GPS marks or scanning the bottom for fish on the sounds?

Muzza

Hi mate, I'd be happy to.......

Geez, where do I start??? Ok, I'll give you a run-down on how we go about catching Reds (Cause' everyone's different)

Point form might be an easier way to explain things. It's gonna be a long one...........

Snapper On SP'S.

1.) Water depth 6mtrs to 23mtrs. I find the 15-19mtr band of water depth very productive. (This depth apply's right up and down the coast too.) You Can plastics fish for Reds in much deeper water, but specialised techniques are needed and we can go into that later.

2.) Rods and Reels need to be fairly good quality. You want to 'feel' the plastics/hits/bottom/kelp etc etc.

No use having a stiff rod and Reel way too big.....remember, It's fairly shallow water so a bit of 'finesse' is the go.

A graphite rod 7ft in the 8-17lb Range will do the job nicely.....we prefer a bit of tip action rather than stiff so you can feel all those bites.

A reel in the 2500-4000 range will be fine. I use Daiwas cause the drags are second to none and the have great gearbox strength.

3.) Braid........we fish 10lb Sufix 832 (It breaks at 18lbs...and it's thin/casts really well)....Most 20lb braids off the rack are too thick and heavy for the work that we do......and if you find a 20lb braid thats REALLLY thin......try to break it on a set of scales, you'll find it will break mostly in the 8-12lb (not 20lb) zone. Alot of Japanese braids undertest, some really heavily.

You'll be fishing around the 4kg drag pressure......thats heaps through those kinds of graphite rods......you'll risk the chance of rod breakage if you lock the drags up.......use your palm on the spool to stop any rampaging reds.....once they are off the bottom, go easy and you'll have him!

4.) A MUST is FLOUROCARBON leader.....Sunline 14lb for super shallow work and 20lb for deeper. (If you only have one rod, try 16lb/good allrounder.

Forget Vanish, forget some no-name chinese flourocarbon......just get some good stuff cause' the leader is VERY important.

A rods length and a touch more is perfect leader size.....I've seen dudes run 2 foot leaders saying 'it's right mate'.......they didnt catch fish.......

5.) Lures........ No joke, most lures will work for Snapper. Dont get into the thinking that Gulp is the only one etc. I've cast out the ugliest looking plastic.....the one that the Muppets threw up.... and it's caught Reds!

General rule is Paddle-Tail grubs/shads take longer to sink.......Flickshads/Jerkshads are faster to sink.

Lures in the the 4inch, 5inch and 7inch will work great off Sydney. Try different colours, naturals and bright suckers!! They all work!!

If you had to narrow it down: 5 Inch Gulp jerkshad/any colour.....110mm Squidgy flickbait/any colour.....4inch Gulp shads/any colour......dohhh smash baits 5inch and 7inch.....Softies 5inch Jerkshad/ any colour.

6.) Jigheads......Lately, i'm finding more success on shorter shanked jigheads. We've been using Nitro 1/2ounce with 2/0 and 3/0 hooks.........5/8th ounce with 2/0 and 3/0 hooks. Even on bigger plastics we will use the shorter hooks......better hook-up and more action to the plastic.

TT jigheads are another that we use on a regular basis. They have a thinner gauge so are better on smaller type plastics in shallower water.

7.) Technique......the biggie....everyone is different but this will work.

DON'T Sound around looking for fish...... Yes, sound around checking water depth, if it's reef etc. Once happy, switch off the motor and drift.

Try to cast in the direction that the boat is HEADING.....if you cast behind you, the plastic tends to get dragged along and does'nt sink properly.

Now, in shallower water like 10-14mtrs......cast EVERYWHERE!! Your plastics are getting down there no probs.

Cast out, let sink for a while (This will vary depending on wind speed etc)....once near the bottom, give the placcie two sharp lifts and then DO NOTHING......just wind the tiniest bit of slack you've created. You want that plastic to waft down after you've given it some action........wind the line until you are semi-tight to the lure and repeat the process. (Two lifts then super long pause).

A big red will hammer the plastic on your lift up OR......he will eat your lure on the waft down. Smaller Reds will tap at the lure and 'short' strike it. This is where you want some feel on your rod. Your reflexes will get better and you will hook em'

Try not to move around too much....let the boat drift and keep going. Turning on outboards and driving over fish will scatter/spook them.

8.) Have confidence in what you are doing..... Imagine what the plastic is doing while it's sinking...... Take a mental note of how long it took you to get to the bottom (You'll find out cause you WILL get snagged, it's part of plastic fishing the Reefs).......don't just have a few casts and think 'theres no Reds here, lets go'.

Realistically, out off Sydney, you cant expect to smash snapper left right and center......sometimes it's a good 45mins between bites and fish.

The techniques I've listed have worked for me and my crew right up and Down the coast......not just Sydney.

I hope you get into a few and most importantly, HAVE FUN, it's all learing and trying.

Cheers,

Wacko.

P.S......Do you guys want me to go into our cubing techniques??? Or are you bored of my 'ramblings'?? Hehehe

[Guest]

Hi mate, I'd be happy to.......

Geez, where do I start??? Ok, I'll give you a run-down on how we go about catching Reds (Cause' everyone's different)

Point form might be an easier way to explain things. It's gonna be a long one...........

Snapper On SP'S.

1.) Water depth 6mtrs to 23mtrs. I find the 15-19mtr band of water depth very productive. (This depth apply's right up and down the coast too.) You Can plastics fish for Reds in much deeper water, but specialised techniques are needed and we can go into that later.

2.) Rods and Reels need to be fairly good quality. You want to 'feel' the plastics/hits/bottom/kelp etc etc.

No use having a stiff rod and Reel way too big.....remember, It's fairly shallow water so a bit of 'finesse' is the go.

A graphite rod 7ft in the 8-17lb Range will do the job nicely.....we prefer a bit of tip action rather than stiff so you can feel all those bites.

A reel in the 2500-4000 range will be fine. I use Daiwas cause the drags are second to none and the have great gearbox strength.

3.) Braid........we fish 10lb Sufix 832 (It breaks at 18lbs...and it's thin/casts really well)....Most 20lb braids off the rack are too thick and heavy for the work that we do......and if you find a 20lb braid thats REALLLY thin......try to break it on a set of scales, you'll find it will break mostly in the 8-12lb (not 20lb) zone. Alot of Japanese braids undertest, some really heavily.

You'll be fishing around the 4kg drag pressure......thats heaps through those kinds of graphite rods......you'll risk the chance of rod breakage if you lock the drags up.......use your palm on the spool to stop any rampaging reds.....once they are off the bottom, go easy and you'll have him!

4.) A MUST is FLOUROCARBON leader.....Sunline 14lb for super shallow work and 20lb for deeper. (If you only have one rod, try 16lb/good allrounder.

Forget Vanish, forget some no-name chinese flourocarbon......just get some good stuff cause' the leader is VERY important.

A rods length and a touch more is perfect leader size.....I've seen dudes run 2 foot leaders saying 'it's right mate'.......they didnt catch fish.......

5.) Lures........ No joke, most lures will work for Snapper. Dont get into the thinking that Gulp is the only one etc. I've cast out the ugliest looking plastic.....the one that the Muppets threw up.... and it's caught Reds!

General rule is Paddle-Tail grubs/shads take longer to sink.......Flickshads/Jerkshads are faster to sink.

Lures in the the 4inch, 5inch and 7inch will work great off Sydney. Try different colours, naturals and bright suckers!! They all work!!

If you had to narrow it down: 5 Inch Gulp jerkshad/any colour.....110mm Squidgy flickbait/any colour.....4inch Gulp shads/any colour......dohhh smash baits 5inch and 7inch.....Softies 5inch Jerkshad/ any colour.

6.) Jigheads......Lately, i'm finding more success on shorter shanked jigheads. We've been using Nitro 1/2ounce with 2/0 and 3/0 hooks.........5/8th ounce with 2/0 and 3/0 hooks. Even on bigger plastics we will use the shorter hooks......better hook-up and more action to the plastic.

TT jigheads are another that we use on a regular basis. They have a thinner gauge so are better on smaller type plastics in shallower water.

7.) Technique......the biggie....everyone is different but this will work.

DON'T Sound around looking for fish...... Yes, sound around checking water depth, if it's reef etc. Once happy, switch off the motor and drift.

Try to cast in the direction that the boat is HEADING.....if you cast behind you, the plastic tends to get dragged along and does'nt sink properly.

Now, in shallower water like 10-14mtrs......cast EVERYWHERE!! Your plastics are getting down there no probs.

Cast out, let sink for a while (This will vary depending on wind speed etc)....once near the bottom, give the placcie two sharp lifts and then DO NOTHING......just wind the tiniest bit of slack you've created. You want that plastic to waft down after you've given it some action........wind the line until you are semi-tight to the lure and repeat the process. (Two lifts then super long pause).

A big red will hammer the plastic on your lift up OR......he will eat your lure on the waft down. Smaller Reds will tap at the lure and 'short' strike it. This is where you want some feel on your rod. Your reflexes will get better and you will hook em'

Try not to move around too much....let the boat drift and keep going. Turning on outboards and driving over fish will scatter/spook them.

8.) Have confidence in what you are doing..... Imagine what the plastic is doing while it's sinking...... Take a mental note of how long it took you to get to the bottom (You'll find out cause you WILL get snagged, it's part of plastic fishing the Reefs).......don't just have a few casts and think 'theres no Reds here, lets go'.

Realistically, out off Sydney, you cant expect to smash snapper left right and center......sometimes it's a good 45mins between bites and fish.

The techniques I've listed have worked for me and my crew right up and Down the coast......not just Sydney.

I hope you get into a few and most importantly, HAVE FUN, it's all learing and trying.

Cheers,

Wacko.

P.S......Do you guys want me to go into our cubing techniques??? Or are you bored of my 'ramblings'?? Hehehe

Thankyou very much Jack and I know I enjoyed reading every bit of that in depth post I would also be happy for you to discuss your cubing technique.

Regards Stewy

[Hodgey]

Wow! A very interesting read, Jack. Thanks for going into all the detail. Most appreciated!

Cheers

Hodgey

[quintrex]

Hi Wacko,

Many thanks for taking the time to educate us with your productive techniques.

Quintrex

[frankp]

Wacko they are some solid reds, well done.

Thanks for the insight on plastics fishing also and would be interested to hear your cubing technique.

One other question is with your afternoon cube sessions, do you find the wind stronger in the afternoon particularly in summer, how do you counter-act that?

[bagga]

yeah thanks for the info Wacko.

Have you any thoughts on why the big snapper don;t come into our bays like they do in Melbourne or NZ? Like Broken Bay or Botany Bay?

[safboi]

Hi Wacko,

thanks for the run down mate, big fan of SPs just didn't know how to use them effectively in different situations . i'd have to say im one of the guilty party when it comes to packing up shop early... heaps good advice mate, will def take that on board next time i head over, which will prob be soon lol.

Cheers,

Saf

[Dazzlar]

Mate ur a gun on those REDS & a real gentleman for your tips on snapper on SP's, should be more champions out there like yourself all the best mate

Edited October 24, 2011 by Dazzlar

[Converted 2]

Thanks Wacko, That is a great read, and very informative.Great Post. Lov fishing those depths and SP'S. I can only speak for myself but would definately like to read your technique for cubing.

[wacko]

Thankyou everyone for the replies.

Stewy, No problems mate..always happy to help even if it's only in a small way.

Wacko.

[wacko]

Wacko they are some solid reds, well done.

Thanks for the insight on plastics fishing also and would be interested to hear your cubing technique.

One other question is with your afternoon cube sessions, do you find the wind stronger in the afternoon particularly in summer, how do you counter-act that?

Hi mate,

This time of year off Sydney is quite productive for Snapps.

Yes it gets windy in the arvos but usually, it's starting to blow Nor'Easter.(In winter it usually blows Westerly all day long)

The Nor'Easter wind is perfect for the cube trail as it puts the back of the boat facing south when at anchor.....again, this time of year the current should be running down the coast too......back of the boat facing exactly where the cubes are floating/current direction = REDS!!

Wacko.

[wacko]

yeah thanks for the info Wacko.

Have you any thoughts on why the big snapper don;t come into our bays like they do in Melbourne or NZ? Like Broken Bay or Botany Bay?

Good question mate!

I have seen some old and oldish photos of Sydney snapper that would make all of us weak at the knees.....truly huge fish.

These were a regular occurance off Sydney but sadly, times have changed.

I reckon angling pressure has had a little to do with the general lack of numbers and also size of Snapper off Sydney....there are still good fish there, but you gotta work harder to catch em'.

The reds, especially in shallower water, wise up to 'clunky, heavy rigs....old not fresh bait, thick line etc etc)....I think a bit of 'finesse' goes a long way for Sydney Snapps.

North and South of Sydney, numbers of Snapper suddenly increase and sizes get better too.

As for the bays.....the Reds DO still come into Botany and the Harbour....probably not in any of sort of numbers that would make it a regular fishery.....once upon a time aye!

Cheers,

Wacko.

[Formosan]

Wacko, you really stepped up.

Thanks for the lesson.

I learned alot and want more now can you get into cubing please?

[Tinman_zx10r]

Thank you Wacko for the information.

It was such a great read

Thien

[bagga]

Good question mate!

I have seen some old and oldish photos of Sydney snapper that would make all of us weak at the knees.....truly huge fish.

These were a regular occurance off Sydney but sadly, times have changed.

I reckon angling pressure has had a little to do with the general lack of numbers and also size of Snapper off Sydney....there are still good fish there, but you gotta work harder to catch em'.

The reds, especially in shallower water, wise up to 'clunky, heavy rigs....old not fresh bait, thick line etc etc)....I think a bit of 'finesse' goes a long way for Sydney Snapps.

North and South of Sydney, numbers of Snapper suddenly increase and sizes get better too.

As for the bays.....the Reds DO still come into Botany and the Harbour....probably not in any of sort of numbers that would make it a regular fishery.....once upon a time aye!

Cheers,

Wacko.

Yeah I agree, fishing pressure must be a big factor. I visit Nelson in NZ a fair bit, its located on a huge shallow bay called Tasman Bay that gets dredged for scallops. Despite that pressure the snapper still turn up every year, heaps of school size ones in summer but the big ones prefer the colder water around 15deg in spring. My brother in law has caught some beauties on rigs we wouldn't consider using here, rotten squid, heavy lines, big sinkers. I usually outfish him with lighter lines and fresh bait and he gets the sulks big time

Anyway I was wondering whether the big ones prefer colder water here too. Maybe our harbour and inshore waters are too warm these days. Do you recall what the water temp was when you caught your fish?

Edited October 26, 2011 by bagga

[fisheyes85]

Hey wacko- thanks a bunch for the plastics lesson... will be able to apply those techniques to the close in reefs up near Forster.

the 'later in the day' options I utilise up here are reefs in upwards of 55m of water- are you cubing these sort of depths? I'll have to invest in a longer anchor rope if i want to change from drifting paternoster rigs to cubing these deep reefs.

Cheers

Tom

Ha ha ha ha ha!!!

Wacko - could you also please publish your bank account information and pin number?

I was wondering how that query might be received?!!

[med76]

Nice fish and great read.