Snapper tactics

[frankp]

We went for a fish yesterday afternoon south and after establishing a good trail we had caught 2 plate size reds. We were thinking we were going to be into a really hot bite when all of a sudden a gang of trouble makers showed up....... Mutton birds. These things would not leave and it was impossible to keep the trail going, these birds would dive and grab the cubes that we had thrown out.

What can people suggest to help a situation like this, it's very frustrating.

Also what trace and hooks do you use when floater fishing for snapper? Do circle hooks work doing this style of fishing.

Thanks.

[fishmaniac]

One method you can use is to carry a PVC pipe of about 2.5 to 3 metres in length with you. Fix it vertically to the side of the boat so it is mostly underwater. Then drop the cubes in the pipe. The cubes will leave the pipe at the bottom by which stage the cubes are 2m+ below the surface - too deep for the buggers to get.

[Guest]

Get a bottle of tuna oil and tape it to the hand rail with a small hole in it so it drips all the time and the mutton birds hate it on thier feathers ,works a treat while cubing for fin.

Does sometimes bring the bities though,especially Makos.

Cheers Stewy

[GregL]

As Stewy Said and the deck wash hose is fun oh I mean effective!

[frankp]

Thanks for the replies, some good ideas there.

Two questions:

1. With the pvc pipe do the cubes float down the pipe easily.

2. How big of a bottle would you buy for a 3-4 hour cube session. I mean I already have a bottle of 500ml or something close at home, would that be sufficent?

Thanks.