Spring quest for snapper in Queensland
Spring in South-East Queensland isn’t just the season for fresh blooms; it's prime time for bending rods and reeling in some ripper catches. As the waters warm up, you can expect to hook into a mixed bag of winter and summer species. This is the peak of Snapper season, which means Jewfish and Cobia are biting as well. With sunny skies and light winds, spring fishing is a joy.
Chase the Snapper During Magic Hours
To land the prized Snapper, make your move at dawn or dusk when they’re on the chew. Stray lining with soft baits is the go-to technique for nabbing these delicious critters. My weapon of choice is a 4000-5000 sized spin reel paired with a Black Magic Gladius SW Spin—7'3" medium fast action rod that’s perfect for the job. Coupled with 20lb Black Magic Hyperglide13x braid, you’ll experience a bit of magic on the water!
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For the rig, I’m using a 4-5m length of 20lb Black Magic Fluorocarbon leader with an FG knot, connected to a pair of snelled 5/0 C-Point hooks. Load it up with a whole pilchard hooked through the head and mid-body—this maximizes your chances as it’s a bait that the fish can’t resist! If you fancy smaller fillets or cut baits, you could switch to a single hook for better results. The sinker weight varies from 1/4oz to 3/4oz when fishing in 40-50m depths to keep that bait in the strike zone.
You’ll not only snag Snapper but also reel in some tasty Pearl Perch and colorful Tusk fish. The average size of the Snapper this season has been a solid 50-60cm, with some monster 70-85cm fish testing your tackle and skills!
Set Your Live Bait for a Bigger Catch
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If you fancy a bit of excitement, consider setting up a live bait rig with a heavier setup just off the bottom. This rig comprises 50lb Black Magic Hyperglide 13x braid with a 4-5m length of 60lb Tough Trace leader. Attach a pair of snelled hooks tied to a 15kg rolling swivel and finish it off with a sinker weighing 2-4oz based on the current.
Match your hooks to your bait: if you’re using smaller baits like Yellowtail or Slimy Mackerel, 5/0 C-Point hooks are spot on. For larger baits like Tailor, bump it up to 7/0 DX Point hooks. This twin-hook rig is a game-changer, letting you pin one hook through the nose and the other in the back—double your chances of a hook-up! Recently, I’ve had some ripper sessions landing Jewfish, Cobia, Longtail Tuna, and a few tasty Snapper on this setup.
Keep it Fresh with Slow Pitch Jigging
For those who like to keep it moving, slow pitch jigging is a thrilling option in these spots. Snapper love the 40-80g Black Magic Flipper jigs, and if the Yellowtail Kingfish are around, be ready for some wriggly action!
The weather’s shaping up nicely for family fishing over the school holidays, so grab your gear, hit the water, and let’s hope to bag a few more beauties.
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