Snapper is a type of fish that is found in the waters of Melbourne and the surrounding areas, including Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. It is a popular species for recreational and commercial fishing, and is highly valued for its taste and versatility in cooking. Snapper can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and estuaries, and can grow to a significant size, reaching up to 90 centimeters in length and weighing up to 10 kilograms. The prime locations for snapper fishing in Melbourne and the surrounding areas are typically near structures such as reefs, wrecks, and piers, where the fish are attracted to the shelter and food sources provided by these habitats.
When is snapper season in Victoria and Melbourne?
Snapper (Pagrus auratus) is a popular and highly sought-after species of fish found in the waters around Victoria and Melbourne. it is known for its delicate, flaky flesh and is often considered a delicacy by anglers and seafood lovers.
Snapper season in Victoria and Melbourne typically runs from October to April. During this time, snapper can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky or coral reefs, around structures such as wrecks and piers, and in deeper offshore waters. They are known to feed on a variety of baitfish and invertebrates, and are often caught using live or fresh bait such as worms, small fish, or squid.
It is important to follow all local fishing regulations when targeting snapper, including size and catch limits. In Victoria, snapper have a minimum size limit of 28 cm, and there is a daily bag limit of 10 per person. These regulations are in place to help protect snapper populations and ensure that the fishery remains sustainable.
In addition to following the regulations, it is also important to practice good catch and release techniques to minimize harm to the fish. This includes handling the fish gently, using a landing net or wet hands, and carefully returning the fish to the water. It is also recommended to use circle or barbless hooks to minimize the chances of hooking the fish deeply and causing injury.
If you are planning on fishing for snapper in Victoria and Melbourne, it is always a good idea to check with the local fishing authorities or consult a fishing guide or charter service for the most up-to-date information on the season, regulations, and the best fishing spots in the area.
How to catch snapper in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port
Catching snapper in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels. There are a number of techniques that can be used to target snapper in these areas, including bottom fishing, drifting, jigging, and trolling. It is important to familiarize yourself with the local regulations and laws, use good quality gear, and practice safe and responsible fishing practices to ensure a sustainable fishery and a successful fishing trip. In the following paragraphs, I will provide more detailed information on how to catch snapper in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, including tips on the best techniques and baits to use.
Fishing gear to target snapper
Rod and reel:
For snapper, a medium-heavy to heavy rod with a fast action will work well. A rod with a fast action has a stiffer tip and a more flexible butt section, which allows you to quickly set the hook and fight the fish effectively. The weight of the rod should be appropriate for the size of the snapper you are targeting and the type of bait or lure you are using.
As for the reel, you can use either a baitcasting or spinning reel. A baitcasting reel is a type of reel that is mounted on top of the rod and uses a revolving spool to cast the line. Baitcasting reels are generally more powerful and precise, which makes them well-suited for heavier lures and braided lines. Spinning reels, on the other hand, are mounted below the rod and use a fixed spool to cast the line. Spinning reels are easier to use and are a good choice for live bait or lighter lures.
Regardless of which type of reel you choose, make sure it has a strong drag system. The drag system is what allows you to apply pressure to the fish when it is hooked, which helps tire it out and make it easier to land. A good drag system will have a smooth, consistent drag and be able to handle the weight of the snapper you are targeting.
Line:
it is recommended to use a braided line with a test strength of 20-50 pound. Braided line is made from multiple strands of braided fibers that are tightly woven together to create a strong, thin line. It is much stronger and more sensitive than monofilament line, which makes it well-suited for targeting snapper and other predatory fish.
The test strength of the line refers to the amount of weight it can hold before breaking. For snapper, a line with a test strength of 20-50 pound will be sufficient. This will allow you to target a variety of snapper sizes and still have enough strength to land the fish.
In addition to its strength and sensitivity, braided line is also almost invisible in the water, which can be an advantage when targeting snapper. Snapper have keen eyesight and can be wary of visible lines, so using a line that is less visible can help you present your bait or lure more naturally.
Leaders:
A leader is a length of line that is attached to the main line and is used to present the bait or lure to the fish. Leaders serve several purposes when targeting snapper, including providing a barrier between the main line and the fish, protecting the main line from damage, and helping to present the bait or lure more naturally.
For snapper, it is recommended to use a fluorocarbon leader with a test strength of 20-30 pound. Fluorocarbon is a type of synthetic material that is nearly invisible in the water and has a higher abrasion resistance than monofilament. These properties make it a good choice for snapper fishing, as it allows you to present your bait or lure more naturally and helps to protect your main line from damage when fishing around structure.
The length of the leader will depend on the size of the snapper you are targeting and the type of bait or lure you are using. In general, a leader that is 3-5 feet long will work well for most snapper fishing situations.
Hooks:
it is recommended to use a medium to heavy wire hook with a gap width that is appropriate for the size of bait you are using. The gap width is the distance between the point of the hook and the shank of the hook, and it should be matched to the size of the bait to ensure that the hook can properly penetrate the fish’s mouth.
In general, a hook size of 3/0 to 7/0 will work well for snapper. A hook that is too small may not be able to effectively penetrate the fish’s mouth, while a hook that is too large may not be able to effectively hold the fish once it is hooked.
In addition to the size of the hook, it is also important to consider the type of wire used to make the hook. For snapper, a heavy wire hook is recommended as it will be more durable and able to handle the weight and strength of the fish.
Bait:
Snapper will feed on a variety of bait, including live bait such as worms, crabs, and small fish, as well as cut bait and lures. The type of bait you use will depend on the size of the snapper you are targeting and the fishing conditions.
Live bait, such as worms or crabs, can be very effective for snapper as it presents a natural offering that the fish are naturally attracted to. Live bait can be fished on a variety of rigs, including a simple bottom rig or a fish finder rig, and can be effective for both smaller and larger snapper.
Cut bait, such as chunks of fish or squid, can also be effective for snapper. Cut bait can be fished on a variety of rigs and can be used to target both smaller and larger snapper.
Lures, such as jigs or soft plastics, can also be effective for snapper. Lures can be fished on a variety of rigs and can be used to target both smaller and larger snapper.
In general, it is a good idea to experiment with different types of bait to see what works best in your area. Snapper are opportunistic feeders and will often feed on a variety of bait, so it is worth trying different options to see what the fish are responding to.
Terminal tackle:
Terminal tackle refers to the various components that are used to rig and present the bait or lure to the fish. When targeting snapper, you will need a selection of weights, swivels, and beads to help you rig your bait and leader.
Weights are used to help sink the bait or lure to the desired depth. There are a variety of weights available, including split shots, barrel weights, and egg sinkers, and the type you use will depend on the fishing conditions and the size of the snapper you are targeting.
Swivels are used to help prevent the line from twisting and tangling. When fishing with live bait or cut bait, a swivel can be used to attach the bait to the leader, while when fishing with lures, a swivel can be used to attach the leader to the lure.
Beads can be used to add color and attraction to the rig. Beads can be placed above the hook or on the leader and can help to attract the attention of the snapper and encourage them to bite.
In addition to weights, swivels, and beads, you may also need other terminal tackle items such as hooks, snaps, and clips, depending on the type of rig you are using. Always be sure to have a selection of terminal tackle items on hand to help you rig and present your bait or lure effectively when targeting snapper.
How to catch snapper when Kayak fishing around Melbourne
Kayak fishing for snapper around Melbourne can be a rewarding and exciting experience. To increase your chances of success, it is important to do your research, use the right gear, choose the right bait, target the right areas, and use the right techniques.
Before you go fishing, do some research to find out where the snapper are likely to be. Look for areas with structure such as reefs, pinnacles, and drop-offs, as snapper tend to hang around these types of areas. You can also use a fish finder or talk to local fishermen to get an idea of where the snapper are biting. Make sure you have the right gear for the job. A medium-heavy to heavy rod with a fast action and a quality baitcasting or spinning reel with a strong drag system will work well for snapper. Use a braided line with a test strength of 20-50 pound, a fluorocarbon leader with a test strength of 20-30 pound, and a medium to heavy wire hook with a gap width that is appropriate for the size of bait you are using. Snapper will feed on a variety of bait, including live bait such as worms, crabs, and small fish, as well as cut bait and lures. Experiment with different types of bait to see what works best in your area. When using live bait, make sure to keep it fresh and lively to increase your chances of success.
When kayak fishing for snapper, it is important to target the right areas. Snapper tend to hang around structure such as reefs, pinnacles, and drop-offs, so look for these types of areas when kayak fishing. You can use a fish finder or other navigation tools to help you locate these areas. When fishing around structure, be careful to avoid snagging your line or damaging the structure.
To catch snapper when kayak fishing, it is also important to use the right techniques. Pay attention to your line and be ready to set the hook when you feel a bite. You may need to use a fast, hard hookset to get the hook through the snapper’s bony mouth. Once the snapper is hooked, use a steady, consistent pressure to tire it out and bring it to the kayak.
Finally, be sure to follow all local fishing regulations, including size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons. Obtain any necessary licenses and follow responsible fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. By following these tips, you should be able to successfully target snapper when kayak fishing around Melbourne.
Snapper hot spots around Melbourne
- Black Rock
- Ricketts Point
- Mornington
- Corio Bay
- Port Melbourne
- Williamstown
- Werribee
- the stick
- P2
- T14
- T18 markers
- Spoil grounds
- Fawkner beacon
Thanks for choosing our snapper fishing tips. We hope that these tips have provided you with the knowledge and confidence to catch snapper successfully. Remember to always follow local fishing regulations and to practice catch and release when appropriate. We wish you the best of luck on your snapper fishing adventures and hope that you have a great time out on the water.