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Red Snapper |
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Facts
about and tips for Red Snapper fishing
- They are usually found near structure.
- In the Spring, they migrate in shallower water for sprawning.
- They feed on such small fish, shrimp and crab.
- Small shrimp is the most effective and versatile bait for Red Snapper at any spots.
- Small shrimp chumming is extremely effective.
- For Red Snapper bait fishing, one small shrimp will be threaded onto a hook with a 10m thin, Fluorocarbon leader. Shrimp is about 3-5 cm. Hook size must be matched to bait size - as small as that of Sabiki jigs. The other end of the line is a weight swiveled to a round-shaped, plastic case . The line will be stretched and kept in the chum line. For instance, when the depth is 40m, chumming is done at 20-25m in depth by jerking the rod for a few times. This allows the bait to flow at 30-35m - the strike zone for Red Snapper.
- They are very cautious and nervous. They normally stay off structure, patiently waiting for any bait flowing down- current. When small shrimps flow down, some fish like mackerel and small yellowtail would be attracted and feed on shrimps around the chum case while Red Snapper wait at the end of a chum line, feed on shrimps flowing down-current.
- The most important is try to let the bait flow naturally. For this reason, Mono filament is not used for Red Snapper.
- Hookup-to-landing ratio is normally high for the Red Snapper weighing up to 2 kg, but good techniques will be required for big ones because of the small hook size and thin leader used. When a fish takes drag, let it run, keeping some pressure on it. If it is big, play it out over an extended period of time. Most breakoffs occur when the angler puts too much pressure on the fish, so always make sure the reel drag is adjusted just right.
- A standard tackle for Red Snapper:
- Rod: If you keep the rod in the rod holder most of the time, a 3.3-3.6m rod is good as the long rod can absorb rod actions caused by the weight and waves. If you hold the rod in your hands most of the time, use a 2.7 - 3.0m rod as you can move and give baits actions easily with a short rod. A slow-action, fiberglass rod is suitable for Red Snapper fishing. Some anglers prefer fiberglass/Graphite composite for a short rod.
- Reel: Any compact bait casters will do. These days, many anglers use electric reels.
- Leader line size: 3 - 5 "gou" - the unit used in Japan.
- Hook: "Madai-bari (Red Snapper hook) 9 - 11 "gou"
- Weight: 80 -100 "gou", depending on the
depth
