In my humble and extremely biased opinion, fishing in Hervey Bay is top-notch all year round! However, winter time is extra special. Once the water temperature drops close to and eventually below 20 degrees. Snapper tend to become a prime target for local anglers. Traditionally, I am a lure only fisho. But, over the last few trips, my boys have given bait fishing a go to target tasty pan sized snapper. They have employed a simple technique that can dramatically increase your chances of a successful catch. Specifically, they have been using a lightly weighted running ball sinker rig and fresh squid as bait.
Setting Up Your Running Ball Sinker Rig
The running ball sinker rig, comprises from top to bottom, of a ball sinker, a swivel, a leader, and a hook. It is extremely popular among anglers for its ability to present bait naturally. Over the years we have done away with using the swivel, instead opting to use a double uni knot to connect our mainline to our leader material which is generally fluorocarbon. The swivels main purpose is to reduce line twist. But to be honest, we have not noticed any real difference between using a swivel or not.
Another key difference is that we place our running ball sinker below our knot as opposed to above. This changes the order of the rig from top to bottom. Knot between mainline and leader first, sinker running along the leader material and then our hook.
Choosing a ball sinker weight that’s ideal for the water depth and current strength of your chosen fishing spot. Our biggest tip here is to go as light as you dare. We have noticed over the years a massive difference in catch rate dependant on the weights used to get bait and / or lures into the strike zone. Remember, you want your offering to look as natural as possible.
As for the hook. We have been using Gamakatsu size 1/0 and 2/0 baitholder hooks and find these hooks stay incredibly sharp even after a heavy session of fishing.
Best Times and Bait for Snapper in Hervey Bay
Snapper are often most active during low light conditions, making early mornings and late afternoons the prime fishing times. These conditions generally coincide with peak feeding times. During our recent trips, we have noticed a very distinct bite time. That being, the last hour of fading light before nightfall. Once the light goes, so too has the bite. From what we have heard from other anglers, the same thing happens during early mornings. The first hour of light is the most productive and once the sun is up the bite slows.
The choice of bait can significantly influence your snapper fishing success. Fresh local bait, such as yabbies, squid, and pilchards, are particularly enticing for snapper. We favour using freshly caught squid which Liam brings home from fishing the Urangan Pier. An insider tip: snapper are quite partial to a combination of squid and pilchard on the same hook. This mix offers both scent and visual appeal, upping the odds in your favour.
Snapper Fishing Gear Recommendations
Aside from mastering the running ball sinker rig, equipping yourself with the right gear significantly increases your chances of reeling in a snapper. A medium, 7-foot-long rod coupled with a reliable 3000 to 4000 sized spinning reel is typically an excellent choice. We use the Atomic Arrowz range of rods and recommend the estuary AAS-270ML 7` 6-14lb or the offshore AAS-70MH 7` 10-25lb. High-visibility braided line offers the perfect blend of strength and sensitivity. It also helps old eyes in fading light to see where the line is, ensuring you don’t miss even the subtlest bites.
Where To Fish
Of course the million dollar question is where to fish for snapper. Luckily we have an entire website page dedicated to free fishing gps marks. Choose a couple of close in shallow reef marks and try your luck. During our recent trips we tried several marks before finding legal fish. When we returned to the same mark the next evening, we found the fish had moved and we had to go searching again.
Cooking Your Catch: A Simple Snapper Recipe
Catching snapper is fun, they hit hard and fight even harder. But cooking and sharing your catch with friends and family completes the experience. Here’s a simple grilled snapper recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing:
Clean and scale your snapper, leaving the skin on. Make several diagonal cuts along each side of the fish.
Drizzle the snapper with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Heat your grill to medium heat. Grill the snapper for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily.
Serve your grilled snapper with a side of fresh salad and enjoy!
Final Words
Winter fishing in Hervey Bay targeting snapper could be your next angling challenge. Using a simple running ball sinker rig offers a easy and practical technique which anyone can do. Being aware of the best times to fish and using effective bait can drastically improve your chances of a successful catch. But remember, the joy lies not just in the catch but also in the shared experiences and stories that go hand in hand with every fishing trip. So, cast your line and reel in some unforgettable memories.