Snapper are distinguished by Bright blue spots on the body that become less distinct with age and a background colour of pinkish silver to red. Large fish may have a large bony hump on the head and a fleshy bulge on the snout. Snapper are a popular angling species and are a grazing opportunistic feeder.

Snapper inhabit areas such as reefs, gravel bottoms, shellfish beds and channel edges. There are many popular Snapper grounds between Bermagui and Eden.
Boating anglers should concentrate on and around reef areas.  Schools of fish can travel quickly so it’s better to find a spot and anchor up and start to burly rather than search for schools of fish.

Burly certainly works and good catches can be found in close whilst anchored and burling.

While Snapper are predominantly bottom feeders, they are also found mid water.  Floating baits work very well and many baits are taken long before they ever get near the bottom.  Snapper will take soft plastics and lures and can be fantastic fun on light gear.  Shimano’s new Lucanas Jig is also proving to be a very popular amongst lure fisherman.