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Post by xfactor on Jul 29, 2008 7:25:39 GMT -5
What does everyone think the perfect Snapper fishing gear is? Basically this is a two part question.
First: The rod, reel, and line combo. What length and power for the rod? What type and size reel and gear ratio? What type of line, mono, flouro, braid, and test
Second: The rig: Do you make your own. What leader material, pound test, hook style and size. Type of sinker with size for different currents. Swivels/no swivels? If you make your own, all the how to's and etc.
And anything else you might want to mention that I may not have stated.
Jimmy
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Post by filletnrelease on Jul 29, 2008 7:46:00 GMT -5
Good post Jimmy, should be real interesting. I am certainly not a Snapper Guru, but here is what I usually use inshore.
Rod: medium action 7' Redbone.
Reel: 4000 series Shimano Stradic or Sahara
Line: 30lb Power Pro Braid
Leader: 20lb Test Triple Fish (if water is real clear I will use Flourocarbon) 2' to 3' with swivel.
Weight: depends on current 1/2oz to 1oz. lightest weight I can get away with.
Hook: 1/0 short shaft, live bait hook. Sometimes I will use a longer shaft, depends what I am using for bait. (try to hide the hook in the bait)
Bait: usually what's available there, small Greenies, cut threadfins. Sometimes shrimp or small crabs.
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Post by thefishslayer on Jul 29, 2008 19:08:24 GMT -5
I would go with a good quality reel with a good frame. For rods everyone has there own opinion same with reels. But I use a older penn slammer 560 with 30pd braid on a 7 1/2ft 10-25 dogfish stick. Now for other stuff I like a 1-1 1/2 maybe even a 2 ounce weight with a bead and swivel. Then I like to use 25pd flouro about 1 1/2 to 2 ft of it attched to a 1/0 set the hook or a circle if it's windy. If your getting broke off by big fish maybe 30pd flouro. You need a tight drag cause when that 16-18inch snapper or 18-2?inch grouper hits you'll probley lose it if you don't have about 5-10 pds drag. Big runs call for you to grab the spool and walk back while not letting the fish run to much cause pop that would be the end of that. Good luck and hope this helps!!!
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Post by montylfl on Jul 29, 2008 20:49:40 GMT -5
I posted this on another thread. Others may have some ideas but from what I have been reading the mango snappers are biting at the pier. Here is how i would target them. If you and your son are going I would have a least three rods. One for you, one for your son and one to catch bait using a sabiki rig. ( your son may never but the bait rod down. What is a sabiki rig? check this link to see one. www.tackletogo.com/tssari.htmlyou can find at any bait shop or ( dare i say) big retailer. As you catch the bait cut one in three pieces ( depends on size of bait) place on hook. You can also hook the baitfish alive too if you wish but if you are going to fish them alive you will need a 5gallon bucket and bubble pump to keep them alive. No need to invest now wait and see if you have a good time. Invest later. The other two rods use 20lb power pro with 20lb leader. Ad a sliding bullet weight and a hook. ( i think they call this a knocker rig) here is a link with a picture on how to set up a knocker rig www.tortugasfishing.com/mutton.htmlI like to look for the current moving under the pier ( not away from the pier). Fish near a piling but not to close where you may get snagged. drop the bait down, let some extra line out and wait until it drifts under the pier and line becomes tight while point the rod tip down toward the water. If you feel no bites, lift the tip up and drop the tip. you should feel the bait bounce on the bottom. if you feel little nibbles . lift the rod tip slowly could be other bait fish. all the activity will draw the mangoes over to see what is going on. wait for the fish to pull and set the hook. if you stop felling the nibbles your bait is gone, These mangoes are great bait stealer's. You can also but live shrimp. only get a dozen at a time so they stay alive. you can fish them the same way as cut bait but you will go thru them quickly. pinfish love those shrimps. one other thing. read the other threads and get some ideas. folks have tips. there is also a thread listing the cars everyone drives so if you see one stop and say hi. someone will help you. good luck and lets us know how you make out |
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Post by xfactor on Jul 29, 2008 21:16:42 GMT -5
The main reason I posted this is for the sake of those that might be new to fishing for snapper. It would be a good way for us to pass along what we have learned through the years. I know personally that I didn't have anyone to share any saltwater tactics and information with me when I was learning. My family were poor dirt farmers and I never saw any saltwater except the sweat from my hard labor on the farm. My family was into fishing local ponds, rivers, and creeks of North Carolina.
The setup that I like to use is an 8' medium heavy rod rated for up to 2 ounce lures(weights) with a fast action. I like this type of rod because it has great sensitivity with the fast action and still has the back bone to bring the fish out from the rocks/pilings once they are hooked. For a reel I like a decent quality reel that weighs about 10 ounces. The weight of the reel makes it comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. The amount of line it will hold isn't really all that important to me. The number one thing that I look for in a reel it the quality of the drag. It needs to be able to function smoothly at any setting and be able to exert at least 8 pounds of drag. For line I use mostly mono of 15 pound test. It is just my opinion, but I believe that mono is a little more abrasion resistant than the lines like Power Pro.
On the business end I make my leaders using 40 pound flourocarbon about 1.5 feet in length. I use a swivel with a bead above the swivel and the lead above it directly on the line. I search the craft shops and try and find black or clear beads. I have lost a few rigs to macks when they hit those red or yellow beads. For hooks I like the quality hooks like the gamagatsu or owner live bait hooks. I will use mostly a 3/0 size for the baby greenbacks. I use the 3/0 because I double hook the little greenies. If I'm using the larger greenbacks cut up in pieces I will drop down to a 2/0 or 1/0 depending on the size of bait. I like the live bait style over the the circle hook because of the need to get the hook into the fishes mouth quickly and be able to start pulling them away from their safe havens on the bottom. I have used the circle hooks with some success in the beginning, but with time I have found that my hookup percentages have increased with the live bait style hooks.
This is what works for me. And if we had a hundred post on this subject there would be many different setups along with the reasons why they use these setups and methods. Not one is right or wrong. We each have to use what we know and what works for us. But we are never to old to learn new tricks That might be worth trying. With this being said I hope more people will post and share their knowledge.
Jimmy
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Post by havetofish on Jul 29, 2008 21:31:00 GMT -5
To me snapper fishing is more technique than tackle. I mean timing the bite. Peck..Peck..Bam. With that said, for me any decent spinner setup, 1/0 J hook, and 20 -25 lb flouro.
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Post by Look'n4Tuna on Jul 31, 2008 18:43:35 GMT -5
SkyJay, you hit the nail on the head...
This is why I joined, to learn from the guys that are out there doing it.
I really enjoy listening to all of you give all of you different opinions...
Then I can go out and give them a try and see what works best in my situation.
My hat's off to everyone here!!!
;D
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Post by estreetbrat on Aug 1, 2008 6:53:47 GMT -5
You guys using the knocker rig. How long of leader between the hook and swivel are you using?
I always felt a knocker would be better on a hard bottom, doesn’t the extra time between the bite and the time you feel it allow the fish to rock or wrap ya?
One thing I noticed fishing with going deep one week end was we were both using a “fish finder” rig, but I had good 10-12 inches between my beads for the sinker to slide, and Steve had like 3 inches between his.
What kind of thoughts do you guys have on that?
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Post by SkyJay on Aug 1, 2008 11:18:00 GMT -5
When I hear "Knocker" rig I picture the sinker resting directly on the hook... A sometimes deadly, and very effective method/techniche for targeting Snapper at the Pier. Especially if dead baiting at night. When I'm "KnockerRigging" for Snapper, I generally just use a rod that's already been spooled with 20 mono, and fore-go the leader, tying my hook directly to the mainline, and letting just enough lead to hold bottom, and drift slowly in the current rest right directly on the hook. Most nights, 1, or 2 ozs. is sufficient. I rarely use anything over a 1/0 hook Snapper fishing at the SkyWay, and most times I'll even scale it down to a # 1, and in extreme cases a #4. The Idea is for the hook, to match the size of bait you are using. If the bite is really tough, I'll throw on a piece of Flouro, but as thick as they've been lately, I don't ussually bother, unless it's really slow. As far as the length of the leader, on a "FishFinder" rig, I like as long a leader as I can get away with. You make a good point about the longer leader giving the fish more time to rock you up, but That's how I was taught, it's always worked fine for me, and I feel like I get alot more bites, from the larger fish by doing so.. Mr. Mango ain't no dummy, and the Giants didn't get that way bein careless. I'll ussually fish as long a leader as I can comfortably cast, no matter what species I'm targeting, where. Especially with live bait. I ussually start out with 20, or 30 lb. mono, and will either switch to Flouro, if the bite is tough, or drop down even lighter. I prefer to use a really small black swivel, and never really have been real big on the bead thing. I've always been kinda suspiciuos about them beads. I kinda felt like they might cost me a bite now and again. However to each his own, and there is no denying thier usefullness at protecting your knot, and preventing breakoffs. I like the Idea about the clear beads, maybe this old dog will try that new trick. I have always been partial to conventional reels, when targeting Snapper at the Pier. I use an Ambassador 5500, at the Piers, spooled with either 20 lb. mono, or 30 lb braid depending on what kind of mood I'm in. (I've even been known to go as low as 12# test for them Wary Mangos) I used to be an Ande Pink diehard, but as of late have switched to Mamoi Sea Blue, and Diamond Illusion (GREAT LINE GUYS!) ... It's stronger, softer, and more abrasion resistant. The diameter vs,. # test is dramatically lower also. I feel more comfortable using a baitcaster is all..., Not saying it works better or nothing, but might be worth a try, to those having less than expected results, using spinning tackle. My tip to every one on the Mangos would be that when ya feel a bite, don't Snatch, but just reel with all you got briefly to set the hook. An old salt taught me that years, and years ago, and it's never let me down. Not to brag on myself, but to illustate this technique really works (I learned this from Capt. Hubbard by the way) I've lost count how many limits of Big Mango's, and SheepsHead I've scored over the years, While some folks struck out... Ya try to tell em, but folks are stubborn that way, ya know? So try to remember gang... When ya feel the thump..."JUST REEL" ;D It"s harder than it sounds to get in the habit, but once ya do YER HOOKED... (There's generally alot more line between you and the fish than you think... Even though your line "feels" tight, due to the distance from the water,water depth, and current, there's usually a slight "bow in your line." When you "Snatch", you only remove the length of your rod from the "bow" in the line... Just Reel, and you remove this natuaral "bow" way way faster, and more efficiently than the traditional hook set. Try it you'll like it!) As far as rods go I prefer a long 71/2-8 foot Med. Heavy stik with a "fast" tip for Snapper fishin... My latest new toy and most favorite Snapper Pole I ever got for the pier is an All Star Coastal CCSS8, Medium-Moderate heavy I picked up at Wal Mart. Highly recomend that model for anyone out there in the market for a reasonble priced high quality inshore Baitcasting Stik. Best bait hands down if ya ask me is the fry-bait when they're running. Pass Crabs run a close second, when available, Med. Shrimp, and If you want to Target the real Giants, tiny pinfish, about 2-4 inches get the nod, although the bites are few and far between... And Lord forbid don't forget them fresh live Squiddleys! lol Guess that's about enough for now... Best of luck to all, and I hope this info helps somebody out there catch a mess 'a Snaps. Keep the Great tips coming guys... See Ya on the Pier  "SkyJay" |
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Post by goindeep on Aug 2, 2008 11:43:00 GMT -5
Estreet...actually on my snapper or grouper rigs (fish-finder/Carolina) I just put one bead on so the sinker doesnt beat up my knot. The 2 beads you saw must have been on my mack rig that I made after losing all my trolling sinkers.
Oh and excellent info there Jay! Thats how Ive been "setting" the hook when I catch mangos...just a nice steady firm reel with no rod jerking at all. It takes some getting used to but I catch more with that method. It also seems that just reeling without jerking the rod also doesnt spook the fish thats messing with your bait.
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Post by SkyJay on Aug 2, 2008 11:57:15 GMT -5
 Glad to help... Another Snapper trick is once you've got em bitin, and they stop, try using a different bait, scaling down on your terminal tackle, and when ya hook yer bait do it in a manner that it is as hidden as possible. It has been proven in lab studies that Mangos comunicate with each other in the school. Sometimes when they get spooked and stop chewin for whatever reason, all it takes is a change of menu, or a lighter leader to make em dumb again... LOL Also, they tend to school by size... If yer hittin all Shorties, sometimes a change in venue is in order... just move down a piling or 2, or to another rockpile briefly. Release unwanted fish a ways off from where yer fishin to... Sometimes if you drop em right back down, they go back and rat ya out to grampa... The little 'ns will keep chewin, but now yer chance at that 4 pounder, is toast. fish on!
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Post by xfactor on Aug 3, 2008 10:59:01 GMT -5
One other little detail that I forgot to mention is the difference between the bead and the egg sinker. Most people state that they use the bead to protect the knot. So, I'll ask all of you, have you looked at the edge of the hole in the bead and the edge of the hole in the sinker? Which one is sharper? If you hold them in your hand and tap them on the concrete with about the same amount of pressure see what the end results are. The bead has a sharper edge and will cut or fray your line quicker that the lead. The lead is softer and will not break like a bead. Also compare the size of the hole in the bead to the size of your knot. Will the knot fit up into the hole or will the bead be pushing against the knot. Also look at the angle of the knot to the bead in the real world of fishing. When on the bottom the bait and hook are in the direction of the current, the line is in an upward direction. Each hook set will create more and more fray on the knot. Hence, Jays technique of reeling quickly is better than an eye crossing jerk. As you wind you can also pull with the rod to control the fish and get it away from the structure. Some time it pays to look at the little things to improve your catch rate. I will seldome use a bead on any line bigger that 20 pound test and never on braid. JMHO.
Jimmy
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Post by filletnrelease on Aug 4, 2008 6:34:49 GMT -5
You know I have never used beads, was starting to wonder if there was something I been missing. After reading your post Jimmy, it brings it more into perspective. I think I will continue doing what I have for the past 45 or 50 years. I'll leave the beads to the Indians or the Hippies. Got to admit, I did wear them in the 60's.
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jab
Reel Serious
Posts: 543
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Post by jab on Aug 4, 2008 12:54:40 GMT -5
for snapper i like catching blue crabs popping off the top shell popping off the arms and break it in half then you hook it under the fin or flipper were the cartilage is and you can throw it out real far and it wont come off .
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Post by montylfl on Aug 9, 2008 22:56:50 GMT -5
Jimmy, on those beads being sharp. Yes they are sometimes because they are machine made. What works for me is taking on of my wifes emory boards and file down the rough edges. Works great. Someimes when i am watching a rays game i file all my sinkers and beads to get rid of the sharp edges
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Post by olbob813 on May 14, 2009 13:38:59 GMT -5
I've found an easier and cheaper solution to sharp edges on beads. Go to Michaels, the craft store, and go to the childrens section and get a bag of childrens beads. They have a large enough hole that they fit over almost any knot. They come in clear, black, white or an assortment of all 3. Best thing, they come in a bag of 500 for 4.99. (last years price- it'll be another year or two before I need more. Save some real $$$ over the red ones from the tackel shops and get a superior product. What a deal.
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Post by tylerdurden on May 14, 2009 13:49:52 GMT -5
missed this one last year GD. But then again it was alot busier at work then...
As for the weight and bead issue... the bead always did look sharp to me and i didnt feel that i missed any cuz of the weight on the knot, but i remember a few a while back where the bead i felt messed me up...Just my two cents BUT i did just get some bad weights at wallmart that i think were messing me up so know i either use the concrete or my needle nose to dull the edge of the weights hole
But skyjays tip for reeling in, i could see how it would work, but i like to play the fish a litte more....So instead just do the grouper shuffle and walk with the pole as you jerk...Just get em out of where they are at is whats key plus the little $10 special reels i get from walmart it blows their gears out to quick skyjays way
So far this year...Down one rod, and 2 little spinners---roughly $30 total
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bcc
Reel Serious
[Mo0:16]
Posts: 595
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Post by bcc on May 14, 2009 15:46:01 GMT -5
Save your reciepts walmart might take them back. I use to buy cheap all the time but i got tired of losing good fish so i started buying the next step up unless i could afford the good stuff. I lost alot less fish that way. I bought a pole for my generic penn 4/0 reel ( bought off ebay reel cheap and was concerned with the the grouper) for less than $35.00 there were cheaper ones but it seem to work great on the boat and to my suprise the reel did to.
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Post by popo on May 14, 2009 19:22:21 GMT -5
Lot of good tips on here...
Please educate me as to why guys are reccomending line for inshore/bridge fishing snapper up to 30#'s? I mean I put 15# braid on all my inshore rods and have caught a lot of nice snapper at the Gandy with a 7 medium action and 15# braid with no problem. I have caught 3-4 foot sharks on this setup with no problem. I have found 15# braid to be some tough stuff.
Is this 30# braid recommendation due to all the structure....? Perhaps some of your older/experienced fisherman out there have had abrasion breakoffs from less...?
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Post by goindeep on May 14, 2009 19:41:15 GMT -5
Yup, anything less than 30# leader and I get more breakoffs, especially when fishing out in the reefs where theres lots of stuff to get snagged on. And if you get a 20+ inch grouper on your line while snapper fishing at the pier (happens more often than you might think), 15 pound line may not be enough to stop em when they head for the rocks.
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truckyfd
Master Baiter
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 238
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Post by truckyfd on May 14, 2009 19:46:24 GMT -5
damn steve, good call on the retro pick
i missed this last year!!!!!!
even a die hard like me learned sumptin from the guy's
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Post by eaglesfanguy on May 15, 2009 15:14:47 GMT -5
Up to 30#s  ? lol I use 40 as my lightest... other then sabiki rod.. Most of us use 65PP on up.. For draggin them groupas from there hole. And when fishing the skyway.. any time any place a hog could snatch up your lil snapper rig.. Inshore wade fishing you can get away with lighter lines cause theres room to let em run.. on the pier if they dont run out to the gulf your in deep doo doo.. You gotta have some more muscle in your gear to turn and control some of them fish. I started out fishing the pier with 30lb mono... and couldnt count the breakoffs.. so now my snapper rig is a 7ft med/heavy not sure of the rod.. but the rel is an abu 5500 spooled with 40 lb power pro. and 3 ft fluro leader. 1/0 circle bait holder hook. 1 oz egg sinker. |
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? lol I use 40 as my lightest... other then sabiki rod..