The east coast of Australia is known for its endless reefs and structures that are home to the popular snapper fish. While various regions along the coast may require different techniques, fishing for snapper in Sydney has its own set of challenges and rewards. Sydney’s unique reefs and shoals, located just off the iconic Sydney Heads, provide prime locations for targeting snapper, but fishing here can be tricky due to deeper waters and shifting conditions. With the right approach, however, you can consistently reel in snapper using soft plastics. Here’s a detailed guide for Snapper Fishing in Sydney to help you master deeper water techniques.
Understanding Sydney’s Snapper Fishing Environment
Sydney's reefs are quite different from those found further north or south along the coast. While reefs in other areas may sit at a relatively shallow 10-20 meters, many of the reefs off Sydney Heads are much deeper, ranging from 30-60 meters. Fishing in these depths requires more careful planning due to the challenges posed by wind, current, and time.
However, with a solid understanding of the techniques needed to fish these deeper waters, you’ll be able to consistently catch snapper in Sydney. The key is to focus on a few essential factors: choosing the right fishing spot, attracting snapper with effective burley, and using the proper tackle and lure setup.
Choosing the Right Spot
When selecting a location to fish for snapper in Sydney, focus on finding reefs or shoals that rise a few meters from the ocean floor. Even better, look for areas where multiple reefs converge, draining into a central gutter. These areas create natural hotspots where snapper tend to gather, particularly along the edges of reefs where currents push baitfish.
Positioning is crucial when targeting snapper. If you’re using an electric motor, use the spot lock function to anchor just above the edge of the reef, where it begins to drop off. If you don't have an electric motor, traditional anchoring works as well. Pay attention to your sounder as you approach the reef; most baitfish will gather along these edges, making it easier to target snapper.
Using Burley to Bring the Snapper to You
One of the most important factors in catching snapper consistently is using burley effectively. Burley, or ground bait, helps attract snapper by drawing them to your location. Without it, you may spend hours trying to locate fish. The goal is to bring the fish to you, not the other way around.
Start burleying before you even begin fishing. When you’re in deeper water, simply dropping burley on the surface won’t do much good because the current will carry it away quickly. Instead, use burley bombs or cages that can be dropped to the bottom. These weighted devices allow you to release burley at deeper levels, keeping it near your fishing spot Consistently drop burley bombs every few minutes to maintain a steady flow, ensuring that snapper and baitfish remain nearby.
Once the fish start to gather, you’ll notice an increase in activity on your sounder as baitfish stack up under the boat. Keeping this consistent flow of burley is key to success, so aim to release more every 10 minutes or so to maintain interest.
Selecting the Right Tackle
Your choice of tackle can make or break your snapper fishing experience in Sydney, especially in deeper waters where you may need to deal with stronger currents and the possibility of hooking larger fish.
Two excellent rod and reel setups for this type of fishing are:
TD Black Humphead with TD Black MQ 4000 Reel – This setup is spooled with 20lb J-Braid Grand and 20lb J-Thread X-link FC, making it ideal for stopping bigger fish like snapper or the occasional kingfish bycatch. The rod is specifically designed for snapper, making it a reliable option for your heavier setup.
TD Commander Longbolt with Luvias LT 3000D Reel – Spool this setup with 15lb J-Braid Grand and 16lb J-Thread X-link FC. Traditionally used for mulloway in estuaries, this rod is also excellent for snapper fishing with soft plastics.
Lure selection is another important consideration. The size of the jig head you use will depend on the current and depth of your fishing spot. In stronger currents, heavier jig heads are necessary to ensure your lure reaches the bottom, while in calmer waters, a lighter jig head will allow for a slow, natural drift down the water column. Experiment with different sizes until you find the right fit.
For soft plastics, the Bait Junkie Jighead range is a great choice. These jig heads have a superior soft plastic holder that prevents your lure from coming off when you’re making strong jerks in deeper water. For the soft plastics themselves, try using 5” and 7” Bait Junkie Jerk Shads in colors like white pearl, pink glow, morning dawn, or baby bass. Start by setting up each rod with different sizes and colors to see what works best on the day.
Mastering the Technique
Once you’ve set up your rods, chosen your lures, and positioned yourself over a reef, it’s time to start fishing. A helpful tip when fishing solo is to use two rods at once to increase your chances. Cast the first rod in one direction, let it sink, then place it in a holder while you cast the second rod in another direction.
Snapper often strike before the lure reaches the bottom, so keep a close eye on your line. If it suddenly starts running faster or goes limp, a snapper has likely grabbed the lure. Close the bail arm and get ready for a fight! If your lure reaches the bottom without a bite, use a few sharp jerks to give it more action, then alternate between rods as you do this. Once the lure is close to the boat, reel it in and cast again.
By continuously burleying and maintaining consistent effort, you’ll maximize your chances of catching snapper throughout the day. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be the most productive time, but this technique will help keep the fish biting even during slower periods.
Additional Tips for Success
Bring sabiki rigs to catch live bait like slimy mackerel and yakkas, which can also be used for burley.
Be patient. Some days will be slower than others, but persistence pays off. Once you commit to a spot, stick with it to ensure your burleying efforts aren’t wasted.
Use the Daiwa D-Box LSU for easy storage and access to your jig heads, allowing you to quickly adjust as needed during your fishing trip.
With the right preparation and techniques, Sydney's reefs will reward your efforts with consistent snapper catches, making your day on the water both successful and enjoyable.