There is no single best fishing rig for Port Phillip Bay as different rigs can be effective depending on various factors , weather, location, and time of year. Some popular fishing rigs for Port Phillip Bay include the Snell rig, Paternoster rig, Running sinker rig, and the Flasher rig.
Hello, my name is Brett, and as the owner of Reedy’s Rigs, it is my responsibility to understand the best rigging options for catching snapper in Port Phillip Bay. For the last 13 years, I have dedicated my life to targeting snapper all year round in this region.
Today, I will share my knowledge about snapper rigs with you. On this page, you can find a tutorial video of me tying a snapper rig to help you catch a Melbourne snapper.
Furthermore, I will also discuss various types of rigs that you might use while fishing in Port Phillip Bay.
Unweighted Single Fly Snapper Rig Flasher
I usually start with an unweighted fly rigged on a single 4/0 circle hook from Reedy’s Rigs. Since Port Phillip Bay has a lot of shallow reefs that are quite snaggy, using twin hooks isn’t the best idea. I prefer the circle hook on this rig because it doesn’t tend to get snagged as much.
The unweighted fly adds about 10% more attraction power and can even catch a red without bait. This rig is especially great early in the season when the fish are shallow, and I typically use 20-40 pound leaders.
To connect the leader to the mainline, I use a double uni knot or a swivel if I plan on fishing deeper later on. I usually fish this rig in areas like Black Rock, Altona, Elwood, Frankston, Brighton, Sandringham, Mornington, Mount Eliza, and anywhere else with heavy reef.
In addition, please note that during the early season when the water temperature is low, the fish tend to mouth the baits. Therefore, using super sharp 187 hooks is more likely to improve your hook up rate.
Snell Twin Hook Rig Snapper Rig
The Snell Rig probably port Phillip bay’s most used rig. Great for most parts of the bay. I use size 4/0 187 Hooks (octopus Style) you can catch big fish on small hooks. it’s harder to catch small fish on big hooks.
Let’s be honest, not every snapper you catch will be a massive one. A 2kg or 3kg fish is still a good catch, but it’s better suited for 4/0 size hooks. Personally, I like to use snell rigs with fixed hooks because it helps with penetration when hooking the fish.
There has been a lot of debate about whether to use unweighted or weighted Snell rigs. If you can get away with using an unweighted rig, then that’s great. However, on my boat, I always fish with at least four rods, usually eight, to keep an even spread and avoid tangling. To achieve this, I use a size 1 ball sinker. It helps keep everything in order and prevents tangles. This rig is perfect for using full baits such as pilchards, silver whiting, squid heads, and more.
Landbased- When fishing from piers in Port Phillip Bay, I prefer to use the Western Port rig, which is rigged with twin 187 snell hooks.
Reedy’s Rigs Ultra Rig Tied On Paternoster
Reedy’s rigs Ultra-Rigs are the Best Pre-tied Paternoster rig on the market. there is no expense spared on the rig. I use paternoster rigs anytime when I’m fishing Snell rigs which are most of the time.
Is probably my favorite rig, to be honest. I Find my Biggest fish of the year is normally caught on this Rig. Using fresh squid strips or rings is fantastic. But I like a silver whiting head Pinned through the nose. With circle hooks, you won’t use the next size up Hook, then what you’d use generally speaking it’s a size up so if you use normally used size 4/0 then use a 5/0 hook if you size 6/0 Buy 7/0 Etc.

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How To Tie a Port Phillip Bay Snell Twin Hook Snapper Rig.
What Tackle will I need to tie the Rig in the video?
Leader anywhere from 30lb to 60lb the choice is yours to make. on snell hook Rigs I choose 40lb. 187 Hooks Octopus Hooks when snell rig. A Fishing Swiel & Lumo beads.
Features of the 187 Hook:
Chemically Sharpened: Despite being Japanese-made, these hooks undergo a specific chemical treatment to maintain their sharpness for a longer time. This involves the use of an acid or chemical solution to sharpen the end of the hook, resulting in a smaller barb size and a thinner, more tapered point for hooking fish.
These hooks help you catch more fish. Reedy’s 187 Hooks are designed by those who know their game when it comes to fishing. They hold up to professional standards, and you can take advantage of their circle or octopus design with its straight shank. These hooks give you the perfect catch of snapper and kingfish at a rate of 100% and are a must-have for all your tackle and fishing needs.
The 187 Hook offers exceptional performance when it comes to penetration, minimizing piercing resistance and increasing the speed and efficiency of hooking fish. These hooks are also durable, resisting wear and bending for extended periods.
Bait Presentation Snapper Step By Step Guide Click Here to Learn about Hooks & Bait.