Mastering Snapper Rigs – Tips for Sharp Hooks and Enhanced Performance

As the owner of Reedy’s Rigs and someone who has spent the last decade targeting snapper in Port Phillip Bay, my name is Brett and I can confidently say that there is no one-size-fits-all “best” snapper rig for this area. However, I’m here to share my expertise with you and provide some valuable information on rigs that have proven to be effective in catching snapper in Melbourne.

In the tutorial video below, you’ll see me tying a snapper rig that has worked well in Port Phillip Bay. I’ll also discuss various types of rigs that you can use when fishing in this area, based on my years of experience. I hope this information helps you increase your chances of landing a big catch!

Unweighted Fly Rig

The first rig I use is Unweighted fly rigged on a Reedy’s Rig single circle Hook 4/0. In Port Phillip Bay there are lots of shallow reefs. Normally it’s very snaggy Country so using twin Hooks is probably not ideal. I prefer the circle hook on this rig, Only Because they do not seem to get snagged as much.

The unweighted fly will just give it that 10% attracting power and is also possible to catch a red with no bait. This rig is great early season when the fish are shallow. I use 20/40-pound leaders.

I connect it to the mainline with a double uni knot or a Swivel if I plan to head deeper later.
The early season when the fish go shallow is when I fish this rig most.

The types of areas such as Black Rock, Altona,  Elwood, Frankston, Brighton, Sandringham Mornington, Mount Eliza, Basically anywhere with  heavy reef.

Snell Twin Hook Rig Snapper Rig

The Snell Rig probably port Phillip bay’smost 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 face it not every snapper is going to be a huge one. A 2Kg 3Kg fish are still good fish but would be better suited to 4/0 size hooks. I like my Snell rigs to have fixed hooks to help with penetration when hooking the fish.

So, there’s always been a lot of talk about unweighted and weighted on the Snell rigs, If you can get away with unweighted use an unweighted rig.

but in my boat, I’m always fishing at least four rods or normally 8 so to keep those rods in an even spread so they’re not tangling up with each other, I Use size 1 Ball Sinker. It will keep that all in order so that’s why I use the sinker. This rig is great for full Baits such as pilchards, Silver Whiting, squid heads, etc.

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.

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.

Reedy’s 187 Hook Features:

Our Chemically Sharpened 187 Hooks are expertly crafted in Japan and treated with a special chemical solution. This process maintains their sharpness for a longer period, ensuring easier and quicker hooking of fish. The hooks feature a smaller barb size and a thinner, tapered point, thanks to the acid or chemical sharpening technique.

Unparalleled Penetration with the 187 Hook Point

The 187 Hook is renowned for its exceptional performance in penetration. It has reduced piercing resistance, enabling faster and more efficient penetration. Even with prolonged use, the hook experiences less wear and bending, ensuring durability and longevity.

Enhanced Performance with Teflon Coating

All 187 Hooks come with a Teflon coating, providing an extended lifespan and superior performance. The coating reduces friction, making it easier for snapper or kingfish to bite and increasing your hooking success. The Teflon coating also protects against corrosion from saltwater exposure, ensuring the hooks stay in optimal condition in saltwater environments.

Catch More Fish with Reedy’s 187 Hooks

Reedy’s 187 Hooks are designed to meet professional standards, giving you the perfect catch of snapper and kingfish. Whether you prefer the circle or octopus design with its straight shank, these hooks offer a 100% catch rate and are a must-have for all your tackle and fishing needs.

Bait Presentation Snapper Step By Step Guide Click Here to Learn about  Hooks & Bait.