SNAPPER

FACT FILE
Name:	Pagrus auratus, also called bream and related to the porgy.
Size:	Small fry to 16kg, mostly 2-6kg
Tackle:	8-10wt saltwater fly rods, reels with drags, 100yrds minimum backing.
Season:	Summer for coastal fish and autumn/winter for larger specimens.
Locations:	Estuaries, harbours, channels and flats, coastal schooling fish, reefy coastlines.

Snapper are New Zealand’s No 1 recreational fish. Superb eating quality and lots of fish to be caught.
We target snapper 12 months a year, and this species is one of the most fascinating fish to catch on a fly rod. Catching snapper on a fly rod is something new in fly fishing, but we have developed some extremely effective techniques for specifically targeting snapper on fly.

Snapper are very diverse in their range, and while common in water 10 – 50 metres deep, they will frequent shallower reefs and structure in order to feed on shellfish and capture baitfish – sometimes up to several kilos, depending on the size of the snapper in question.

An average “schoolie” snappers is around 1-2kg but fish over the magic 10kg mark is caught every year. Our biggest snapper so far was an impressive 12.6kg!
The shallow water snapper are the ones that can be actively hunted down with a fly rod. Luckily they are usually the biggest ones anyway, and this is why we believe to have a huge advantage with the fly rod compared to conventional fishing.

Snapper hooked in shallow water on fly represent a huge challenge and are favourites with Saltflyer anglers – normally the first run is unstoppable and is directed towards foul territory, so braking hard and applying huge side strain are the orders of the day!
Anglers have been known to simply shake their heads in disbelief having had their fly line dragged into kelp forests by these beasts. Landing a big snapper on fly rod is something that creates respect in the saltwater fly fishing scene. Pulling anchor and chase these bruisers around is a common thing.

The snapper is a voracious and diverse feeder, as such there are many techniques and salt water fly patterns that can be deployed, ranging from fishing Clouser Minnows on intermediate lines, to fishing deeply sunk Booby flies on fast sinking lines or casting and retrieving baitfish patterns slowly through the snapper’s territory.
In shallow water, slow to intermediate lines will take the fly to the strike zone while in deeper water weighted flies fished on fast sinking lines may need to be used – the key is to change your gear to the conditions we are fishing in.
Leader arrangement can be as simple as a length of 40lb mono, but will depend on prevailing conditions.
For bigger kelpies found mooching around structure, heavier shock tippets may prove to be the difference between hooking and landing.

With potential to hit a record fish at any time, the angler should be prepared to strike hard and hold on tight!