Tips for targeting snapper (tāmure).

Rigs

A variety of rigs work well depending on your location. Consider using one-hook or two-hook ledgers, running rigs, pulley rigs, or long-cast running rigs. Strayline rigs are excellent for a natural presentation, while breakaway rigs are essential when fishing in rocky areas to avoid gear loss.

Jigs (No Bait Needed)

Snapper are a predatory species that actively hunt and chase food, which is why jigs are so effective. Popular options include:

• Softbaits
• Knife jigs
• Slow pitch jigs
• Sliders

In deep water, you can work the entire water column; it is common to get strikes on the "drop" as the jig falls. When softbaiting, you can cast from a boat or the shore. Work the lure to mimic a wounded fish. Snapper strike hard, so be sure to lift the rod to set the hook, then enjoy the signature "head nods" all the way to the surface.

Baits

Snapper are opportunistic eaters. Effective baits include pilchards, anchovies, bullet tuna, bonito, trevally, and kahawai. They also readily take squid, octopus, and even crayfish. If you are using bait, presentation is key—taking the extra time to rig your bait neatly will significantly increase your strike rate.

Strategy and Location

Snapper are highly adaptable, found in depths of 50m+ or in as little as 0.5m of water in harbours and mangroves. For land-based fishing, look for "holes" or gutters in the surf. If you haven't had a strike within 20 minutes or after three casts, change your bait type.

When straylining from a boat, use a small sinker to keep the bait down. If rock fishing, try using no sinker at all to reduce snags. Let the fish run with the bait for about three seconds before lifting the rod to set the hook.

Environmental Factors

Snapper behavior changes daily. They might fixate on one food source one day and ignore it the next, so keep a variety of baits on hand. In summer, I have found that night fishing from the shore is the best way to secure a tāmure. Under the cover of darkness, they move into the shallows to dig for pipis and crabs without fear of overhead predators.

They also prefer a bit of swell and current. On clear, sunny days, look for "dirty" or stirred-up water where they feel protected from predators.

Regulations and Handling

Always check the current MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) rules for your specific area, as quotas and size limits vary:

• Upper North Island: 7 snapper per person, minimum size 30cm.
• Other regions: Often 10 snapper per person, minimum size 27cm.

Snapper can grow to impressive sizes—over 90cm and up to 19kg (approx. 40lb). The New Zealand record sits around the 36lb mark. Once you decide to keep a fish, iki it immediately and place it on salt ice. This ensures the meat remains in top condition for the table.

Snapper is one of the finest and most accessible table fish for Kiwis. While more common up north, they are being caught regularly in the South Island during summer months as sea temperatures rise.

I hope these tips help those struggling to catch from the beach. Tight lines, whānau!

— Ham

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