Australasian Snapper (Pagrus auratus)

Snapper can hang out all over the place, from open water to reefs, but if you want to find the big ones, hit those shallow reefs and rocky areas with deep gutters. They love chilling by rocks and weeds, so keep your eyes peeled.

Top tip: Snapper love sitting in the current, waiting for an easy feed, so make sure you swim into the current to sneak up from behind. And keep that sun behind you – it’ll help hide you if a snapper decides to turn your way.

1. Snapper Snooping

Stealth is key, so go full ninja mode:

• Get In Quietly: If you’re jumping in from a boat, make sure to drop in about 20-30m away from where you reckon the snapper are hanging out. Keep it quiet – no splashy entrances!
• Stay Silent: Check your gear to avoid any rattles. Open-muzzle spearguns are sweet for this – they keep things nice and quiet.
• Use a Reel Gun: It gives you more freedom to move around without your float line getting in the way.

Remember to take out your snorkel when diving to cut down on bubbles and use your fins to pull yourself along instead of kicking hard. Snapper are easily spooked, so keep it stealthy!

2. Ground Baiting (Burleying)

If you’re in a spot with smaller snapper and want to call in the big boys, it’s time to set up some burley:

1. Pick Your Spot: Make sure you’re hidden but can still watch your burley – you don’t want the snapper spotting you first.
2. Set It Up: Smash up some kina or use chopped fish, then let it “cook” for a solid 10-15 minutes.
3. Watch and Wait: Sneak back to check if any big snapper has turned up. It’s smart to have a couple of burley spots going to see which one draws in the most action.

3. Midwater Snapper Hunting

This one’s not as common but works a treat in deeper waters, especially around structures where snapper hang out below schools of pink maomao or kahawai.

• Stay Still: Just float quietly on the surface and let the snapper come to you.
• Dive Smart: Drop down at a 30-45 degree angle and aim for a solid mid-body shot – right near the pectoral fin to make sure they don’t get away.

Snapper can get pretty big – they’ll reach up to a meter and weigh over 15kg, but the more common sizes you’ll find range from 35cm to 60cm. The legal size in NZ is 30cm, but let’s be honest, you want something bigger if you’re looking for a decent feed. 

**Be sure to check out the MPI site to see the legal take size for your area. 

Snapper has soft, white meat and a few bones, but don’t let that scare you! The flavour is mild and super delicious. It’s great for all kinds of recipes, here are a couple of ways to enjoy your catch:

• Pan-Seared : Lightly coat it with your favourite seasoning and give it a quick fry – crispy and delicious.
• Smoked : Smoking it brings out all those good flavours, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Whole Baked : Keep it simple and bake it whole – locks in all that juicy goodness.

Catching snapper’s all about being patient and moving like a ghost. Take your time, stay aware of what’s around you, and don’t rush it. Whether you’re diving off a boat, a kayak, or from the shore, there’s nothing like landing a big snapper and turning it into a tasty feed.

Grab your gear, get out there, and have a crack – you’ll be hooked before you know it!

Brendon from Divetech – Go Hard & Have Fun!