So...Snapper???

[Gozzy63]

So.. we have been sounding ALL over bay, been out quite a bit over last couple weeks. We've been wanting to catch our first snapper we've been reading about and watching on youtube for years.
Nothing..again.
But nearly every fisho weve talked to at ramps saying same thing!
We use silver whiting and pilchards, double hook snell set up.
Even considering going and getting a paid guide or something. When fish are on..we catch.
Is the whole bay full of snapper a fishing tackle shop hype up?
Sorry to be negative but fuel and time is getting right up there with no results.
Anyone else pulling in 3 or 4 decent reds in a session?

[Sebb]

Dont know, haven't caught one myself this season. Seems to be on off. I don't have a boat though, only kayak.
Was out off Altona this morning for a quick fish on a yak to take a friend for his first time on a yak.
A lot of small pinkies. Got hit by something decent but lost it.

Reel Time charter had a great success couple days ago in around 20m water, caught a few ranging from 35cm to 50cm'ish. My mate was with them. They launched off Paterson river.

[Gozzy63]

Thanks. Appreciate the news.
Even still...a snapper charter only pulling a few up to 50cm is concerning. Isn’t this the snapper spawning season?
I’m going to give Corio bay another shot. Will pass on results.

[bowl]

[bowl]

Does guide on your boat .

[Sebb]

Thanks. Appreciate the news.
Even still...a snapper charter only pulling a few up to 50cm is concerning. Isn’t this the snapper spawning season?
I’m going to give Corio bay another shot. Will pass on results.

I'd say the big red season is when the water just turned 18 degrees and moving into 20 degrees. Usually November in 7-14m. But Nov 2019 was weird since weather was changing a lot.

Altona this morning was 21-22 degrees believe it or not. Hence, a lot of small pinkies. The big red starting to shut a bit and in deeper water around 20m+

Good luck and let us know.

[purple5ive]

I havent been out in a while due to various reasons.
But the fish are still going from what I've seen. But a lot harder now since the temperature has warmed up quite a bit.
You will need to put in the hard yards to get the first few. So time and fuel will def be spent a lot.
Ive been targeting them pn my own for a few seasons now and only this time have had some success...
Teamborn2fish do guided charters in your own boat. He fishes st Leonard's and surrounds quite a bit.
Theres definitely fish down there, try the channel bend in Clifton springs area and sound around properly find the fish then anchor, don't just go and sit in one spot..

[croe04]

i saw a fair few yak reports from ricketts popping up in november with some good results but other than that it's been pretty quiet. I haven't benn out to try myself yet but I sure intend to. Haven't fished in ages.

[fishnut]

Best area atm around mornington

[giskard]

Yes I think things are overhyped a lot by the tackle stores as it helps sales. I have been out almost every week the past few months weather permitting and have not caught a Snapper over 40cm. Both bays are also full of tiny snapper up to 20cm at the moment which steal your bait before you have a chance to catch a decent fish. I have a boat and wouldn't consider myself a novice fisherman.