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How to Rig a Red Snapper

Red snapper, a saltwater fish, are members of the Lutjanidae family of snapper. They are found primarily off the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Known for their meat's firm texture and pleasant taste, they fetch a high price. Red snappers are bottom dwellers who hang around coral and artificial reefs, ledges, and drop-offs. They make a great choice for avid fishermen because of their aggressive fighting abilities when being hooked.

Things You'll Need

Fishing boat
Heavy-duty baitcasting rod and reel
50-lb. test fishing line and leader material
Spreader rig
Heavy fishing weight
Weighted lure gaff or net bait

Instructions

- 1
  Gather strong and sturdy fishing gear. You will want a rod that has heavy-duty bait casting abilities along with a reel that can handle up to 50 pounds.
- 2
  Use a spreader rig with a weight that is heavy enough to resist strong currents. You will want your weight to submerge your bait quickly, so it will reach the snapper fast. Having a spreader rig will allow two hooks to work at once. This improve your chances of hooking a snapper.
- 3
  Add two leaders of five to ten feet of fluorocarbon fishing line. Fluorocarbon line is invisible in the water.
- 4
  Choose live squid for bait if you can find it. If not, dead squid, octopus and shrimp are good choices. Cutting bait fish or prawns is another option. Regardless of what you choose, it must be large because that is what attracts red snappers.
- 5
  Anchor your boat where the water is between 100 and 200 feet deep. Take your rig and drop it straight down. Reel back a little so that your bait is just off the bottom.
- 6
  Set your hook hard when the snapper bites. Reel fast so the snapper cannot get away and cut your line. Continue reeling in. Should the fish struggle, then ease up and give the fish time to tire out. Then start reeling again.

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