How to Catch Snapper With a Jig
- 1
Take your mono filament leader (I use 20lb test material) and attach the swivel to one end, I like to use the Uni Knot. Now attach the jig head to the other end of the mono filament leader. Tie good knots so when you hook a snapper you can catch it. - 2
I use a basic jig like this one.
Attach the swivel end of the rig you made above to the end of the line coming off of your fishing pole. When I snapper fish I like to use 10-15 lb test line, I find this allows me to catch more snapper. But this can vary on the fishing grounds you are at as well as your personal preference. - 3). Now that you have tied the rig to your fishing pole trim all of the loose pieces of line from your knots. If you are using the Uni Knot you can feel comfortable to cut them 1/8" long.
- 4
Next you will have to fillet the mullet but keep the skin on. You want to make strips that are 1-2" long and about 1/2" of an inch wide. This doesn't have to be perfect so don't waster a lot of time, snapper don't care about measurements, they just like the bait! - 5). Attach the fillet to the hook on the jig. I hook the fillet about 1/2" of an inch from the top so that the rest of it lies past the hook. This will look like a fish swimming when you reel it in past a snapper.
- 6). We are now ready to catch the snapper. Cast the jig out. When you feel the jig hit the bottom you will want to pull back on the rod to lift the jig off the ground and pull it towards you. The jig will then return again to the bottom. At this point you will reel in the extra line you just pulled in. Once you feel the line tighten up you will repeat the process. With practice you will get better and eventually it will all become second nature. This technique is known as jigging.
- 7). When done properly, the jig will be lifted off the bottom smoothly, travel about 1-2 feet in distance, and return to the bottom. This bouncing of the jig off the bottom will stir up dirt and will attract snapper to bite. Once you feel a bite, you will want to almost immediately set the hook with moderate pressure.
- 8). Reel in your fresh caught snapper and begin again at step 4!
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