Here we go.

It’s snapper time.

Port Stephens is famous for snapper and this is your chance to land a thumper just like the 7.3 kilogram big red wrestled onboard, off the Fingal Outerlight, by Boat Harbour champion Luke Hill.

Floating a yellowtail bait down a rich berley trail, Luke thought he had hooked the last bus to Anna Bay.

Snapper are fantastic fighters and perform even better in the kitchen.

With an extensive reef system stretching from Birubi north to Seal Rocks, this region provides ideal snapper habitat.

In “Stinkpot”, I prefer to fish in close to the headlands and rocky outcrops, tossing fresh squid, bonito or slimy mackerel into the wash caused by the crashing waves.

Using 10 kilogram line, a 6/0 hook and as little lead weight as possible, I toss way back behind the berley trail and let the bait sink naturally.

Big snapper cruise in really close when the sea is pumping to feast on shellfish and crabs that have toppled in.

When the sea settles the snapper return to the deeper reefs.

Plastics work very well for snapper whether in shallow or deep water.

Ask your tackle outlet for the best colour and weight.