Traditionally, fresh or live baits have been preferred when targeting thumping reds. Live slimy mackerel, squid or yellowtail have proven to be very successful along with fresh bonito, big prawns and pilchards.

Around Broughton Island and over the popular snapper reefs “floating” unweighted baits down a berley trail or dropping baits to the bottom and drifting have done the trick in the past.

There is a relatively new challenger for the best method to catch big red and that is the “plastic”. 

Americans have been using this crazy way of fishing for years, long before we caught on.

A plastic, for the uninformed, is a jelly-like lure in the shape of a fish or prawn.

Resembling a jelly snake, the plastic wriggles it’s way towards the bottom attracting interest on the way down and is particularly deadly on snapper, flathead and bream.

Just about every fish in the sea is curious to attack this strange intruder. 

Walk into any bait and tackle outlet and at least one wall will be covered with plastics. Ask for advice on the right size, shape and colour for what you’re looking to catch... and then hang on!