SNAPPER (Pagrus aurtus)

The Icon of Kiwi Inshore Fishing


There’s a reason snapper are considered royalty in New Zealand’s coastal waters. Powerful, wary, and deeply respected by anglers, they’re more than just a fish — they’re a national obsession. Whether you’re straylining from a quiet beach or drifting over structure with soft-baits, the moment that line goes tight and the rod loads up, you know it’s on. And if it’s a big one? Hold on.

Known scientifically as Pagrus auratus, snapper are technically part of the seabream family — but to Kiwi fishos, they’re simply “snapper,” the inshore heavyweight that never gets old.

All Tackle World Record
17.2kg (37lb 15oz) caught in New Zealand by Kelly Shorland on 8 January 1992.

Biology & Identification

Physical Features
Body Shape: Deep, oval body built for power and sustained fights.

Head & Mouth: Blunt forehead (more pronounced in large males, called “knobs”), strong jaws with crushing molars designed for shellfish.

Fins: A tall, spiny dorsal fin and broad tail help them fight hard in the current.

Coloration: Bronze-pink hues with iridescent blue spots across the flanks, fading to silvery-white underneath. Juveniles are typically brighter in colour.

Size: Common from 30–50cm, but serious anglers dream of the elusive “20-pounder” (9kg+). Trophy fish over 10kg are rare but still possible in certain regions.

Feeding Habits

Snapper are opportunistic predators and bottom feeders, with a diet that includes:

  • Shellfish (mussels, pipis, scallops, kina)
  • Crustaceans (crabs, shrimp)
  • Squid
  • Small fish (anchovies, pilchards, jack mackerel)
  • Soft baits and slow jigs (unfortunately for them)

Their bite can be subtle or savage, but once hooked, their bulldozing runs and stubborn head shakes make them one of the best inshore sportfish around.

(Photo credit - Australasian snapper - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia )

Where to Find Them

Habitat:
Snapper inhabit a wide range of inshore environments:

  • Rocky reefs
  • Sandy bays
  • Estuaries
  • Kelp beds
  • Offshore pinnacles

Juveniles often school in shallow bays, while larger adults prefer deeper reefs and foul ground.

Depth: Anywhere from 1 to 100 metres, but the best action is often in 10–50m.

Distribution:

  • New Zealand: Found throughout coastal NZ, especially prolific in the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands, and Northland.
  • Australia: Also common along southeastern coasts and known as “pink snapper.”
  • Pacific: Smaller populations extend to surrounding Pacific islands.

Fishing Seasons

Best Months:
Spring to early autumn (Oct–Apr) when water temperatures rise and baitfish are plentiful. Late spring spawning aggregations often bring in the big breeders.

Tide Influence:
Snapper feed more actively on the incoming and outgoing tide, especially around change of light. A bit of current stirs things up and helps mask your presentation.

Fishing Methods for Snapper

1. Straylining (The Classic Kiwi Method)

Nothing beats a lightly-weighted bait drifting down the burley trail either from the boat or off the bricks.

Baits: Pilchards, squid, mullet, bonito, mackerel. Fresh is best.

Rig: No sinker or just enough to get it down. Use long fluorocarbon traces (30–60lb) and sharp hooks.

Technique: Let the bait sink naturally and watch the line. Big snapper often pick it up gently before screaming off.

2. Soft Baiting

Effective and exciting, especially in shallow or mid-depth reefs.

Lures: 3–5” jerk shads, paddle tails, or curly tails in natural colours.

Gear: 6–8kg spin setups, braid with 20–30lb leader.

Retrieve: Cast ahead of the drift and let the bait drop to the bottom. Use small lifts and pauses to imitate a wounded baitfish.

3. Slow Jigging & Inchiku

Deadly on deeper reefs and schooling fish.

Lures: 60–120g slow-pitch jigs, inchiku and kabura styles.

Retrieve: Slow, rhythmic lifts. Let the lure flutter back down—it’s often hit on the drop.

Why Snapper Are a Kiwi Favourite

Accessible & Abundant

Whether you’re land-based, kayaking, or boating, snapper are never far away. They’re found throughout New Zealand’s coastal waters, making them accessible to all anglers.

Sport Fishing Value

Snapper hit hard and fight dirty, especially the larger models. They dig into structure, bulldoze through kelp, and test gear to the limit.

Exceptional Eating

Snapper are top table fare, with white, flaky flesh and a mild flavour. Baked whole, pan-fried fillets, or sashimi—the options are endless.

Conservation Status

Threats:
Overfishing, habitat degradation, and nursery loss from coastal development. The snapper fishery is carefully managed, especially in the North Island.

Catch & Release Tips:
Use circle hooks, avoid deep hooking, and release big breeding fish carefully. Support their body when lifting for photos.

Regulations: (confirm your local regulations)

  • NZ North Island: Min legal size = 30cm
  • Bag limits vary by region: (Typically 7 per angler in the north)
    Always check MPI Fisheries Regulations for up-to-date rules.

Final Thoughts

Snapper are the fish that hooked generations of Kiwi anglers. From your first pannie on a handline to the thrill of a 20-pound knobby rising from the depths, they represent everything great about fishing in Aotearoa. Accessible, hard-fighting, and downright delicious—it’s no wonder they’re the unofficial national fish.

So tie up a rig, flick out a bait or softie, and wait for that unmistakable thump. Snapper fishing might be simple, but it never gets old.

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