Hi, this is Neil from Trinidad, West Indies. Most demersal fishermen rarely use artificial baits/lures, which are almost exclusively used on pelagic species. The Cubera Snapper is no exception:favourite baits out here are usually some type of bloody or oily fish like chunks of little tunny or bonito. Most of these heavyweights are caught on deep reefs or on bottom with a lot of structure anywhere in excess of 150 ft. Some fishermen however try their luck just before or after the full moon in water as shallow as 50ft. using live mullet or small snappers as bait. a friend of mine even prefers chunks of needlefish as his bait of choice. these baits also work well on groupers. tackle is very heavy, usually hand lines of 150lb. test or more rigged with a sliding sinker depending on the current and depth, a steel or cable leader and large hook(10/0 to 14/0)completes the rig. If you are lucky enough to hook into a cubera above 15 to 20lbs or more, trust me you have one hell of a fight on your hands. These fish don't include the words "give up" in their vocabulary.One large fish is all it takes to make the trip worthwile.I also read an article where some American fishermen prefer a live lobster, I'm sure this works just as well.<br><br>
G'day Neil<br><br>That's a great outline on these great fish. As mentioned down at the Lures/Baits Board these snapper are a part of the Lujanid family and we have their "bulldozer" cousins down here in Oz. <br><br>From what you describe (in terms of fishing for them) it sounds like an 8 oz jig that takes fish strips or squid inside the nylon jig tail would work real well and save on rigging time as well. Also means you don't have to mess with wire.<br><br>Something like these jigs below would do the job with ease, because I know how aggressive this species can be and how well they attack jigs. Yellow heads are the way to go for Cubera IMO. <br><br><A HREF="http://www.outdoorcart.com/demon/kuhunajig.htm" target="_new">http://www.outdoorcart.com/demon/kuhunajig.htm</A> <br><br>Either way, they are the fish from hell when hooked and braid on a reel full of low gear grunt is definately the order of the day. <br><br>On a hand line, man that is a major challenge!<br><br><br>Burnin Thumbs!<br><br>Steve B <br>Moderator Lures/Baits Forum<br><A HREF="http://www.demonjigs.com" target="_new">http://www.demonjigs.com</A>
MAN! You have no idea what it is to tackle one of these babies on a hand-line! Expert hands only, no room for novices-too risky. You and your mate(s) just have too hold on real tight and hope the gear holds up because when one of these cusses finds a hole it's as good as over!. Thanks for the demonjig link.<br><br>
