snappers as bait

[ralphrox]

i have been using 4-5 in. snappers as bait for fluke with a 6/0 circle hook. most of the time the heads and tails were bitten off. i tried a stinger hook but had the same results.
how can i solve this problem?

[ped579]

I have not used snappers for bait that way but I have used mullet close to that size and the trick I use is to form a piece of aluminum (chain link fence ties) with a small loop at one end just small enough to fit in the mouth.  Pass it through the body and out the annal cavity.  At this point attach the leader loop that is attached to a hook of what ever size you are using and pull it through the body and hook the hook into the tail area somewhere where it will not be seen too well.  then attach the leader to your line by whatever means you are using and you have a pretty good way of hooking those that like to bite the tail.

I have been using this method for a while now and it works very well.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Fishin Dude]

I agree with Paul on the rig, which is commonly referred to as a mullet rig, which usally has a float attached,which can be removed, and can be purchased at your local tackle shop inexpensively. But I have to question how you are hooking the snappers if the heads and tails are being bitten off?  <'((((><

[ralphrox]

between the head and dorsal fin. the stinger hook is at the end of the dorsal fin.

[Fishin Dude]

Try hooking them up through the top of their mouth and out the nostrils, or through the eyes, with the stinger close to the tail, you will increase your hook ups.     <'((((><

[ped579]

One other way is to go through the mouth and out the gill and then place the hook near the tail again.  Don't give up you will catch with the hook near the tail almost any time.  I usually use a circle hook so just let them hook themselves.  Don't try and cross their eyes.

[Tacklebox Joe]

i use snappers as bait and the best way to is to hook them as close to tail as possible

the crabs are here!