What leader strength should I use for snapper around reef and rubble ground?

Short answer

For most snapper fishing around reef and rubble ground, start with a good-quality 30 lb leader. You can drop lighter in clear, open water when the fish are cautious, or increase to 40 lb when fishing close to heavy reef or sharp structure. The best leader is strong enough to handle the country without being so heavy that it restricts the bait’s movement and reduces bites.

Why this happens

Leader strength is a compromise between getting bites and surviving the fight. Snapper can be cautious in clear water, so an unnecessarily heavy leader may reduce bites. However, around reef and rubble, the greatest danger is usually abrasion rather than the fish breaking the line through sheer pulling power. A snapper that reaches coral, broken shell or a sharp reef edge can damage a light leader very quickly. Poor knots, old leader material and a drag set too tightly can also cause break-offs that are blamed on using the wrong leader strength.

What to change next trip

• Start with a fresh 30 lb leader for general snapper fishing, increasing to 40 lb around heavier reef or sharp structure.
• Check the final metre of leader after every fish, snag or hard rub, and replace it immediately if it feels rough or damaged.
• Test your knots before fishing and set the drag firmly enough to turn the fish without locking it so tightly that every sudden run shocks the leader.