When it comes to offshore fishing, no fish is more sort after than the red emperor. Also known as red snapper, government bream among other names, “reds” are demersal by nature and they hardly rise to the bait. For this reason, it is essential to have a bigger bait on the sea floor. Also, deeper isolated structures and rubble bottoms with small rises are the best hiding spots for mature reds. Additionally, even though heavy gear may seem unsporting, it is the best option as it reduces bust offs and it’s best for shear stops.
Handy Hints and Tips
Where to Fish
Red Emperor is the world most prized and highly sort after table fish. They are arguably the tastiest swimming fish in the ocean.
Without a doubt, many anglers have to agree with me when I say that the holy grail of reef fishing is the almighty red emperor. These are among the rarest, good looking, and tastiest breed of fish that are often quite challenging to find. Red emperor inhabits ocean waters commonly between the depths of 10 to 40m. Juveniles will most likely be found in the shallower offshore and nearshore waters. Mature fish are typically found in the deeper offshore, especially along the coral reefs and adjacent rocky and sand areas. For a better catch in reef fishing, look for the deeper and more isolated reef and corals, which have distinct characteristic of small rises and rubble bottom.
How to target
Targeting mature reds requires hard work as it is the most challenging reef fishing. When targeting Reds offshore, you have two alternatives; drifting or anchor and berleying, depending on the marine condition. Whichever way you choose, the key to successful fishing is by first locating them and then presenting large baits close to the bottom of the ocean. The best way to target large Reds is to try and overpower them.
Best baits
Fleshly fillets like scads, mullet, tuna, pilchard or any other locally caught reef fish are the best baits to use. Another better option is to use cuttlefish, whole squid, or octopus.
Beefed up gear, and good sounder is important.
More often than not, small patches of lumpy bottoms adjacent to deeper isolated reef structures will hold a few big reds. Best rigs for targeting mature reds include snelled double hook, gangs with running sinkers, paternoster rigs, and big single hooks with a ball sinker that is aligned to the hook. Whatever you do, make sure you use swivels and hooks that are ultra-heavy duty and double check that all knots or scrimps are strong enough.