Few fish fire the imagination of Aussie reef anglers like the red emperor and nannygai (saddletail snapper). Known collectively as “red fish,” these brutes are among the most powerful and rewarding species you can catch offshore. They fight hard, taste incredible, and grow to trophy sizes. But they’re also smart, cautious feeders that require the right approach.
While lures and jigs have their place, many of the biggest reds are still caught the traditional way: with well-presented baits, fished patiently in the right country. Here’s how to rig up; prepare baits; and fish an effective technique for trophy red emperor and saddletail snapper across northern Australia.
Quick Summary Tip
If you want to land trophy red emperor and nannygai (saddletail snapper) in Australia, you need the right rigs, bait prep, and plenty of patience. Learn how to fish heavy paternoster rigs, prepare long tuna and mullet strip baits, and use 7/0–9/0 hooks with 80 lb braid and 80 to 100Lb leader to stop these reef brutes. Reds are gentle feeders, so timing the strike is key – let the rod load before lifting to set the hook. With big strip baits and the right setup, you’ll put yourself in the running for some of Australia’s most iconic reef fish.
Quick Links
The Right Rigs for Big Reds
The backbone of bait fishing for reds is the paternoster rig. This simple but effective setup allows you to present one or two baits just above the bottom (where reds feed the majority of the time), while keeping everything tangle-free in current. Although I target reds using several types of bait fishing rig, the one I use the most is the paternoster rig. You are often targeting fish at depth and in flowing current, so the ability to anchor a line to the bottom and let a bait drift attractively in the current, makes the paternoster rig such an easy choice!
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Hooks: Big reds call for serious tackle. Use heavy-duty hooks from 7/0 to 9/0; either single hooks for strip-baits or gang-hook rigs for longer presentations.
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Sinkers: A large snapper lead or bomb sinker is essential to hold bottom in current. In 40–70 m, you may need 8–16 oz of weight depending on current flow.
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Leader: Reds are brutal on gear. Step up to 80–100 lb leader material to withstand coral, sharp teeth, and to reduce the length of fights which may reduce shark predation.
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Main line: Spool up with 80 lb braid for strength and minimal stretch, matched to heavy spin or overhead outfits: the braid offers low line diameter and sensitivity to better present baits and detect bites in current flow.
Rig Specifics
I typically fish the sinker approximately 70 to 100cm beneath the hook dropper. Tie a loop to enable easy sinker change-out. I tie the dropper using a looped setup (for easy hook change-out) and aim to have a dropper of approximately 60 to 70cm to get the bait away from the main-line and prevent ‘lining’ fish: this is where a big fish touches the main-line and spooks away from the bait.
For more tips on rigging for reds, check out this epic vid from the boy below.
Preparing Big Baits
Reds aren’t interested in tiny pieces. To tempt the biggest fish, you need to put down serious strip baits in the 15–25 cm range. The goal is to present a large, natural bait that wafts enticingly in the current. The benefits of the big bait include the integrity of the offering: it will survive the smaller fish picking at it and give the bait time in the water for a big red to find it.
Best Bait Choices
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Tuna flesh: Oily, tough, and durable in current.
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Mullet strips: Wide, firm flesh that stays on the hook.
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Fish frames: Head and backbone sections of smaller reef fish or trevally can be deadly on big emperor.
Preparing the Strip
Cut long strips with tapered ends so they flutter: trim flesh from the bait strip so it is not too thick – a thick bait will not present as naturally as a thinner one.
Remove excess scales for better hook penetration and presentation.
Always rig through the top of the bait strip so the bulk hangs below and drifts naturally in current.
Leave the hook point well exposed – don’t bury it.
When done right, the bait should look alive, flickering and fluttering in the water as the current pushes through.
Fishing Technique – Patience Pays
Big reds are notorious for being gentle and fussy feeders. Despite their size, they often mouth and test a bait several times before committing.
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Don’t strike early: If you lift the rod on the first enquiry, you’ll miss a hook set and spook the fish.
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Be prepared to feed more line: Feed line off the reel to prevent the boat movement lifting the bait away from fish and having the red sense the line and sinker.
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Wait for the load-up: Ignore the taps and wait for a fish to commit to the bait and start to slowly pull the rod tip towards the water. Only then set the hook with a firm lift.
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Time to commit: Sometimes a red can take minutes to fully eat a bait. Keep steady tension and stay patient!
This measured approach takes discipline but consistently produces hookups on quality fish.
Pro Tips for Bait Fishing Reds
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Anchor or drift: In heavy current, anchoring (with anchor or bowmount electric motor) keeps you directly over structure; in lighter current, slow drifting covers more ground.
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Bait freshness: Reds love oily baits, but freshness is key. Local fresh caught bait is always preferred if possible.
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Drift naturally: Rigs that enable the bait to drift naturally in current will always perform better.
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Be patient: Reds take time to investigate and commit to a bait: be patient and wait for the rod to load before striking.
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Stay on structure: Use your sounder to pinpoint isolated patches or wonky holes and always drop baits right on the mark.
Understanding your sounder is key when chasing reds and if you need some tips, the boys have you sorted with this ripper vid below.
Spin vs Overhead Outfits
Both spin and overhead setups work for bait fishing red emperor and nannygai.
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Overhead reels: Excellent for fishing paternoster rigs vertically, offering cranking power and better feel for bites.
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Heavy spinning reels: Versatile and easy to handle, especially when dropping baits from a drifting boat.
Whichever you choose, match the reel with a stout fishing rod in the 15–24 kg range and spool with 80 lb braid for no-nonsense lifting power.
These brutes take some working out, but once you understand the technique – you’re in for a red reward! Check out these tech tips below for chasing big reds.
Final Words
Bait fishing for red emperor and nannygai is a game of patience and preparation. With big baits, strong rigs, and the discipline to wait for the bite to load, you’ll put yourself in the running for the biggest reds on the reef. Forget small hooks and scraps – these fish demand serious tackle and proper presentation.
Whether you fish paternoster rigs with tuna strips, or anchor rigs with mullet frames, the thrill of seeing your rod tip load up and knowing a monster red is peeling drag below makes the effort worthwhile. Gear up heavy, fish smart, and you’ll join the ranks of anglers who have landed Australia’s most iconic reef prize.
About the author
Tackling Australia
Tackling Australia is made up of “Nicko” Fewtrell and “Nige” Webster — two fishing tragics who’ve been hooked since before they could walk. Nige is a long-time fishing journalist and regular on the Aussie fishing comp scene; and Nicko is a fishing presenter, FNQ-based guide and boat builder. Together, they’re a formidable fishing team, with all the expert knowledge you could ask for
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