How to Catch Mutton Snappers
Learning how to catch mutton snappers in the Florida Keys can be very fun. This mutton snapper fishing technique can be used to catch mutton snappers any where in the world.
Years ago, I started working on a long leader removable weight system for drifting live baits deep for wahoo, kingfish, mutton snappers, black groupers and wahoo. Below is the video of the original removable rig I used for the video. However, I did not show what I use on my fishing charters as that technique is proprietary, and I did not want it released to the world.
Balloon Fisher King Clips for Mutton Snapper Fishing
Several local South Florida Fishing YouTube Channels copied this video and released it for content after publication on the Balloon Fisher King website. The below video was used at ICAST 2020.
Click here to purchase the Balloon Fisher King Clips
The Balloon Fisher King Clips can be used for the following:
Mutton Snapper Fishing with Long Leaders
Learn how I make mine in this video. By purchasing this video you are supporting the Good Karma Sportfishing podcast and YouTube channel content. I provide the absolute best content available to those looking to up level their game and learn how to catch very large mutton snappers.
- Are you tired of the difficulty of handling long leaders?
- Are you looking for a method to get baits deep without having to handle long leaders?
- Are you fed up with using rubber bands and inline sinkers?
Long leaders are a pain in the ass, but part of every serious anglers life. I have worked very hard over the years to come up with a bridal system for carrying weights that is not only easy to work, but will also save you money.
I share in this how-to video. Not only will you be able to make it your own, but you learn how to use it effectively. Overtime, this system will make you a lethal bottom fisherman, but like everything else it takes practice to perfect. I have not publicly talked about this bridal system weight carrier for mutton snappers or grouper fishing in any of my podcasts. The tips I have talked about and shared through my podcast and YouTube videos do work, but not as consistent as this system.
It is the absolute best mutton snapper fishing long leader fishing technique. You can either purchase a pre-made bridal from the Tackle Room by clicking here or you can learn how I make the Good Karma Sportfishing proprietary rig by purchasing my course course by clicking here. In this video with Ryan Morie, we are using my handmade mutton snapper removable weight bridal system I call Mutton Crusher Rig.
Below is a list of the Good Karma Sportfishing YouTube Channels that feature my current mutton crusher rig in action.
When you purchase this course, you are on your way to catching giant groupers and even a few big muttons snappers in impressive numbers in no time.
The Pre-Made Mutton Crusher Bridal By the Tackle Room
Using a balloon fisher king clip with weight attached with zip tie is the easiest way to get baits or lures deeper in the water column without much hassle. Bridles go between your main line and leader. A bridle allows you to fight the fish all the way to the rod tip and is a must when you’re making a planer rig. Simply attach the weight rigged to a Balloon Fisher King Clip to the bridal.
- A Planer Bridle is the easiest way to get baits or lures deeper in the water column without losing time and energy
- Tied in-line, between your main line and leader
- Made from 500lb Jerry Brown hollow core braid
- The bridles have Spro power swivels at each end to connect with your mainline and leader
- 24″ overall length
- Handmade in the USA
- Hollowcore bridles are much easier on your reels and guides than cable bridles
Made from 500lb Jerry Brown hollow-core braid, our planer bridles have Spro power swivels at each end. The overall length of the mutton crusher bridle is 24 inches. These bridles are handmade in the United States of America. Tackle Room bridles accommodate any size planer or trolling weight, or a removable sinker for bottom fishing and offshore fishing.
Purchase your pre-made removable weight bridal through the Tackle Tackle Room by clicking here.
Fish Finder Rig for Mutton Snappers
When it comes to bottom fishing for mutton snappers in the Florida Keys, the fish finder is an OK rig, but it does snag a lot. The bottom of the Florida Keys is constantly changing; since Hurricane Irma, it has been littered with lobster pot lines. The fish finder is an easy mutton snapper rig that works, but I prefer something else.
How to Catch Mutton Snappers
Components of the Fish Finder Rig for Mutton Snapper Fishing
The setup begins with a weight attached to the main line, followed by a swivel. An egg sinker, placed on the main line, allows the mutton snapper to freely pull the line without dragging the weight of the lead. This feature enables game fish to swim off with the bait and swallow it comfortably before setting the hook.
Mutton Snapper Leader Selection Insights for Fish Finder Rigs
Leader length can significantly influence your success, especially when targeting species like snapper or grouper from a boat. I recommend a leader of 50 feet or more. When dealing with the cautious mutton snapper or grouper, a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader offers the stealth needed in clear, shallow waters. Alternatively, you might get away with shorter leader suffices in areas with strong currents or near structures, offering easier control and less snagging on the coral bottom.
Mutton Snapper Fishing Tips-Click on the Image
Lead Selection Strategies-Have a Bunch of Lead in all Sizes
Selecting the right amount of lead changes on nearly every single fishing trip for me. In calm waters from an anchored boat, I prefer using the smallest size lead I can get away with, which might be enough to maintain your position at 50 feet depth. Conversely, when drifting in deep waters of 120-175 feet with a strong current, you will need an assortment of heavier lead weights are necessary. Regardless of the situation, the mutton snapper fish finder is a good rig and works when the conditions are right.
Free spooling for Mutton Snappers
The fish finder rig’s primary advantage is the lead’s free movement along the main line. This rig allows the bait to move naturally, whether drifting cut bait or swimming live bait away from the lead. I prefer using Talica 25’s inaccessible spool mode with the clicker, which lets you let out the line post-contact to keep the sinker stable and avoid startling fish. Do not lock up the sinker on the bottom; it will find a home in the coral. The tighter you drag during the free spool process, the more likely your weight will snag on the coral rock. This technique is especially beneficial when drift fishing or at anchor on sandy bottom, as it prevents the lead from bouncing along the seabed.
Rigging Live Bait and Fish Finder Rig Trick for Mutton Snappers
In certain conditions, a long leader might not be feasible. For example, a shorter 2-5 foot leader with heavier material is ideal when casting to sight fish cobia or snook with spinning reels. I prefer hooking the live bait in the tail or under the anal fin. The bait fish will tend to swim off away from the boat and set your long leader for you, I love it when this happens.
If you do not hook them in the tail, they will swim right at engine bubbles most of the time. An old-school trick I learned at the beginning of my career was to replace the swivel with a split shot, allowing the main lead to slide down to the hook. This modification simplifies handling, especially when fishing solo, as it eases the process of landing fish without the hassle of managing a cumbersome leader; I discontinue using split shots and now use a Ballonfisher King Clip.
Mutton Snapper Fishing Spots
Also when it comes to finding spots mutton snapper spots, it takes more than just looking at the charts and figuring out where the rock meets the sand along the deep ledges in the Florida Keys. 90% of the contour charts on your electronic maps are in-correct. I know this because I make my living on the water. If you really want to learn how to find your own secret mutton snapper fishing spots you can purchase this course by clicking here. Learn all about the mutton snapper here.
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