Overview
Golden snapper, known as fingermark in Queensland, sit in schools on isolated rubble patches, wrecks and rock bars in northern waters.
They are long-lived and slow-growing, so a single school can be wiped out quickly — many anglers now cap their take from a mark.
They feed hardest in low light and around slack water, when the current lets them leave the structure.
Where to find them
- ▸Isolated rubble patches and rock bars in 10–30 m.
- ▸Wrecks and artificial structures in harbours.
- ▸Deep holes in tidal rivers and creek junctions.
- ▸Jetty pylons and pontoons at night.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 6–7 ft baitcaster or spin rated 8–15 kg.
- ▸Reel: 4000–6000 spin with a hard drag.
- ▸Line: 30–50 lb braid with 60–80 lb leader.
- ▸Terminal: 1/2–1 oz jig heads with 4–5" plastics, or 20–30 g vibes.
Tips from the water
- ▸Hit them at the tide change; they shut down in heavy current.
- ▸Use a release weight for fish from 20 m or deeper.
- ▸Move on after a few fish — the school will not stand heavy pressure.
Regulations
Slot and bag limits apply in the NT and QLD. Golden snapper are slow-growing and vulnerable to barotrauma.