The Snapper Prawn

**fish** · 21-08-08

Hi Guys,

Something to let the creative juices flow when tying flies for the salt this season.

Very little has been documented on the Snapper prawn. During my bait fishing endeavours the snapper prawn has been outstanding bait, the flesh is much firmer than the mud prawn and sand prawn, which makes it last longer on the hook. Getting Snappers is backbreaking work, definitely worth the effort.

Also known as the “kabeljou kapper” (Kob prawn) in Knysna, the Snapper prawn can be heard “snapping” on soft mud banks covered by grass. This prawn is found in soft mud and the holes are usually bigger than the other species.

The Snapper prawn has a dark olive colour along the top and a white/cream colour along the bottom of the abdomen, the tail ends in an orange “stripe”. The “snapping” nipper is much larger than the secondary “grabbing” nipper. Stay clear of the “snapping” nipper, this will be self explanatory once you see the prawn snapping.

These prawns, like the other species swims in a forward direction and scatters rather quickly backwards when threatened. Snapper prawns seem to be the better swimmers, compared to mud and sand prawns.

Up to 7cm total body length. I have encountered Snapper prawn as far east as the Kromme River estuary near Cape St. Francis in the Eastern Cape. I am sure they are more widely distributed along the South African coast.

It would be nice to see some new flies evolving in SA this season.

Cheers,

Philip

**cptfly** · 21-08-08

Phillip hoe groot is die prawns ?

**fish** · 21-08-08

Hi John,

Tot seker so 10cm. maks. as jy hom uitstretch.

**rols** · 21-08-08

bit of a challenge to imitate, but worthy challenge

**Chris Shelton** · 22-08-08

Hi Philip. Very interesting indeed, this is the first time I've seen one of these! How far south have you encountered snapper prawns?

**Shamwari** · 22-08-08

Very nicely tied guys....keee keee keee

**Lardbeast** · 22-08-08

How does one get hold of these critters? Would one use a throw net or get into the weeds with a bait pump?

As an aside, around where I've been working lately the locals sell gamba or prawns which are huge. I've seen them in the mangroves up to around half a kg each. Not sure how they feed but think they're opportunists grabbing any passing bit of food. Have been wondering if they would take a fly and what kind would work best. When netted the entire net thrashes about with a lot of foam and fuss so I'm guessing they'd put up a bit of a fight and also worth holding on to for the pot.

**Korrie** · 22-08-08

For those of you who are not sure where to begin tying prawns, herewith a couple of links with some very good prawn imitations.
Hope it will provide the neccesary inspirations
http://www.globalflyfisher.com/patterns/honeyshrimp/
http://www.globalflyfisher.com/patterns/glassy-shrimp/
http://www.globalflyfisher.com/patterns/pinkpig/
http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/match/
http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/glimmer/

Korrie

**Kevin James** · 22-08-08

Very interesting thread!

We used to net prawns with a throw net up at St Lucia and into the estuary years ago. Was always a fight about how much was for eating and how much was for bait.

You could hear the prawns 'running' on the water at night and you'd cast where the noise was coming from. Never as big as gamba prawns as LB says.

Gamba is that a Mozambiquean name? Similar to those huge tiger prawns?

I see your location is hidden.....I take it you have found you're own little spot of paradise.

Just out of interest about this prawn thread - guys that have used prawn patterns consistently, how have you guys fared?
Never been a very big producer for me personally. Always tied something 'buggy' rather resemblimg crab/prawn/crustacean mixture rather than copying closely.

Just my take - be interested on thoughts.