6 Tips for Maximizing your Snook Catch When Fishing in Florida

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Of all of the fish in the inshore waters around Florida, the Common Snook is considered one of the most popular to catch. Like the Tarpon, the Snook delivers a feisty fight and makes a noticeable thump when they hit a lure or bait.

Unlike the Tarpon though, Snook can be eaten. In fact, the Snook has a higher proportion of edible filets than most fish. Their mild flavor makes them a favorite for many.

Found in bays and close coastal waters throughout North and South America, the Common Snook is also referred to as the Linesider, Sergeant Fish, Robalo and more.

Although there are 5 separate Snook species (Common, Small-scale, Large-scale, Swordspine, Tarpon), the Common snook is by far the most numerous in Florida and generally weigh between 3 and 15 pounds. These fish love cover, so they are typically found in mangroves, under docks, around bridge pilings, in the grass flats, in potholes, or anywhere that offers cover.

While Snook can tolerate different salinities of water (i.e. they can even go into freshwater), they are very sensitive to temperature, which is why they typically stay in the central and southern parts of Florida. Cold snaps in the past have been responsible for large die-offs of Snook.

Snook generally feed on small fish, crustaceans and shrimp.

Catching a Snook can be quite a thrilling experience if you’ve never snagged one. Once you do though, you’ll understand why so many anglers enjoy going out for them.

Below are 6 general considerations for ensuring you return home with at least one Snook.

1.  Watch the tides – There are certain times when Snook will be more active. When their food supplies are one the move, Snook will be extremely active. An outgoing tide for example will force both bait and gamefish out of the mangroves. It’s also easier to see Snook during a low tide. Veteran anglers like Capt. Fred Everson say Snook fishing isn’t as good during the peak of high tide since the fish are harder to see and spread over a larger area.

2.  Look for signs of bait – If you can spot a lot ripples in the water and feel small pecks at your lure or bait, this is a sign of shrimp and small baitfish. Chances are some Snook are nearby as well. The Snook’s food typically congregates around mangroves and other areas where you’ll find Snook anyway. Of course, you can use live shrimp, mullet or pinfish as your bait, or a wide variety of artificial baits that imitate their natural counterparts.

3.  Find structure or places where Snook can hide – As we explained above, the Snook’s ideal habitat is anywhere with cover. Not only will their prey be in these spots, they also provide cover from the Snook’s predators, which include dolphin.

4.  Go at night during the full moon – Although fishing at night requires some lighting, it can be one of the best times for Snook, especially during the full moon. If the tide is beginning to run out at this time, you’ll really be in luck.

5.  Make sure you’re using the right line and leader weight for the water depth – This is probably the most common mistake among novice Snook anglers. Although you can catch Snook on artificial or live bait, you must consider the conditions of where you are to ensure you have the right line and leader weight. If you’re in an open grass flat with little to no current, a lighter (10-15 pound) test line and weight (30-40 pound) is better since it will give you better casting action. An area with fast moving current though will require heavier line and leader weight.

6.  Match artificial lure to water depth – Not all artificial lures are the same. Topwater plugs and soft jerk baits for example are ideal for shallow water since they float on top. However, for Snook in deeper water, jigs, bucktails and swim baits are better. You want to ensure you’re getting the bait to the fish where it mimics their natural prey.

Part of the reason Snook are so popular among veteran anglers is probably due to the fact that you have to really think about where to find them, what baits to use and even how to present the bait. Many Snook stories explain how the fish would not be interested in anything you threw at them, but once the tides changed, so did their appetite.

Capt. Mark Wright of Titusville, Florida has been fishing for Snook in the southern half of the Indian River Lagoon for decades. He has extensive knowledge of the best spots for finding these fish and the best time to snag them. To learn more about Snook fishing in Florida, we invite you to visit CaptMarkWright.com or consider scheduling a trip today if you’ll be visiting Florida or would like to get out on the water.