Snook

Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS
Centropomus undecimalis*

Description: distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; pelvic fin yellow.*

Fishing Areas:
Inshore, channels, under bridges and where there is fast moving current. Since snook are sensitive to the cold, in the winter the snook move south or in to one of the many springs in this area.

North:
Pine Island is just about as far north as snook will go. Mostly in the summer months.

Central:
Bayport area holds fish, mostly in the river area.

South:
Centipede Bay holds fish during the spring, fall and summer months.
Hernando Beach Channel is a good place early morning or at night.
Aripeka is by far the best in this area. Under the bridges and in the many creeks and channels holds lots of snook.

Baits:
Snook is the most difficult inshore fish to target and requires patents, skill and luck. Typically live bait whitebait is the top choice, then pin fish and sand perch. A verity of lures are used; top water lures are by far the most exciting to use, the jerk baits like the bomber long A (white with red head), mirrorlures and jigs are also common

Tackle:
Rod: A 7ft 10-12# class rood.
Reel: A 12# test class spinning reel
Line: 12# mono or 20# braid.
Leader: A 30# fluorocarbon leader. The sand bone will wear through less than 30#.
Hooks: 1/0 to 3/0 short shank live bait hooks works well.
Weights and other terminal tackle: The absolute minimum (no swivel or snaps).
Float: Depends on the bait and location.

Overall the tackle must be as close to invisible as possible.



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Snook Pictures:
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Bit of chaos (whitebait can make it happen), with a double hook up a snook and red fish at the same time. Red fish comes home for dinner and the snook goes back to make more snook.

Snook caught on whitebait. FYI, if you are releasing the fish do not hold the fish in this fashion. As it can be fatal to the fish.


If you have a picture(s) of snook we would love to post it here, please send a request through the contact form for instructions.

* Identification Information From: myFWC