Snook are found in the waters of Florida and in some other areas along the Gulf Coast. It is a very popular inshore fish. Fishing for snook is similar to freshwater largemouth bass fishing. Snook hang out in many types of shallow water cover, they will strike a variety of lures and they will come up and attack a lure on the surface. Most fishermen prefer using lures for snook, but some of the best ways to catch snook are with live jumbo shrimp and pilchards.
Habitat
Snook are found mostly inshore around all types of cover and structure. Bridges, passes, bays, backwaters, tidal creeks, rivers, mangrove-lined shorelines, docks, piers and the beaches will all hold snook at some point throughout the year.
How to Catch Snook
Fishing the tidal changes is key to catching snook. Some charter captains say that if you’re not fishing moving water then you’re not catching snook. You can catch these fish on a variety of artificial lures and live baits. Some of the best lures to use are soft plastics, topwater lures, jigs, spinnerbaits, spoons and jerkbaits. As far as live baits go, a live jumbo shrimp or pilchard will almost always get bit when snook are feeding. Because snook are nocturnal feeders, the best times to fish are in the morning, evening and at night.
Snook Fishing Tips & Techniques
- Snook Fishing Basics
- Fishing Lures for Snook
- Fishing Rigs for Snook
- Live Baits for Snook
- View all Snook Fishing Tips & Techniques
Eating Snook
Snook taste great and because of their large fillets, you can easily fry, grill or bake these fish. Make sure you know the current fishing regulations before you decide to keep a snook. There are often closed fishing seasons that allow anglers to still fish for them, but you have to release the fish immediately after catching them.
Plan a Snook Fishing Vacation
Anglers will definitely plan a fishing vacation to specifically target snook. Most of the top inshore snook fishing destinations also offer some fantastic fishing for redfish, speckled trout and many other types of fish, which gives anglers lots of options. Some of the best places to fish for snook are in the southern part of Florida. Take a look at the best snook fishing vacation destinations.