Snook Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Snook are one of the top inshore game fish in Sarasota, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish thrive around mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and passes. They’re aggressive feeders and respond well to both lures and live bait.
Where to Catch Snook
Snook are commonly found:
Along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars
Under residential docks and in canals
Near bridges and seawalls
In passes such as Big Pass and New Pass, especially during tides
Best Time to Fish for Snook
| Season | Snook Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Feeding intensifies as water warms up |
| Summer | Peak season around beaches, passes, and docks |
| Fall | Great fishing continues as fish feed before winter |
| Winter | Fish move to warmer backwater canals and rivers |
Peak Season: May through September
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Soft plastics, jerkbaits, swimbaits, and topwaters
Bait: Live pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp
Leaders: 30–40 lb fluorocarbon
Technique: Cast near cover on moving tides; fish low-light conditions for best results
