A Fish For All – Snook Fishing Charters in Florida

‘Centropomus Undecimalis’, ‘Linesider’ or ‘Snook’ is considered one of the finest inshore catches in Florida. With their impressive fighting spirit and explosive strikes, landing one brings joy that never gets old. Here in South Florida, they’re found all year long. As they’re extremely common and provide such fun, they’re very popular.

How to Identify Snook in Florida

Snook has a slender body and can be identified with its distinct marking line that runs along its silvery, yellow body. Its tall dorsal fins are divided. They also have a sloping forehead, largemouth and protruding lower jaw. Our captains will help you identify Snook and other fish during our Snook Fishing Charters in Florida.

How Big are Snook in Florida?

On the Gulf Coast of Florida, the common Snook, can grow up to 48 inches and weigh as much as 38 pounds. The world record for a common snook caught on a hook and line is 53lbs in Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica.

Where to Catch Snook in the Keys?

Snook are often found in inshore areas, mainly where there is an outgoing tide or strong current. Snook love to wait around structures and ambush bait without the risk of predators. We often find them near beaches, reefs and flats. Sometimes anglers even attempt to catch Snook by foot, by walking out on sand bars and casting with the tide.

Snook Fishing Charters in Florida can be great all year long, day and night. Snook are nocturnal feeders, so nighttime Snook fishing near docks and bridges is very popular with Florida anglers. Our captains know all of the hotspots for Snook fishing and guarantee fun!

How to Catch Snook in the Keys?

You can catch Snook with live bait and artificial lures during a Snook Fishing Charter in Florida. The choice of bait depends on the water and weather conditions. Snook eat baits including Sardines, Shrimp, Pinfish, Mullet, Grunts, Ladyfish and more. We’ll provide all the baits for you or catch it with you.

As Snook lack teeth, they have to strike hard to swallow the entire bait. That means their strikes are vicious and explosive! Hold on tight! Live bait chumming with sardines works very well and gets Snook into a frenzy of violent chasing. They’ll be desperate for your bait, which is also perfect for fly fishing. A normal fly-fishing outfit would include a 7-10 weight fly road with a floating line and an 8′ 20-30lb leader to keep their sharp gills from breaking the line. Fly fishing is very challenging but great fun. We can try various techniques and flies, guiding you along the way for a fun day of snook fishing!

Snook are also known for their long runs, which can outsmart inexperienced anglers. Make sure you leave plenty of slack on the line while your Snook is pulling, to avoid losing them. When the snook jumps, don’t panic. There’s no danger. Enjoy it!

Regulations on Snook Fishing Charters in Florida

So, when is Snook Season? In Florida, we can find Snook all year round. However, it is illegal between December 1st through the end of February and May 1st through August 31st. Snook populations dip fast without controls, but thankfully they are currently at healthy levels thanks to the close seasons. Snook caught in Southwest Florida must be between 28″-33″ to be retained. Only one Snook per angler is permitted per day. For many people, catch and release is the preferred choice on Snook Fishing Charters in Florida.

Is Snook Good to Eat?

Yes! Snook is by far one of the best-tasting fish you can catch in Florida. Their mild flavor spreads throughout their firm meat, which is flaky and seems to melt in your mouth. As it’s a protected gamefish, you can’t buy or sell it commercially – giving your catch extra personal value. Snook keeps well in a refrigerator or freezer. It’s easy to fillet, but be sure always to remove its skin first to avoid a soapy taste. Warning! Their razor-sharp gill plates and pointed spines are tricky to remove and will cut your mouth.

Fun Snook Fishing Charter Facts

• Snook are one of the most vulnerable of any Florida gamefish during winter. Any water temperature below 54 degrees can be fatal.
• They’re regularly seen swimming with their mouths open towards the current, as they try to catch fish swimming downstream.
• Females tend to be longer than males, but there are few other differences.
• Snook are hermaphroditic, meaning some fish may transition from male to female after maturation.
• The Florida state record Snook catch is 44 lb 3 oz, caught in Ft. Myers