with Sky adventures

At some point in their lifetime, Snook will inhabit almost every type of inshore and nearshore habitat. One day you may be sight casting Snook in clear water and another pulling Monster Snook from pilings under bridges in the night hours. You can spend a lifetime chasing Snook.

Snook have a unique profile with a long lateral line that starts from the gill plate and ends at the fork of their tail.

Their eyes are located at the top of their head which is great for ambushing bait from above.

The common Snook is everything BUT common! Throughout the tropical hemisphere there’s over 10 Species of Snook. The largest is on the East Coast reaching a length of 4 feet, these fish lives start in the inlets. Large female snook release up to 1 million eggs every time they spawn. This requires the female to feed, which is great for us Angler’s fishing the beach and inlets. Snook or a non-migratory fish, A West Coast Snook may not leave their estuary but throughout the years will use the entire system from fresh water to salt water passes.

Along the way snook spend time in various places such as deep river channels, mangroves, shorelines, grassy flats, Oyster bars, passes, and inlets.

Reading the wateR

Knowing how to read the water is very important for successful fishing trip. When out in the flats looking for distinct color changes giving various water depths Drop offs and transition zones, these are places that hold fish.

Watching for signs such as strong currents wrapping around Structure during the last hour of the tide change, Pelicans, birds flying and diving in a grouped-up area is a good sign letting you know bait fish are present and other larger fish are most likely there. Finding oyster bars especially when it’s low tide where the wind is pushing up against the oysters is what we call an artificial current. This artificial current gives an ambush point pushing all the bait up. Simply learning how to read the waters will help you grow and be more knowledgeable to knowing where the fish are at!

Baits and LuRes

Everyone has their preference I’m a spinning reel Angler. I find when using a Spinning reel, it is best for casting in tight spots and getting the perfect pitch under bridges.

When targeting Snook top waters, suspenders, Diving spoons, plugs, and gigs will all work when presented properly. A basic paddle tail Jake is one of my favorite go toos and I believe everyone should have them in their tackle bag. There’s just something about a jig that snook can’t resist. Also, my nLBn are always rigged ready and waiting to hit the water.

Of course, depending on the size of your bait will determine the style and size hook you use. When fishing with Live bait typically I would use a 3/O – 4/O circle hook with jumbo shrimp and finger sized mullet. Knowing how to work your fish when reeling it in is key to a successful landing, it really all is on the angler. Choosing a line, I tend to fish with lighter tackle with a 10/15 lb braid tied double uni or Fg knot to a 20lb leader. (Some like mono) I’m a fan of Suffix and power pro so my spool is rigged with either. Or due to a Snooks sharp gill plates and tough mouths I always change up my leader and use a foot long to keep my line fresh and free of nics when changing out baits or hooks while Snook fishing.

With long runs and frequent junks Snook are sure to make your heart beat a little faster, and no matter how many I catch mine always does. Every Snook I land is a trophy in my eyes because no matter the size big or small I put in the same hard work and time. One thing I learned about when fishing for Snook, they love structure! Whether it is natural or manmade. Soft as mangroves or hard as wood pilings, if it disrupts the flow you are bound to see a Snook angler there. There are so many great reasons snook are a number one target for us anglers here in Florida. They really are a challenge and not an easy catch, which makes it so much more rewarding and fulfilling bring a Snook to your boat or shoreline.

Fun Facts about snook

• Throughout the tropical Western hemisphere there are over 10 different Snook species

• Snook have a lateral line that runs from the gill plate to the fork of their tail

• Snooks eyes are on top of their head making it easy to ambush their prey from above

• Man made or artificial Snook love structure

• Snook have razor sharp gill plates and sand paper mouths

• Snook begin their lives in passes and inlets

• Female snook lay up to one million eggs every time they spawn

SKyE BurKhardt Follow her social media: @Brassyangler87