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Love those lines.
There is no question about it; when the snook bite is on, inshore
light-tackle fishing is as good as it gets! September 1 marks the
highly anticipated re-opening of snook season, and anglers throughout
South Florida have been anxiously waiting for this day to come for
quite some time. Snook are Florida’s most sought after shallow water
game fish, and are a perfect target for female anglers of all ages and
all skill levels. Personally, they are one of my all-time favorite fish
to target. Watching a snook engulf live bait or crash a surface plug
for the first time leaves you with vivid memories that stick with you
for the rest of your life. These fish are also notorious for their
stealthy ambush tactics. At times, they seem to appear out of nowhere,
and disappear just as fast.
Snook are found throughout sub-tropical waters. They are easily identified by their distinctive horizontal black line running along each side of their body, hence the nickname “linesiders.” They move within their range just like all other non-migratory fish do, and spawn during the summer months which means they gather in large numbers during July and August, providing some of the best catch and release fishing of the year. Like many other shallow water species, snook are cold blooded, thus they are highly temperature sensitive and rely on the temperature of their surroundings to warm their bodies during the chilly winter months. During the upcoming holiday season, their metabolism slows considerably, making them extremely lethargic which explains why during the coldest months of the year, snook will not expend a great deal of energy chasing frisky, fast moving baits. December, January, and February are months when slowly and methodically working artificial lures is the best way to get these fish’s attention.
For now though, with the coming of fall, snook begin to seek out comfortable habitats such as creeks, canals, and rivers which they know will offer protection from the harsh, cooler months ahead. For most of this autumn season, the vast majority of snook inhabiting these areas will be hanging around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars during high tidal stages. Here, anglers of all skill levels can find them aggressively feeding in anticipation of the coming months. Typically, expect hot fishing to continue until the first cold front arrives, then the action considerably slows down.
Just like Houdini, snook are masters at the art of escape. I often believe these fish are smarter than we are, familiarizing themselves with their environment very quickly and always using their surroundings to avoid being captured. They hover over jagged oyster bars, hug unforgiving mangrove roots and pilings, and even use their own razor sharp gill plates to free themselves of the unfamiliar tether. Snook also have abrasive mouths which dictate that nothing lighter than 30 lb. test leader material should be used.
When in the feeding mode, snook will pounce on a variety of baits, but they definitely have a preference for live pilchards and threadfin herring. They clearly seem to have a weakness when it comes to whitebait- they simply cannot resist them. Snook provide anglers with long, powerful runs throwing in the occasional acrobatic display. They may not have the same leaping ability of the almighty high-jumping tarpon, but nevertheless witnessing a big snook explode out of the water, violently shaking its head in the air, is bound to get your full attention. Pound-for-pound, snook provide all the fight one could ask for.
It’s important to make sure all snook intended for release are handled properly and carefully revived in a timely fashion. Whatever you do, avoid hanging the fragile fish in a vertical position when taking photos. Rather, place your hand under their belly and gently cradle them. Also, avoid contacting the fish with anything dry. Snook have a protective slime coating which is crucial to their survival. Many concerned fishing guides and countless caring anglers have gone to great lengths to protect this great game fish. There is a new slot size limit in effect to help protect the stocks with a pinched tail length of no less than 27 inches, and no more than 34 inches. Only one snook/per person/per day is permitted on the Gulf side of the State, with two snook/per person/per day permitted along the Atlantic side of the State. Professional fishing guides are not allowed to possess a snook while on a charter.
Earlier this year, I attended a two day Snook Symposium in St. Petersburg, Florida, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute which was well attended and well received. Dr. Ron Taylor and his associates clearly put forth a tremendous effort making the symposium a huge success. It was a great event where conservation minded anglers, professional guides, and enthusiastic outdoor writers were able to network ideas that would in the long run, help protect Florida’s vital snook population. The Snook Foundation, which was founded by the late Bill Mote, is also working to protect and preserve this wonderful species.
In most areas on the Gulf Coast, due to recently mild winters, healthy snook populations appear to be in good shape. I have personally seen several schools containing over a hundred fish in the last month. What an awesome sight to see! There is no question that snook are a species well worth protecting. They are a valuable resource that brings million’s of dollars to Florida’s economy. They also bring million’s of hours of enjoyment to recreational anglers. Snook do make fine table fare, but are so much more than that. Regardless if it is open season or not, a large percentage of the State’s top inshore fishermen have implemented a complete no-take policy in an effort to insure future stocks. I for one, want to stay hooked on snookin’ for a long time to come!
As mentioned, snook are an ideal species for female anglers. They are most often targeted in the scenic, shallow water backcountry where wildlife abounds, and rough conditions are seldom an issue. Heavy, bulky tackle is never part of the game, and a variety of other exciting species are often encountered in the same vicinity, insuring a fun-filled day loaded with action. If you have not already, go snook fishing, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
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