As ambush predators, snook (Centropomus undecimalis) prefer to be near a structure. Its big mouth allows it to swallow prey whole. They also have massive, strong tails that allow for short bursts of speed. You typically find the snook in the southern part of Florida and on the very southern coast of Texas, where they can be found in large numbers. As far as saltwater inshore gamefish go, they are the most popular in Florida.
If you’re planning on going snook fishing in Miami, this information will come in handy. Miami Inshore Fishing Charters will cover equipment, baits, seasonal migrations, and more in this handy article.
Where to find them?
Snook are subtropical fish. They cannot tolerate water that is colder than 58 ℉ for extended periods of time. As a result, they are prevalent throughout the country’s warmer regions. Anglers looking for snook will locate them in Florida, from a few miles north of Orlando to a few miles south, as well as along Texas’s extreme southern coast.
Snook are very much structure-oriented. They will be found in open water on occasion. However, snook are more often located near a structure. Docks, piers, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, sea walls, and submerged rocks and ledges will all hold snook.
Seasonal migration
Snook migrates in a specific seasonal rhythm. They spend time in backwater regions in the winter, such as streams, rivers, and residential canals. These regions are frequently deeper and warmer. On the flats, this provides a haven from the severe winter weather. As the water temperature rises, the fish move out of these regions and onto the flats to eat. By the summer, snook will be staging in passes and inlets and on the beaches.
Snook reproduce on beaches and coastal open waters. The summer months are ideal for sight fishing, which is a lot of fun. By September, the majority of the fish will have returned to the bays, though you’ll still find them in the passes and inlets. They go further into the backwaters when it cools. They will eventually move back up into streams and rivers after a couple of severe fronts.
How to catch snook?
Live bait is the best bait for snook. Snook prefer live bait such as sardines, shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards. You may get away with using chopped bait or even artificial bait occasionally, but live bait is the way to go.
Snook can grow to be quite large, and they are also found around structures. As a result, most anglers fishing for snook use heavy tackle. Due to its versatility, most anglers choose spinning tackle. When casting an unweighted live shrimp or other light bait, a spinning tackle can provide enough backbone to handle a huge fish without losing performance.
A snook can be caught with almost any rod, but a medium-weight action rod is usually the best. This fish is quick and may fight for quite some time, but you should have no problem landing them if your line is not wrapped around barnacles or other barnacle-covered structures.
Catch a snook next time you’re in Miami
If done correctly, snook fishing can be a delightful and rewarding experience. If you wish to capture this thrilling game fish, call Miami Inshore Fishing Charters and book a trip for you and your family. We even supply you with all of the gear and equipment you’ll need to bring a snook home. We provide fishing licenses, park permits, rods and reels, live bait, and tackle, among other things.
