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Snook Fishing Florida

By Mike Richardson 11 June, 2023 3 mins read

If you're looking for a great way to catch a record-breaking snook, then you'll want to learn about snook fishing in Florida. Learn the best times and the best lures to catch snook. Also, where to find the biggest snooks in Florida. You'll also learn how to use a fishfinder rig to lure snook, and how to hook them with live bait.

Best time to snook fish in Florida

The best time of year to fish for snook is usually early spring, when they begin to move out of their winter haunts and begin to feed along the flats and backwater areas near larger bodies of water. After the waters warm up, snook will move further out to inlets and passes. Both the incoming tides and outgoing tides are prime times to feed snook. However, snook can also fish around mangrove islands and bridges during outgoing tides for fish.

Fall fishing for snook in spring is just as productive than spring. The snook migrate back home to their winter areas in inland rivers or creeks. The shorter days mean more fishing time during the evening, and the snook bite is often greatest at night. Even seasoned anglers will still find action by fishing early in the morning in early fall. This is a great time to go snook fishing in Florida.

Best lures to use for snook fishing

Whether you're looking for the best topwater snook lures for Florida or looking for more traditional options, these five snook-specific topwater jigs will get the job done. Snook prefer to eat shrimp and other light baitfish. Therefore, white lures are best for clear waters while chartreuse is better for murky waters. Snook can be very picky so lures that reflect their food are a good idea to hook them.

Snook love baitfish. Any small fish you can find in surf will work as long as it's cut into small pieces. Place the cut bait on a fishfinder rod equipped with 5/0 circles hooks. For live bait, tie a line around a float and throw it with the hook at least two feet off the bottom. Snook can be attracted by any baitfish, even artificial ones, and will take advantage of them.

These are the top places to catch a record-setting snook.

Big Snook have been known to prefer water temperatures between 60-60°F and will often choose one area because of this preference. Look for these fish in the flats and under bridges. These fish are often found by fly fishermen in the mangrove shorelines and canals of Southwest Florida. Smaller snook will often swim beneath the water's surface. Do not cast or wade beyond the belly. While they will swim alongside you, some may come out of the first bar. To find the best flats for catching giants, fish the flats around Gasparilla Island.

You should choose calm, protected areas for fishing for snook. These areas include shorelines lined with mangroves, brackish waters, or bridge pilings. Don't make any loud noises while fishing, as this could set off a red alert for Snook. Keep your excitement in check until you hook the trophy. While you don't wish to scare the animals away, it's best to keep your excitement to a minimum until you land a record.

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FAQ

Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?

Yes, but make sure to use artificial light. Artificial lights are used by fishermen to attract fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.

Which is the best spot to fish?

You can fish near rivers, lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies. These areas provide plenty of food for the fish.

Which time is best to fish?

Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These are the best times to fish because the fish are moving and eating.

What happens if a fish is lost during fishing?

Losing a fish is part of the game. Sometimes, you will catch a fish and then lose it. If this happens, keep trying. Eventually, you will catch another fish.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)