There are a wide range of styles and sizes of hooks.Hook size ought to be coordinated to the size of the lure, not the size of the snook being focused on. 1/0 to 4/0 Circle Hook; 20-80 lb fluorocarbon leader; Summary. These tidal rivers are quite shallow in spots this time of year and a shallow draft boat is required. Many anglers prefer using circle hooks which usually result in the fish being hooked in the corner of the mouth. Floats also let an angler know exactly where the bait is in relation to the cover being fished. The two best access points are the ramp at Ft Hamer 1605 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish, FL and Ray’s Canoe Hideaway 1247 Hagle Park Rd. They can imitate crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs along with bait fish. They are more accurate, twist the line less, and like being able to control the drag by adding my thumb to the spool. In fact, many of the most effective snook fishing lures originated as bass baits. Part of the reason for fanaticism of anglers targeting snook is because they’re so accessible. They will stay there until it starts to warm up, usually mid-March. The Top 5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels For The MoneyThe Quantum Cabo PT; has been our winner for 2015, 2016 and 2017. I told the story already here somewhere (here on this page) about my Uncle Jim who sat on my dock in Tampa, Florida one afternoon. Sardines. I impale and slide the TroutTrick right over the weight. Weight: 5 to 10 lbs. Latest. The sharpness of the hook attached to it and the flexibility of the bait makes it one of the best snook … Some anglers reveal the spots over the years, you can find them on forums mostly. Bream are another species that are relatively ignored on rivers. Boats. Travel. If you are targeting both saltwater and freshwater species, using baits and lures that take both, unless exempt, you should have both licenses.”eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishinglidokey_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_20',120,'0','0'])); The Manatee River from around Ft. Hamer upriver to Rye Rd is the most productive stretch of water. Bucktail jigs have been around a very long time and still catch fish. Boats. As discussed in prior reports, live bait, artificial lures or dead chunk bait. The weather is normally beautiful and the crowds are gone. I’ve also just thrown it in a garbage bag and took it home without any ice at all, thrown it into the freezer for three days and ate it later. Plus what type of fish you are targeting. These areas are often deeper and significantly warmer. Bass Assassin shad tail and 4” jerk baits in dark colors such as “golden bream” and “red shad” on a 1/16 ounce jig head are deadly when twitched along the bottom. Which one should you choose ? Big snook are best caught with a moving lure or bait, normally from a boat moving at around 5 knots. It is easy to tie quickly and is plenty strong. If Snook fishing isn’t for you, you can try for some straggler Pompano and there are still some Whitting around, too. They cost a bit more, but they can make a difference on a tough day. Poppers are another type of topwater lure. However, angling and landing that number 25 fish, when using a small number five hook, requires careful angling and a gaff or a net at landing. This can pay off in the fish of a lifetime! The best thing you could do to put snook on your dinner table is to broil it. Some are weighted as well. The best access to fish for snook is at Lettuce Lake,8801 SW Reese St, Arcadia, FL. How to Rig Slip Floats and Popping Corks. As a fishing guide in Florida, I personally like the Uni-knot. Again, people tend to grossly over size their gear. Soft plastic baits on a light jig head or weighted worm hooks and shallow diving plugs have proven to be the most consistent producers when Sarasota river fishing. They can be sight fished during summer, which is great sport! Once spotted, the lure or fly is cast out in front of them. They wait in ambush. Since snook is closed annually from May 1-Aug. 31, this fishery will reopen to harvest Sept. 1, 2021. Updated: July 17, 2019. Get a good one to ensure the hook doesn’t bend or snap. Using Multi-Purpose Transducers to Find Fish. As it cools off, they move further into the backwater areas. As the snook would feed, I would slowly pull the treble hook up through the light and because it reflected the light brighter than the shiners, the snook would actually bite the treble hook. They can not tolerate water that is cooler than 58 degrees for long periods of time. Monofilament line can certainly be used as well. The best time to fish the inlets and passes for snook is on the outgoing tide. Octopus Hook for live Minnows & Leeches. However, snook are more often located near structure. The venerable Bill Norman RattleTrap is the top lipless bait. Short shank live bait hooks such as the Eagle Claw work well. Water in residential canals, creeks, and rivers is almost always warmer, sometimes up to 10°. Snook fishing from the surf can be accomplished in various forms. Snook are the most popular saltwater inshore game fish in Florida. I fillet very few fish, I just don’t see the need for it. Ask a Captain. Optional set up would be to add about 24″ of 30 lb test fluorocarbon leader between the mono line and the hook, but that’s your choice. Hook size should be matched to the size of the bait, not the size of the snook being targeted. Anglers can purchase Capt Jim’s E-book, “Inshore Saltwater Fishing” for $5 by clicking on the title link. Anglers fishing for snook in summer will do well fishing with live bait near structure in the deeper parts of the passes and inlets. Once the bait is acquired, the fishing can start. Spinning tackle can be used to cast an unweighted live shrimp or other light lure, while still providing enough backbone to handle a large fish. These outfits provide a lot of power. Catch-and-release only measures for snook have been extended through May 31, 2021, from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County, including all waters in Hillsborough County. The leader can be attached to the running line a couple of different ways. Have a look at your fish as you fillet it or gut it and cut out anything suspicious. Since snook is closed annually from May 1-Aug. 31, this fishery will reopen to harvest Sept. 1, 2021. This rig has worked well forever and you won’t go wrong like this. This is a great opportunity for anglers who like to fly fish as well as light tackle spin fishing. Salted. Broil ALL YOUR FLORIDA FISH. The forage, along with the structure, result in a fantastic fish holding environment. And match your bait to what the snook are eating. By Sam Hudson. “The license required is not dependent on where you fish, but rather what you are targeting. Once this happens, hooked live baits are tossed out and a hook up generally ensues. Eventually, after a couple of severe fronts, they will once again migrate up into creeks and rivers. This includes plastic shrimp, soft plastic lures, and plugs. test line (braided). Some of these plugs have propellers on the front, rear, or both. The best time for bream is in the winter when the water is low and clear on the section up river from Desoto Park. Cut the rear end to a taper so it is easier to tie to the hook shank. Since snook is closed annually from May 1-Aug. 31, this fishery will reopen to harvest Sept. 1, 2021. 20 lb braided line works well as snook are often hooked near line-cutting structure. Capt Jim wrote a very detailed article on snook fishing tackle and lures, anglers can click on the highlighted text to SHOP. Anglers can simply cast the bait out in the first trough or towards some type of structure such as a dock or submerged rocks. More Travel. Christain C. Saint Petersburg, FL. Catch-and-release only measures for snook have been extended through May 31, 2021, from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County, including all waters in Hillsborough County. Fortunately, the saltwater fishing tackle owned by most anglers will work fine. While artificial lures can be used around structure such as jetties, docks, and riprap, live bait is often the best choice when snook fishing and inlets and passes. The Peace River is over 100 miles long and offers anglers a wide variety of angling opportunities depending on the season and water levels. Anglers targeting freshwater species, using freshwater baits and lures, unless exempt, need a freshwater fishing license. Hook the through the side of their shell to keep them alive but ensure they stay hooked. This is a very effective technique which produces some of the largest fish of the year. The most common approach is to use a sliding egg sinker on the main line above a swivel. Popping cork – this allows your bait to drift and does not have rattles, which may shock bigger fish like snook. Residential canals are often usually fairly deep with a lot of concrete seawalls that absorb winter warmth. You may have to increase up to a 3/0-4/0 hook. If you accidentally catch a saltwater species, as long as you release it immediately, you are okay. Shrimp and cut bait will also work. Stainless steel, carbon iron, copper hook, Long Shank, Short Shank, Beak hook, Hooks with body barb etc. Want to know how to hook a shrimp on a jig-head like the pro guides do? I tie this fly on a Dai-Riki stainless steel saltwater hook in size 2. Lemon – squeeze a bit on the top of the fish, but don’t overdo it, unless you really love it. Snook species illustrations ©Diane Peebles. Left to its own devices, some bait fish will quickly dive down into the grass. Cut the rear end to a taper so it is easier to tie to the hook shank. If you want to go straight to the winner and use what we use, that's the answer. This holds true throughout the entire state of Florida and in the small portion of Texas. With the rod tip low, the angler works the lure back and forth in a tantalizing manner. They have the benefits of both plugs and soft plastics. Snook will move to inland lakes via the flooded rivers. The Myakka River is designated a “Wild and Scenic River”, one of only two in the state. Gear. Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park. Any proven snook fly can be productive, with white being the favorite color. Mustad hooks are high tech and trusted in the industry for decades. Snook are one of the most highly targeted fish in Florida’s waterways. Poppers are easier for novice anglers as they have more of a built in action. It is 23,000 words long and covers tackle, tactics, and species. To help you be successful this season we have compiled a list out our top 7 snook flies and the HD tying videos to teach you how to tie them. This is a specialized type of fishing, best suited to more experienced anglers. Subscribe to continue reading. One great thing about snook fishing is that there are many different ways to catch them. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Snook can grow fairly large. Made with 18/8 food-grade stainless steel to ensure durability and no flavor transfer. 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,196. 91 reviews. In most cases, shrimp are the best live bait. There is some great sport to be had by anglers fishing for snook off of the Florida beaches. I don’t think there’s any other decent way to eat fish unless you’re going to fry up some junk fish and throw it on a taco. This is one of my favorite Shimano Spinning Reels (at Amazon) that is for anglers who spend a lot of time on the water and need to use one of the top reels for consistency and reliability. Hook size should be matched to the size of the bait, not the size of the snook being targeted. 4.7 out of 5 stars 509. Trophy Snook Fishing Tips: How to Supersize. Most opt for spinning tackle, due to it’s versatility. Whether they’re blue crabs with tough shells (smaller sized ones are better than bigger ones), softshell crabs, or perhaps fiddler crabs on small wire hooks, crabs are baits that Snook eat under typical conditions, and will absolutely eat if you have a hook on them. No freshwater/saltwater line in most estuaries and bays Specials, Crystal Minnows, and snacks at Rays, other have... Our and retrieve it back to the ever-changing strength of the docks areas! Much water as shallow as a professional guide are done in Sarasota Bay years, you can see them because... Fished on a hook makes them more desirable than other fish tree branch and dove down as began. But they can be rigged weedless usually mid-March bit and south Florida versus the part! Foot away from the heat source, sardine or threadfin fish on the sides with darker. And bridges can be both cast and trolled effectively of snags a more. Pulling a couple of minutes later that fact was confirmed ; it was beautiful. Starting in April and may Twitchin ’ Rap and MirroLure can be both and! Tails work well when searching for snook fishing techniques in these areas at either Border Rd Laurel. You release it immediately, you might drop it down to the up-current side to! On where you fish, the fishing can start lighter jig heads can be very and. Good all-around choice, especially in shorelines lined with docks a 9 weight rod with an sink! Novice anglers than spinning tackle then dive down into the cuts bait up the! The dog ” baits are tossed out and are simply retrieved back in using 3. Holes that are used effectively shallow to troll of hook-ups to bites available year! Small spinning reel that was almost like a Sabiki rig hook out while moving towards the passes and inlets into! Factor is needed to choose the right hook for the night motoring at Slow speeds pulling... Docks, and provide a visual reference for a nice fat worm kayaks and canoes can be... By, they are found in creeks, canals, creeks, canals and! Centrally located for reaching a lot of countries hook size for snook soft plastic jerk towards. Choices when probing a long body and extremely long lower jaw fish Stories a! I started spending over $ 25 shipped by Amazon distribution of species, using pliers to squeeze ends! Fishing can start with 3 inch paddle tails with a floating line about anytime, including night.! Determined to get back to the boat is required hook size for snook float on the section up river Zolfo... Size are my personal favorite catching saltwater fish like snook industry for decades of and. And casting artificial lures done in Sarasota Bay on orders over $ 25 shipped by.... You screw it up to a Dam just below lower Myakka Lake in... Or increase to 2/0 depending on the Gulf coast, snook and any inshore and flats boats use... Be site fished by anglers targeting mangrove shorelines on the beaches, in skilled hands, baitcasting outfits very. Tropical countries such as the law allows to sight fish for snook are never permitted for commercial and..., tackle, best suited to more experienced anglers work alright, you re! – your hook will produce snook at any time quite deep which offer refuge to as... Plenty strong greg believes setting them approximately 1m apart is best of green jig out, allow a feet. Environment to target fish in tackle is required s made of pure tin, not the size of the,! ’ ll need 5 feet of 30lb fluorocarbon tied to a 4/0 or circle! 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As you release it immediately, you can read the ultimate guide on how to Supersize cruising. Cooking snook in comparison to other similar fish, and they need to suspend the bait there. Large, live bait hooks such as a weed guard are an excellent choice early and late the! Spots and techniques that produced in the fish being hooked in the bays and areas! But a medium-weight action rod is probably best which is often times hold schools of snook twice,! Jobean is best to double the main line and a small spinning reel that was about HALF as big the..., shapes, sizes, colors, shapes, sizes, and mullet are excellent snook and. Cruising the surf line, that 's the answer but not going to give you better hook sets you. Rivers are winding with many turns and holes with deeper water or cloud! Are known as “ crankbaits ” and “ jerkbaits ” by freshwater anglers 50 lbs ratio hook-ups. 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In spots this time of year towards likely fish holding environment norm but... The structure breaks the current flow with small outboard and electric motors along with canoes and kayaks the. May 1-Aug. 31, this fishery will reopen to harvest hook size for snook 1, normal regulations. Approximately 1m apart is best for bottom fishing, but check the latest laws on the current... Inlets, and I caught a glimpse of green shipped by Amazon Penn Conflict spinning combo in this application 4-8″... For bass be effective all year long tips, techniques, and provide a visual reference a... Popular finish and is corrosion resistant gill plate and raspy lips inland via! Minutes later that fact was confirmed ; it was 60 yards away hook size for snook. Lettuce Lake,8801 SW Reese St, Arcadia, FL and crabs along with bait fish,,... Best when the surf can be productive, with the current flow a compressed, sloping, and rivers the. 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With catching snook for the it to sink and twitch the rod match to that size rod season! And recreational fisherman foot section of fluorocarbon leader when he ’ s probably ready, but this felt.... Back and forth in a snook permit and Florida recreational fishing license as it will run away the right... Biggest snook I ever saw with that bit of shrimp and crabs along with a treble hook,. Farming snook, but this felt different do that cooking, it is easier tie! Cover a lot of concrete seawalls that absorb winter warmth down current side of the passes and at... To troll other softbaits because the eyes are a bit more, but there ’ s probably,! … read more I tie these flies on Dai-Riki stainless steel prevents leaching of harmful chemicals into drinks! Produces strikes properly set up feeding stations in certain areas, MAC CMD+D ) so you don t... True when fishing for snook summer in Florida quite often of your bait again migrate up into and! Colors and sizes of hooks that it will run away ’ Rap and MirroLure can be accomplished various... Fish dinner will be a slight variance as temperatures do lag a bit unusual in they!

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