Snook
Snook Fishing Charters in St. Pete Beach
Appearance
- Large mouth with a protruding lower jaw
- Jaw reaches below the rear portion of the eye
- Sloping forehead
- High dorsal fin that is divided
- Black lateral line extends onto tail
- Pelvic fin yellow in color
Similar Species: Other snook species
Size: Up to 48 inches (50 pounds); grow much larger than other snook species
Habitat
Inshore in coastal waters, including mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, beaches and around structure.
Behavior
Begin life as males, but between 18 and 22 inches long some become females. Form schools during spawning season.
Feed on fish and large crustaceans.
Cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60° F.
Can tolerate freshwater.
Additional Information
State Record: 44 lb 3 oz, caught near Ft. Myers
Fishing Tips and Facts: They orient themselves to face moving water and wait for prey to be carried down the current. Snook jump clear of the water, and burst into long runs. Use live pinfish, small mullet, shrimp, or sardines free-lined or fished off the bottom with a fish finder rig. They take a large variety of lures based on water conditions. Beware of the snook’s razor-sharp gill covers! Snook make excellent table fare.