Closed season: December 1st to the end of February and May 1st through then end of August.
Slot Limit: No less than 28″ and no more than 33″ in total length
Daily Bag Limit: 1 per harvester per day. Hired captains and crew don’t count.
Although buying and selling Snook ( a slot fish) is illegal, it is perfectly legal if you have the proper fishing license with a snook stamp and catch it yourself. We’re in the catch-and-release camp, but if you do fish for keeps, please do it responsibly.
Snook fishing the local canals is a rewarding and exciting experience for any angler. Snook, also known as the “gray ghost,” are highly prized for their fight and delicious meat. Snook are found in brackish water and are most abundant during the warmer months when the water temperatures are favorable for their feeding patterns. To successfully catch snook it is important to understand the equipment, bait, location, and techniques to use.
Equipment: The right equipment is essential for snook fishing, and there are a few key pieces of gear that you will need. A 7-8 weight rod with a fast action is the best choice for snook fishing. This type of rod provides the sensitivity to detect bites and the strength to handle these powerful fish. The rod should be strong, as snook put up a fight. A saltwater reel, with a good drag system, is also necessary to help control and reel in the snook. The reel should be matched to the rod, and have a smooth drag system that allows you to control the fish without over-tiring it. A weight-forward floating line is the best choice for snook fishing as it provides the most accurate casts and allows you to fish at different depths. The leader should be a fluorocarbon leader of 40-60 pounds, with a 4-6 inch section of wire leader to prevent the snook from biting through the line.
Bait: Live bait is the best option for snook fishing. Live bait is the best choice.. The size of the bait should match the size of the snook you are targeting. Live bait should be rigged on a hook that is slightly larger than the bait itself and is placed just in front of the dorsal fin. This rigging method allows the bait to swim naturally and entices a strike. It is important to keep the bait fresh, as snook are more likely to bite if the bait is lively.
Location: Snook are found in a variety of habitats, including mangroves and docks. Mangroves are particularly good spots as they provide shelter and food for the snook. Drop-offs near deep water are also good spots as the snook will use these areas to ambush their prey. Docks’ underwater structures are also a good snook hiding place, especially during the hotter months when snook seek shade. Fishing these areas during the incoming tide is when the snook will be most active. Look for areas with clear water and good visibility, as snook are visual hunters an more likely to bite if they can see the bait.
Technique: Once you have found a good location, it is time to start fishing. The best technique for snook fishing is to cast your bait and let it sink to the bottom. Once the bait is on the bottom, slowly retrieve it by reeling in the line and enticing the bait to swim. Snook will usually strike the bait on the retrieve, so it is important to pay attention to your line and feel for any changes in tension that may indicate a bite. When you feel a bite, quickly set the hook by pulling back on the rod to set the hook. Snook will usually make a strong run when hooked, so it is important to have a good drag system on your reel to control the fish.
The Fight: Snook are strong fighters, and it is important to have a plan when fighting one. The key to landing a snook is to keep tension on the line and use your rod to control the fish. Snook are known to make strong, sudden runs, so be prepared for a fight. Do not over-tire the fish by reeling them in too quickly, as this can damage the fish and make it more difficult to land. Instead, reel in slowly and steadily, using your rod to control the fish’s direction. If the snook makes a run, let it tire itself out and then reel in the slack, keeping the line tight. This technique will also help to prevent the snook from breaking the line or throwing the hook.
When fighting a snook, it is important to also be aware of its surroundings. They are known to swim into structures such as mangrove roots or docks, so be careful to avoid these obstacles. If the fish swims into a structure, try guiding it out by pointing the rod in the direction you want the fish to go.
Release: Only keep it if you have the proper snook stamp on your fishing license and are going to eat it! Once you have landed it, it is important to release it properly to ensure its survival. These fish are a valuable resource, and it is important to practice catch and release to help maintain their population and the health of Charlotte Harbor. To release a snook, carefully remove the hook and release the fish back into the water. Don’t handle the fish too much, as this can damage its protective slime coating and make it more susceptible to injury. If the snook is tired from the fight, hold it gently in the water and allow it to revive before releasing it.
Snook fishing the local canals is an exciting and rewarding experience. With the right equipment, bait, location, and technique, you can successfully catch these powerful and delicious fish. Remember to always practice responsible fishing and release the snook properly to help maintain their population. Happy fishing!
