The perennial favorite gamefish, snook. As most anglers know, snook experienced a wicked cold-kill in 2010, and with our recent cold snap, they may have been injured again. No recent reports are available yet, but so far, it appears that the population is still fairly healthy.
Many anglers will continue to practice catch-and-release even during the open season. This attitude stems from the grass-roots movement of the past several years to respect the fishery and not take more than you can eat when fishing certain species.
This is simply a terrific attitude displayed by most recreational anglers and by the guides who take tourists on snook hunts. If the day comes when we have as many snook in the Gulf and backwaters as Lake Utah has carp, then anglers can have a snook-bake to end all snook bakes.
But the catch-and-release movement is so popular now, that it seems a fine equilibrium has been achieved through the efforts of agencies such as the FWC and also by everyday Joe-Fisherman paying respect to his aquatic backyard.
Some Important Facts About Snook
Toleration - Snook cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60˚F. Also, snook can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater. Currently, on Feb. 21, 2015, water temperatures in St. Petersburg are about 63 degrees, while further north, in Pensacola, they are 51 degrees. Based on this information, anglers may have a cold day finding snook on opening day, March 1. But a warming trend is upon us, and by the time we hit mid-week March 4th, the snook will likely be navigating the waters where they usually are found.
Habitat -- Snook are found from central Florida south, usually inshore in coastal and brackish waters. They are also common along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges. Snook are also on reefs and around pilings nearshore.
Behavior -- They congregate in large schools during summer in deep passes and inlets to spawn. Snook begin life as males, but between 18 and 22 inches long some become females. Spawning occurs primarily in summer. Snook school along shore and in passes during spawning season. They feed on fish and large crustaceans.
State Record -- 44 lbs., 3 oz., caught near Ft. Myers, FL.
Fishing Tips and Facts -- Snook will 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!
Limits -- In the Gulf, anglers may keep one snook per day that is not less than 28 or more than 33 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit is required to keep snook, along with a saltwater fishing license unless exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook.
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