Inshore

Snook

Centropomus undecimalis

Found In

27 Destinations

About Snook

Snook are the most sought-after inshore gamefish in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. These sleek, powerful predators are instantly identified by the bold black lateral line running from head to tail and their large, underslung jaw. The body is silver-gold with a greenish back, and the pectoral and pelvic fins have a yellow tint. Males and females begin life as males — snook are protandric hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex from male to female, typically around 18-30 inches. This makes larger snook almost exclusively female.

Identification & Appearance

Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a prominent black lateral line. Silver-gold sides with greenish back. Large mouth with protruding lower jaw. Pronounced dip in the profile behind the head. High, divided dorsal fin. Yellow-tinged pectoral and pelvic fins.

Male vs. Female

Snook are sequential hermaphrodites — all start as males and some transition to female at 18-30 inches. Virtually all large snook (over 30 inches) are female. This is why slot limits protect large breeding females.

Size, Weight & Records

Average catch is 18-28 inches (3-10 lbs). Slot size typically 28-33 inches (8-15 lbs). Trophy snook exceed 36 inches and 20+ lbs. The world record is 53 lbs 10 oz, caught in Parismina, Costa Rica in 2014. Florida fish over 40 lbs are extremely rare.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Live pilchards (scaled sardines) freelined around bridges, seawalls, and mangrove shorelines is the most consistent technique. Large live shrimp on a jighead (1/4 oz) worked along mangrove edges at dawn and dusk is deadly. Artificial lures: DOA CAL jigs with shad-tail bodies, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows, and Rapala X-Raps worked with a twitch-pause retrieve along structure. Night fishing around lighted docks and bridges with live bait or white soft plastics is incredibly productive, especially during summer.

Recommended Tackle

Medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader (snook have razor-sharp gill plates that cut lighter leader). Baitcasting gear works well for casting accuracy around structure.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Florida has a strict slot limit (28-33 inches) with 1 fish per person per day and seasonal closures (Dec-Feb and May-Aug Gulf, Jun-Aug Atlantic). Snook are exclusively a Florida gamefish — they do not tolerate cold water and are found only from Central Florida south.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.