Fish facts: Common snook

By Times staff writer
Published April 6, 2007

Centropomus undecimalis

REMARKS: Designated a species of special concern in Florida, snook can reach lengths of 4 feet and weigh more than 50 pounds. The species is sometimes called a "linesider" because of a distinctive line running laterally along the side of the body. Snook are sensitive to cold temperatures and may become stunned or die during severe cold fronts.

RANGE: Snook range from South Carolina to southern Brazil and are found mainly in Florida and Texas in the United States. This species can be found throughout the estuary and nearshore waters and are common along mangrove shorelines, in brackish streams and in freshwater rivers and canals.

TACKLE/TACTICS: Spinning or bait-casting tackle with topwater and diving plugs or jigs is preferred by many anglers. Others choose live baits, including scaled sardines in the summer and shrimp in the winter. Fly-rodding for snook also can be a challenge. Tactics include working the passes and beaches in the summer; bridge fishing also is productive. Cold weather sends snook looking for warm water in canals and creeks. Snook are equally at home in fresh and saltwater.

REGULATIONS: Size limit: not less than 27 inches or more than 34 inches. Bag limit: one per person per day in the gulf. Illegal to possess any snook of more than 34 inches. Season closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 (statewide) and May, June, July and August in Gulf of Mexico. Snook permit required, and they are illegal to buy or sell.

WORLD RECORD: 53 pounds 10 ounces, Costa Rica, Oct. 18, 1978.

Sources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fishing Lines, Florida Marine Research Institute, The International Game Fish Association, McClanes's Field Guide to Saltwater Fishes of North America.

[Last modified April 7, 2007, 17:49:16]