Equally at home in both fresh and salt water, the common snook is one of FloridaÕs premier gamefish. Many saltwater fishermen consider these powerful aquatic gladiators to be the ultimate challenge. The opportunity to meet this challenge was almost eliminated in the 1950s when the number of snook plummeted. Shoreline development, fishing pressure, and loss of coastal habitats all contributed to the decline. As a result, common snook were eventually designated as a gamefish ? restricted to recreational harvest only. Further fishing restrictions have limited the size and number of snook that can be caught, and stocks of this versatile and vigorous fish are now rebounding.

DESCRIPTION
Worldwide, 12 species of the genus Centropomus occur in the tropics and sub-tropics of North and South America; four of these species occur in Florida. Along with the common snook, the other three species are sword-spined snook, tarpon snook, and fat snook. These latter three species tend to occupy riverine areas.

The smallest of the four Flori-daspecies, the sword-spined snook (Centropomus ensiferus) is named for the length of the second anal fin underneath its body. Reaching only about 12 inches in length, this species is also the rarest and has been reported only in the freshwater canals and rivers of southeast Florida. Usually, neither the sword-spined nor the tarpon snook grows large enough to be caught legally by fishermen.

The tarpon snook (Centropomus pectinatus) gets its name from its tarpon-like upturned snout. It has a more compressed body than do the other three species and an orange-yellow pelvic fin with a blackish tip. It may grow to a length of 20 inches and is most commonly found in shaded, brackish-water pools.

The fat snook (Centropomus parallelus), a rotund species with a deep body, may reach 20 inches in length. This second-largest member of Florida?s snook family is found from the Lake Okeechobee watershed south to the Florida Keys.

The largest of the four species, the common snook is also the most abundant, wide-ranging, and sought-after. Not surprisingly, then, it is the best-studied of the four, and it is from these studies that most of the following information is derived.

Snook (in south Florida, it rhymes with "snoop") is a streamlined, extremely powerful fish. It is silvery green, and a distinctive black lat-eral line runs from the top of its gills to the end of its tail. This stripe accounts for its common names of "linesider" and "sergeant fish." The fins are sometimes a bright canary yellow.

Snook have a long, concave snout and a lower jaw that juts out beyond the upper jaw. The large mouth is filled with brush-like teeth. Although snook feed primarily on other fish, their carnivorous diet also includes shrimp, crabs, and a variety of other organisms. Snook lie in wait while currents funnel the food to their vicinity, and then they ambush their prey with lightning quickness.

Snook may live more than 20 years and reach a length of 50 inches and a weight of more than 40 pounds. However, in the last five years, most snook caught by anglers on the east coast aver-age 9.6 pounds, and Gulf coast catches average 7.7 pounds. The largest snook ever caught in Florida with a rod and reel weighed about 44 pounds, 11 ounces; the international record is a snook from Costa Rica that weighed 53 pounds, 10 ounces.

Snook can change their sex from male to female, a fairly common adaptation in fish. Much about this process in snook is uncertain, but sci-entists do know that the largest and oldest fish are females and that this sex reversal is brought about by a change in the size of individuals with-in a group of snook. In other words, a group that loses its largest fish has lost females, so some males might undergo sex reversal?a process that takes about 60 to 90 days.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Snook are cold-sensitive fish generally restrictedto tropical and sub-tropical waters. They prefer fast-moving tides and are dependent upon struc-tures like rock outcroppings or mangroves for shelter, which accounts for their tendency to "hug the shores" of inlets and estuaries.

In Florida, snook are abundant from Sebastian Inlet south on the east coast and from Tarpon Springs south on the Gulf coast. They are also found in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas and Central America and in the Caribbean throughout the West Indies. In the Atlantic, their range extends as far south as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and occasionally as far north as Delaware. Tolerant of a wide range of salinities, snook have been found from 40 miles up the Peace River at Fort Meade to eight miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, they easily adapt to just about every natural condition of inshore waters except cold weather.

Snook are highly sensitive to temperature changes. If the temperature falls to 60° Fahrenheit, snook become sluggish and "cold-shocked"; if the temperature falls below that or if it decreases rapidly, snook may die. This limits the northern range of snook to areas with mild winters. In these northern areas, snook keep warm during winter by moving to rivers or protected, deep basins in inshore waters. Nevertheless, a severe cold snap in the winter of 1989 - 1990 may have killed as many as 60,000 snook in Tampa Bay. Even in south Florida, sud-den freezes may cause high mortality.

FISHING NOTES
The snook is to inshore saltwater fishermen what a large-mouth bass is to avid freshwater anglers. Once hooked, the snookÕs speed and strength strain the vocabulary as well as the fishing line. "Tacklebuster", "linestretcher", and "acrobat" are just a few of the terms used by snook fishermen to describe these silver bullets. Indeed, although snook is one of the tastiest of all fish, with white, flaky meat that is high in protein and low in calories, it is valued more today for its fighting spirit than its flavor.

Fishermen seeking snook are advised to fish for them from one hour before high tide through the first three hours of the outgoing tide. Live bait such as pinfish, croakers, fingerling tilapia, and sardine are preferred; 90% of all snook caught are taken this way. About 70% of the fish caught by recreational fishermen are taken during summer months, and fishermen who find the large staging areas are likely to have the best luck. Among those gathering spots are Rattlesnake Key in Tampa Bay and, on the east coast, Jupiter, Lake Worth, and Sebastian inlets.

The common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, is one of Florida's most popular inshore gamefish because of its spectacular fighting ability and merit as table fare. Anglers call the common snook many names, but the two most common are robalo and linesider. The word "snook" comes from the Dutch word "snoek" meaning pike. The majority of anglers pronounce the word "snuk" (like took), but, in parts of south Florida, it is pronounced "snuke" (like fluke). Four species of snook occur in Florida:

1. The common snook is the largest and most common and is the species caught by most anglers. In Florida waters, it may grow to 48 inches and 38 pounds.
2. The fat snook, C. parallelus, which seldom reaches 24 inches, has a squarish-shaped body covered with scales that are smaller than those on the common snook.
3. The tarpon snook, C.pectinatus, is another small form with a squarish body, but it has larger scales than the fat snook does and has an upturned mouth, similar to a tarpon's mouth.
4. The swordspine snook C.ensiferus, is rare; it is the smallest species and has a grotesquely large anal spine. The three smaller species are found in extreme southern Florida, usually upstream in coastal rivers or less saline habitats in the upper estuary.

Common snook are normally found in southern coastal Florida from about Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast, around the peninsula, to about Tarpon Springs on the Gulf coast. The distribution then becomes disjunct, and they are found again from southwest Texas, south along central and south America, to about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The northern distribution is limited by the 55°F water isotherm, but during warm winters, some individuals may move north of this usual range. In the summer of 1989, after twelve years with mild winters, a 16-pound common snook was caught at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Because this species is associated with land masses that have freshwater rivers, it is principally a continental species, but it also occurs on larger islands that have rivers, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands.

Life History
Common snook are moderately long-lived and fast-growing fishes: females live about 21 years and can grow to lengths of 48 inches. Males live about 15 years and can reach 39 inches. Females attain legal minimum size (26 ins.fork length) in about four years, whereas males require five to six years to reach that size. Fifty percent of male snook reach maturity at about 18 inches total length and about two years of age, whereas fifty percent of females are mature at about 30 inches total length and five years of age. There are no physical differences between male and female snook, so anglers cannot tell the difference between the sexes. In fact, snook are protandric hermaphrodites: meaning the males reverse sex and change into females. This reversal occurs during the fall after the spawning season, sometimes in a short span of ninety days. Microscopic observations of specimens from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts indicate that the age of individuals at the time of reversal is between one and seven years. Biologists have documented this phenomenon by placing and holding "ripe and flowing" male snook in a pond during the summer and then during the fall, finding some females in the group.

Spawning occurs in Florida from April or May through September or October, depending on annual variations in climate and temperature. Actual release of gametes occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours on all tides and during all lunar phases. Individual females may spawn every two days and release about one and a quarter million eggs per episode. The mouths of coastal rivers and major inlets to the ocean and gulf have been identified as spawning locations. Some of these sites include Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets on the Atlantic coast and John's Pass and Clearwater Pass on the Gulf coast. It has been shown that snook also spawn inside Tampa Bay near the mouth of Terra Ceia and Miguel bays and around the Port Manatee spoil island. Schools of reproductively active snook may contain as many as four or five hundred individuals that return to the same location each year to spawn.

Small immature snook are found in a variety of habitats that range from quiet, mangrove-lined swamps and bayous to freshwater rivers and creeks. Characteristics common to these areas include good water quality, moderate to slightly sloped banks, minimum currents, overhanging vegetation that provides the shade that facilitates capture of prey, and some type of structure, either mangroves, rocks, or pillings, that provides cover. These young-of-the-year snook remain in this habitat until they are about ten to fourteen inches long, at which time they begin to sexually mature and migrate toward the higher-salinity areas of the lower estuary. After they become members of the spawning stocks, they utilize most areas of the estuary over the course of a year.

Snook are not generally long-distance travelers; they mostly move between their wintering grounds in rivers or protected basins and their spawning grounds near inlets or the mouths of estuaries. Most snook tagged off Naples have been recaptured within 10 miles of their release site, and tagged fish released inside Tampa Bay remain in the bay. However, east coast snook appear to venture farther from home, and snook tagged in Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets have been recaptured as far north as Cape Canaveral and as far south as Florida Bay. Recent studies suggest that some snook in Florida waters even travel coast to coast via the Lake Okeechobee navigational system.

Like salmon, snook return to the same spawning sites each summer; one Tampa Bay snook has been recaptured at the same site for three consecutive summers. Prior to spawning, sexually mature snook congregate in large num-bers in natural "staging areas".

As is common with many marine organisms, only a tiny fraction of the eggs survive. Scientists speculate that snook reproduction in Florida also suffers from additional stresses because state waters are at the northern threshold of the species? range.

Hatched eggs develop into larvae that drift with currents for 15-20 days. As the larvae develop into juveniles, they move into the upper reaches of estuaries, seeking quiet, secluded areas with overhanging shade. Their range of movement increases as they grow, but they usually remain in protected areas until they reach sexual maturity, which takes 2-3 years for males and 3-4 years for females. Males may live 15 years; females may live 19-20 years. Females are almost always larger than males of the same age.

Migration
Mature snook do not normally migrate great distances, especially those on the Gulf coast. However, in the late spring and early summer they leave their over-wintering locations, which are usually in the low-salinity portions of the upper estuary, and move onto their spawning grounds, where they spend the remainder of the summer. Sometime in late summer or early fall they return to the upper estuary, where they remain during the colder winter months. Because snook are tropical fishes, they become lethargic in water less than 65° F and the upper estuary provides sanctuary from some of their major predators-- sharks, porpoises, barracudas, and, to some degree, man. Some Atlantic coast snook make longer migrations than Gulf coast snook do. For example, snook that were tagged in Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets have been recaptured in the middle Florida Keys. Also, snook that were tagged in Jupiter Inlet have been recaptured in Lake Okeechobee and in Charlotte Harbor, indicating that they crossed the peninsula. Because no tagged Atlantic coast snook have been recaptured in Florida Bay or in the Ten Thousand Islands, it is believed that Atlantic coast snook may use the St Lucie-Caloosahatchee Waterway to cross Florida.

Fishing for Snook
Angling for snook is always challenging and many times frustrating. They readily take both artificial and live bait. Generally, it is best to fish with artificial lures in the winter and to fish with live bait in the spring and summer. Fish for snook when there is current, preferably in the outgoing tide. Likely locations are in cuts between islands, points adjacent to sandbars, and in channels through the flats. On the coldest, windy days, find a bar or sandy bank on the northeast shore of canals or bayous in the upper portions of the bays and work the area well with a Mirror 7-M, Yozuri Crystal Minnow, or plastic grub. Be careful not to disturb the area on approach, but if you do, move off and return about 30 minutes later. Snook don't move far in the winter and will return later to the same spot. The deeper holes at the mouths and in channels of coastal rivers always contain some lunker snook, and they may be enticed with a live sardine fished at the begining of an outgoing tide. If there is a choice, fish for snook on days when there are four tides; on two-tide days, the currents are slow and the bite is weak or non-existent. In the summer, if you prefer to fish at night, find a dock light that is close to the water and soak a shrimp just at the edge of the light- not in the light, but at the edge of the light. If shrimp are not available, use a goldeneye or chartreuse bomber. For lunker snook, fish the bridges at night during the first two to three hours of the outgoing tide. Anchor up-current from the bridge or pilings, and cast a live ladyfish, pinfish, or grunt to the base of the structure. You could also try using a chartreuse or red and white Long-A Bomber. Then hang on! To catch the large snook- the large spawning adults- your chances are best around the bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway and inside inlets or the Skyway. Smaller snook are found "inside" - on the flats and around near shore structure. Of course this rule doesn't always hold; some big fish are found in each kind of habitat in each month of the year.

Fishing with fly rods at the beaches near inlets during the peak spawning months can be rewarding also. Walk the beach in the late afternoon on a calm day with the sun at your front and watch for shadows ahead of you in the surf zone. These are probably snook and they will take flies that resemble shrimp or anchovies. Don't cast over or directly at the fish, but cast near it, in front of it. All snook are conservative ambush predators, and won't pursue their prey great distances. When snook fishing, regardless of the terminal tackle, don't hit the fish with your bait, but don't throw it out of reach either.

When everything else fails, collect ample sardines and lightly crush a few in your hand and toss them to a likely spot. Then place a nice lively fresh one in the midst. If you can't find sardines or thread herring, tilapia, mojarras, killifishes, or small grunts will work fine. Sometimes small blue crabs will also bring a lazy snook to the strike.

Proper Release Procedure
Release any undersized or out-of-season snook. Research shows that only two percent of released snook die as a result of being caught and released. Releasing your snook with a minimum of handling practically ensures that the fish will be taken again. Fish with crimped barbs for reduced injury. Set the hook immediately so that the hook doesn't pierce an internal organ. Leave the fish in the water while taking the hook out with pliers or a special tool. If you must handle the fish, wet your hands or wear wet cotton gloves. If the fish is exhausted and has lost equilibrium, properly orient the fish and hold it lightly into the current, preferably in the shade. After the fish has gained equilibrium, release him immediately. Do not forcibly move the fish in a jerky back and forth motion. Gently support the fish into the current and release it as soon as possible. Nature can revive the fish much faster than any angler can!

Preparing Your Catch
Once you have ole' linesides at home, here are two tried and true recipes for your dining pleasure. Skin the fillets, bellies included. If you want to get your money's worth, include the throats and cheeks as well. All of this flesh tastes excellent if the fish is fresh and has been kept iced. Heat corn oil or peanut oil in a deep fryer to 375?F. Cut the fillets into 3/4" X 2" pieces and dip them in a beaten egg. Roll these pieces into Italian bread crumbs and drop into the hot oil. Cook until the pieces float. Remove from the oil onto a paper towel and lightly salt. A few drops of fresh lime juice and you are ready to enjoy. The other recipe involves grilling the fillets. Cut them into portion sizes and brush them with olive oil. Make a marinade of lime juice, finely chopped garlic, and olive oil. Place the snook on a medium hot grill in a fish screen. Paint several times with the marianade while turning and lightly browning on both sides. Served with fresh mangrove chutney and hushpuppies. Bon appetit!

Fishing Ethic
Always practice a conservative fishing ethic. During the closed seasons- December 15 to January 31 and the months of June, July and August - do not keep any snook that you catch. These closures are meant to protect snook during their most vulnerable times: during cold periods and during the height of the spawning season. During the open seasons take no more than your family can eat. If one snook will suffice, then keep your bag at one fish. Any snook you keep must be between 26 and 34 inches total length. Keep no snook smaller than 26 inches or larger than 34 inches. Actually, many guides and anglers voluntarily release all snook that are greater than 30 inches because most of the fish this large are females, and the larger the female, the more eggs she produces at each spawning event. Plus, the release of large fish helps to build a "trophy" fishery, which means that your chances of catching a large snook are greater if anglers release the larger lunkers. If we all take only what we need, then one day Florida waters may produce a record snook larger than the current world record of 53 lb 10 oz.

Remarks
* snook permit required when saltwater liscense is required
* illegal to possess snook exceeding 34 inches total length
* It is illegal to buy or sell snook

For saltwater fishing regulations, please visit the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) web site, Chapter 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION located at: http://fac.dos.state.fl.us/fac/.

Each year in Florida, snook are carefully managed because of the high fishing pressure they receive from recreational anglers. For an inside look at the numbers, practices, and other interesting information have a look at Ronald G. Taylor's Management of Common Snook in Florida and Catch and Release Fishing, articles, as well as Robert G. Muller and Michael D. Murphy's most current assessment of the snook population, located on this website.

For some great tips on snook fishing, have a look at Taylor's Sketch of the Common Snook in Florida located on this website.

Contact us for help in planning your events.
info@loverskey.com