SNOOK Common (Centropomus undecimalis) Pacific (Centropomus nigrescens) There are 12 known species of snook, four of them native to Florida, but Centropomus Undecimalis, or common snook, is the by far the most abundant, has the widest range and is the species taken most often by recreational anglers. The snook has a slender streamlined body with a yellowish-gray back that is separated from its silvery sides and abdomen by a distinct black lateral line that runs from the top of its gills to the end of its tail. It has a large mouth with brushlike teeth and a protruding lower jaw. Its elongated head and snout taper to a point and it has a sloped forehead that leads up to tall, divided dorsal fins. Their long, sleek bodies and exaggerated underbite combine for a menacing profile that suits their aggressive nature.

IGFA All Tackle Record Weight: ATL M-10kg (20lb) 24.32kg (53lb 10oz) Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica 10/18/1978 Gilbert Ponzi PAC M-15kg (30lb) 26.19kg (57lb 12oz) Rio Naranjo, Quepos, Costa Rica 08/23/1991 George Beck

Typical Range: Snook are found in the western Atlantic and Pacific Oceans including the Gulf of Mexico, most of the Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola as well as the Caribbean coast of Central and South America. In the U.S., they tend to be found in Florida below Tampa on the state's west coast and below Cape Canaveral on its east coast, though catches are reported in northern Florida and even Texas from time to time. Snook are a coastal fish that are primarily dwell in tropical waters. They are often found in the far reaches of freshwater rivers, saltwater shallows, brackish estuaries, canals, creeks, back water sloughs and lagoons. They commonly inhabit cover laden places amongst mangroves, around bridges, docks, pilings, oyster and sand bars, along dropoffs, reefs and rock formations for ambush cover. Snook prefer waters of no more than about 60 feet. They may also stay in ship channels, turning basins, warm water discharges near power plants, or under bridges. These areas are protected and have relatively stable temperatures.

Common Tackle: Tackle should be sturdy. Spinning and bait-casting gear is most common, but conventional and fly tackle can be used as well. A medium-size reel with a stiff rod and 8- to 17-pound test line is adequate for all but the largest specimens.

Common Fishing Method: Effective fishing methods include live-bait fishing while drifting or still, casting in shallow near-shore areas, and trolling. If an area is shallow enough, the angler can wade in without a boat. They are also a popular fly-fishing species. For fly fishing, the ideal scenario is casting to visible cruising or milling snook, but often the fish aren’t visible, so it helps to know which spots contain snook. During peak spawning months, try fishing on beaches near inlets. The best time is in the late afternoon on a calm day. The sun should be at your front. Look for shadows in surf zone and cast near and in front of them. The fish will take flies that resemble shrimp or anchovies.

Preferred Temperature: Lower Avoidance: 60, Upper Avoidance: 90, Optimum: 68-82