Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
Florida’s Record is: 44 lbs., 3 ozs
The Common Snook is located throughout the waters of Central Florida, including Tomoka Basin, Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River and Banana River systems. Our most famous location, for snook, within the system, is Sebastian Inlet. The snook is is known as one of the most brutal fighters in the area and will put any fly fishing tackle to the test. An ambush predator, the snook requires precision casting along mangrove shorelines or docks; in these areas, they lie and wait for shrimp, baitfish or crabs to wander into the strike zone. The strike of a snook is thunderous, opening a large hole in the water and creating a recognizable “pop” sound. Once hooked, they will make a beeline for any structure in the area; no other fish is as intimate with possible break-off structure as a snook. If structure isn’t available, then the angler will usually be treated to an aerial show, where the snook jumps and thrashes at the surface. Snook will shake their heads and attempt to get leaders around their gill plates, which have razor sharp edges and make quick work of leaders. Snook fishing isn’t a finesse game; this is a one on one battle of wills, which requires stout tackle for the best chances of success. Still, for true snook fishing enthusiasts, there is nothing better than trying to outfight the “Linesiders” of the fishing world.
Fly Selection: Snook are ambush predators and are designed to feed from below. Their large mouth and voracious appetites allow them to feed on prey that would normally be too large for other fish of the same size, which means that bigger flies can be utilized. Topwater flies are usually favored, but sinking flies can turn hesitant fish into feeding machines. Here are 12 flies that our guides and staff recommend:
- Fishient Magnetic Minnow
- Fishient Plar Fibre Baitfish
- Fishient Mirror Image Bunker
- Bubble Head Fly
- Crease Popper
- Jose Wejebes Snook Fly
- Rattle Mullet
- Deceiver
- Seaducer
- Enrico Puglisi Floating Mullet
- Enrico Puglisi Rattling Mutton Snapper
- Captain Sassic’s Sassie Shrimp
Rod and Reel Selection: Snook require heavier tackle than redfish and seatrout. They typically hang around structure, whether natural or man-made, and the tackle has to be stout enough to keep them away from possible break-off areas once they are hooked. In addition, some of the flies that are used are bulkier and more difficult so cast with light gear. The average fly fishing rod is a 9 weight or 10 weight. Fly reels should have a drag that can be tightened down and hold 150 yards of 30 pound dacron. A standard weight forward, floating ling will work under most conditions; however, it is also a good idea to have a sink-tip or intermediate line available too.
