Snook

This page has information on snook, a shallow water fish of the southern USA.

There are actually several species of snook that live along the Atlantic Coast including Common, Fat, Tarpon and Swordspine snooks.

The common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is the largest of the family, reaching 4 feet or more and occasionally reaching 50 lbs. Snook have long, convcave snouts with jutting underjaws. The lateral line is distinctly marked with a black strip which extends well into the tail.

These highly sought after saltwater fish have dark brown backs, silvery flanks and white undersides. Common snooks are found in coastal waters from southern Florida and Texas and southward to Brazil.

Snook are vicious feeders and put up a strong fight when hooked. They eat other fish, crabs and shrimp. Snook anglers sometimes use long poles to fish shrimp or other live baits around pilings or other structure. Fishermen also use a variety of lures to tempt snook into striking.

Snook are favorites of saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts. Fly fishermen target snook using shrimp, crab and minnow patterns. Trophy class snook are sometimes taken by fly fishing gear using larger flies that resemble pinfish, menhaden, mullet, or shad.