Snook Fishing 101: How to Catch Florida’s Favorite Inshore Predator

Snook on a mangrove line

If you ask any Florida angler to name their favorite inshore game fish, chances are they’ll say snook. These powerful, acrobatic fighters are a top target in Tampa Bay, and with C’est La Vie Fishing Charters, you have a great chance of landing one.

Whether you’re new to snook fishing or looking to sharpen your strategy, this beginner’s guide covers all the essentials—from bait to best spots—to get you hooked on catching snook.

Snook are sleek, silver-bodied predators with a bold black lateral line and an attitude to match. Found in warm, shallow waters across Florida’s Gulf Coast, they hit hard and fight harder—often leaping out of the water during battle.

Average size:

• 18–30 inches inshore

• Larger “linesiders” can exceed 40 inches and 20+ pounds

Snook are temperature-sensitive and most active when the water is above 70°F. While they can be caught year-round, the peak seasons are:

• Spring: Snook return from winter haunts and feed aggressively

• Summer: Prime time for beach and pass fishing during their spawning season

• Fall: Pre-winter feeding frenzies in the mangroves and backwaters

Note: Snook is a regulated species with open/closed harvest seasons. We follow all FWC guidelines and promote catch-and-release, especially for breeders.

Snook love structure. On your charter with C’est La Vie, we’ll target areas like:

• Mangrove shorelines

• Dock lights (at night)

• Oyster bars

• Bridge pilings

• Beach troughs during summer spawning

Captain Christian uses his local knowledge—and the tower boat vantage point—to spot feeding snook and give you the perfect casting angle.

Live Bait (Most Effective)

• Pilchards (whitebait) – their favorite!

• Pinfish or shrimp under a popping cork or free-lined

• Best near mangroves or flowing currents

Artificial Lures

• Topwater plugs (early mornings for explosive hits)

• Soft plastics on jig heads

• Swimbaits mimicking mullet or baitfish

• Flair hawk jigs at night or around bridges

Tackle Setup

• Medium-heavy spinning rods (7–7.5 ft)

• 20–30 lb braided line with a 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader (Snook have abrasive mouths!)

• Strong drag and fast reflexes—you’ll need both

  
  

Captain’s Pro Tips for Snook Success

• Stealth approach: They spook easily in shallow, calm water.

• Time your tides: Outgoing tides pull bait from the mangroves—perfect ambush time.

• Sight fishing: On clear days, watch for cruising fish near points and current edges.