Snook: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Snook?
Snook are one of the most iconic inshore sportfish in the world. Sleek, strong, and ridiculously smart, these fish haunt mangrove tunnels, dock lights, beaches, seawalls, and spillways — ambushing prey with lightning-fast strikes. Their signature black lateral line and chrome-gold sheen make them instantly recognizable.
The first FishyAF Snook was landed by @teamlaceyruthless, cementing their status as a true inshore sniper.
This guide covers Snook habits, what they eat, the best techniques for day and night fishing, and how to target slobs in tight structure without donating your favorite lure to a barnacle pile. Click here to see what Snook hunters are wearing.
🐟 Snook Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropomus undecimalis (Common Snook) |
| Average Size | 5–15 lbs inshore |
| Trophy Size | 30–40+ lbs (“slob” or “donkey” class) |
| World Record | 53 lbs 10 oz — Costa Rica (IGFA) |
| Habitat | Mangroves, beaches, docks, bridges, inlets, spillways |
| Edible? | Yes — excellent, but heavily regulated |
❓ FAQs About Snook
Where can you catch Snook?
Southern U.S. (mainly Florida), Caribbean, Central America. Prime zones include mangrove creeks, beach troughs, bridges, dock lights, and inlets.
How big do Snook get?
Most are 3–15 lbs, but true giants exceed 40 lbs. Anything over 30 lbs is a lifetime fish.
Are Snook good to eat?
Yes — white, sweet, firm fillets. But harvest is limited due to strict regulations.
How do you catch Snook?
Live bait (pilchards, mullet, shrimp), soft plastics, swimbaits, topwater plugs, and jigs. Presentation varies by structure — and Snook LOVE structure.
What’s the best bait for Snook?
- Live pilchards - Mullet - Shrimp - Paddle-tail soft plastics - Flair hawk jigs (nighttime bridges)
When is the best time to catch Snook?
Warm months, moving tides, and low-light conditions — especially at dock lights or beaches at first light.
😂 FishyAF Snook Joke
Snook — the only fish that hits like a truck and then immediately tries to park itself under one.
🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP…
We’re on a mission to photograph 1,000 species with the FishyAF Brand. Got a Snook pic? Join the FishyAF Ambassador Awards Program.
🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Snook hunters swear by our Switchback Hats and Performance Sun Shirts built for the heat and tide swings of inshore fishing.