A Sketch of the Common Snook in Florida
The common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, is one of Florida's most popular inshore game
fish because of its spectacular fighting ability and merit as table fare.
Introduction
The common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, is one of Florida's most popular inshore game
fish because of its spectacular fighting ability and merit as table fare. Anglers call the common
snook many names, but the two most common are robalo and linesider. The word "snook"
comes from the Dutch word "snoek," meaning pike. The majority of anglers pronounce the name
as "snook" (like took), but in parts of south Florida, it is pronounced "snuke" (like fluke). Four
species of snook occur in Florida:
The common snook is the largest and most common and is the species caught by most
anglers. In Florida waters, it may grow to 48 inches and 38 pounds.
The fat snook, C. parallelus, which seldom reaches 24 inches, has a squarish-shaped body
covered with scales that are smaller than those on the common snook.
The tarpon snook, C.pectinatus, is another small form with a squarish body, but it has larger
scales than the fat snook does and has an upturned mouth, similar to a tarpon's mouth.
The swordspine snook C.ensiferus, is rare; it is the smallest species and has a grotesquely
large anal spine. The three smaller species are found in extreme southern Florida, usually
upstream in coastal rivers or less saline habitats in the upper estuary.
Common snook are normally found in southern coastal Florida, from about Cape Canaveral on
the Atlantic coast, around the peninsula, to about Tarpon Springs on the gulf coast. The
distribution then becomes disjunct, and they are found again from southwest Texas, south along
central and south America, to about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The northern distribution is limited by
the 50° F water isotherm, but during warm winters, some individuals may move north of this
usual range. In the summer of 1989, after twelve years with mild winters, a 16 pound common
snook was caught at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Because this species is associated
with land masses that have freshwater rivers, it is principally a continental species, but it also
occurs on larger islands that have rivers, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands.
Life History
Common snook are moderately long-lived and fast-growing fishes. Females live about 21 years
and can grow to lengths of 48 inches. Males live about 15 years and can reach 39 inches.
Females attain legal minimum size (26 inches fork length) in about four years, whereas males
require five to six years to reach that size. Fifty percent of male snook reach maturity at about 18
inches total length and about two years of age, whereas 50 percent of females are mature at
about 30 inches total length and five years of age. There are no physical differences between
male and female snook, so anglers cannot tell the difference between the sexes. In fact, snook
are protandric hermaphrodites: meaning the males reverse sex and change into females. This
reversal occurs during the fall after the spawning season, sometimes in a short span of ninety
days. Microscopic observations of specimens from the Atlantic and gulf coast indicate that the
age of individuals at the time of reversal is between one and seven years. Biologists have
documented this phenomenon by placing and holding "ripe and flowing" male snook in a pond
during the summer and then during the fall, finding some females in the group.
Spawning occurs in Florida from April or May through September or October, depending on
annual variations in climate and temperature. Actual release of gametes occurs during the late
afternoon and early evening hours on all tides and during all lunar phases. Individual females
may spawn every two days and release about one and a quarter million eggs per episode. The
mouths of coastal rivers and major inlets to the ocean and Gulf of Mexico have been identified as
spawning locations. Some of these sites include Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets on the Atlantic
coast and John's Pass and Clearwater Pass on the gulf coast. It has been shown that snook
also spawn inside Tampa Bay near the mouth of Terra Ceia and Miguel bays and around the
Port Manatee spoil island. Schools of reproductively active snook may contain as many as four
or five hundred individuals that return to the same location each year to spawn.
Small immature snook are found in a variety of habitats that range from quiet, mangrove-lined
swamps and bayous to freshwater rivers and creeks. Characteristics common to these areas
include good water quality, moderate to slightly sloped banks, minimum currents, overhanging
vegetation that provides the shade that facilitates capture of prey, and some type of structure,
either mangroves, rocks, or pillings, that provides cover. These young-of-the-year snook remain
in this habitat until they are about ten to fourteen inches long, at which time they begin to sexually
mature and migrate toward the higher-salinity areas of the lower estuary. After they become
members of the spawning stocks, they utilize most areas of the estuary over the course of a year.
Migration
Mature snook do not normally migrate great distances, especially those on the gulf coast.
However, in the late spring and early summer they leave their over-wintering locations, which are
usually in the low-salinity portions of the upper estuary, and move onto their spawning grounds,
where they spend the remainder of the summer. Sometime in late summer or early fall they
return to the upper estuary, where they remain during the colder winter months. Because snook
are tropical fishes, they become lethargic in water less than 65° F and the upper estuary
provides sanctuary from some of their major predators—sharks, porpoises, barracudas, and, to
some degree, man. Some Atlantic coast snook make longer migrations than gulf coast snook
do. For example, snook that were tagged in Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets have been recaptured
in the middle Florida Keys. Also, snook that were tagged in Jupiter Inlet have been recaptured in
Lake Okeechobee and in Charlotte Harbor, indicating that they crossed the peninsula. Because
no tagged Atlantic coast snook have been recaptured in Florida Bay or in the Ten Thousand
Islands, it is believed that Atlantic coast snook may use the St Lucie-Caloosahatchee Waterway
to cross Florida.
Fishing for Snook
Angling for snook is always challenging and many times frustrating. They readily take both
artificial and live bait. Generally, it is best to fish with artificial lures in the winter and to fish with
live bait in the spring and summer. Fish for snook when there is current, preferably in the
outgoing tide. Likely locations are in cuts between islands, points adjacent to sandbars, and in
channels through the flats. On the coldest, windy days, find a bar or sandy bank on the northeast
shore of canals or bayous in the upper portions of the bays and work the area well with a Mirror
7-M, Yozuri Crystal Minnow, or plastic grub. Be careful not to disturb the area on approach, but if
you do, move off and return about 30 minutes later. Snook don't move far in the winter and will
return later to the same spot. The deeper holes at the mouths and in channels of coastal rivers
always contain some lunker snook, and they may be enticed with a live sardine fished at the
begining of an outgoing tide. If there is a choice, fish for snook on days when there are four tides;
on two-tide days, the currents are slow and the bite is weak or non-existent. In the summer, if
you prefer to fish at night, find a dock light that is close to the water and soak a shrimp just at the
edge of the light—not in the light, but at the edge of the light. If shrimp are not available, use a
goldeneye or chartreuse bomber. For lunker snook, fish the bridges at night during the first two
to three hours of the outgoing tide. Anchor up-current from the bridge or pilings, and cast a live
ladyfish, pinfish, or grunt to the base of the structure. You could also try using a chartreuse or red
and white Long-A Bomber. Then hang on! To catch the large snook—the large spawning
adults—your chances are best around the bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway and inside
inlets or the Skyway. Smaller snook are found "inside"—on the flats and around near shore
structure. Of course this rule doesn't always hold; some big fish are found in each kind of habitat
in each month of the year.
Fishing with fly rods at the beaches near inlets during the peak spawning months can be
rewarding also. Walk the beach in the late afternoon on a calm day with the sun at your front and
watch for shadows ahead of you in the surf zone. These are probably snook and they will take
flies that resemble shrimp or anchovies. Don't cast over or directly at the fish, but cast near it, in
front of it. All snook are conservative ambush predators, and won't pursue their prey great
distances. When snook fishing, regardless of the terminal tackle, don't hit the fish with your bait,
but don't throw it out of reach either.
When everything else fails, collect ample sardines and lightly crush a few in your hand and toss
them to a likely spot. Then place a nice lively fresh one in the midst. If you can't find sardines or
thread herring, tilapia, mojarras, killifishes, or small grunts will work fine. Sometimes small blue
crabs will also bring a lazy snook to the strike.
Proper Release Procedure
Release any undersized or out-of-season snook. Research shows that only two percent of
released snook die as a result of being caught and released. Releasing your snook with a
minimum of handling practically ensures that the fish will be taken again. Fish with crimped
barbs for reduced injury. Set the hook immediately so that the hook doesn't pierce an internal
organ. Leave the fish in the water while taking the hook out with pliers or a special tool. If you
must handle the fish, wet your hands or wear wet cotton gloves. If the fish is exhausted and has
lost equilibrium, properly orient the fish and hold it lightly into the current, preferably in the shade.
After the fish has gained equilibrium, release him immediately. Do not forcibly move the fish in a
jerky back and forth motion. Gently support the fish into the current and release it as soon as
possible. Nature can revive the fish much faster than any angler can!
Preparing Your Catch
Once you have ole' linesides at home, here are two tried and true recipes for your dining
pleasure. Skin the fillets, bellies included. If you want to get your money's worth, include the
throats and cheeks as well. All of this flesh tastes excellent if the fish is fresh and has been kept
iced. Heat corn oil or peanut oil in a deep fryer to 375° F. Cut the fillets into ¾" X 2" pieces and
dip them in a beaten egg. Roll these pieces into Italian bread crumbs and drop into the hot oil.
Cook until the pieces float. Remove from the oil onto a paper towel and lightly salt. A few drops of
fresh lime juice and you are ready to enjoy. The other recipe involves grilling the fillets. Cut them
into portion sizes and brush them with olive oil. Make a marinade of lime juice, finely chopped
garlic, and olive oil. Place the snook on a medium hot grill in a fish screen. Paint several times
with the marianade while turning and lightly browning on both sides. Served with fresh
mangrove chutney and hushpuppies. Bon appetit!
Fishing Ethic
Always practice a conservative fishing ethic. During the closed seasons—December 15 to
January 31 and the months of June, July, and August—do not keep any snook that you catch.
These closures are meant to protect snook during their most vulnerable times: during cold
periods and during the height of the spawning season. During the open seasons take no more
than your family can eat. If one snook will suffice, then keep your bag at one fish. Any snook you
keep must be between 26 and 34 inches total length. Keep no snook smaller than 26 inches or
larger than 34 inches. Actually, many guides and anglers voluntarily release all snook that are
greater than 30 inches because most of the fish this large are females, and the larger the
female, the more eggs she produces at each spawning event. Plus, the release of large fish
helps to build a "trophy" fishery, which means that your chances of catching a large snook are
greater if anglers release the larger lunkers. If we all take only what we need, then one day
Florida waters may produce a record snook larger than the current world record of 53 lb 10 oz.
Ronald G. Taylor
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
100 Eighth Avenue S. E.
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5095
Phone: 727-896-8626; Fax: 727-823-0166;
e-mail Ron Taylor: ron.taylor@myfwc.com
The common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, is one of Florida's most popular inshore game
fish because of its spectacular fighting ability and merit as table fare.
Introduction
The common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, is one of Florida's most popular inshore game
fish because of its spectacular fighting ability and merit as table fare. Anglers call the common
snook many names, but the two most common are robalo and linesider. The word "snook"
comes from the Dutch word "snoek," meaning pike. The majority of anglers pronounce the name
as "snook" (like took), but in parts of south Florida, it is pronounced "snuke" (like fluke). Four
species of snook occur in Florida:
The common snook is the largest and most common and is the species caught by most
anglers. In Florida waters, it may grow to 48 inches and 38 pounds.
The fat snook, C. parallelus, which seldom reaches 24 inches, has a squarish-shaped body
covered with scales that are smaller than those on the common snook.
The tarpon snook, C.pectinatus, is another small form with a squarish body, but it has larger
scales than the fat snook does and has an upturned mouth, similar to a tarpon's mouth.
The swordspine snook C.ensiferus, is rare; it is the smallest species and has a grotesquely
large anal spine. The three smaller species are found in extreme southern Florida, usually
upstream in coastal rivers or less saline habitats in the upper estuary.
Common snook are normally found in southern coastal Florida, from about Cape Canaveral on
the Atlantic coast, around the peninsula, to about Tarpon Springs on the gulf coast. The
distribution then becomes disjunct, and they are found again from southwest Texas, south along
central and south America, to about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The northern distribution is limited by
the 50° F water isotherm, but during warm winters, some individuals may move north of this
usual range. In the summer of 1989, after twelve years with mild winters, a 16 pound common
snook was caught at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Because this species is associated
with land masses that have freshwater rivers, it is principally a continental species, but it also
occurs on larger islands that have rivers, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands.
Life History
Common snook are moderately long-lived and fast-growing fishes. Females live about 21 years
and can grow to lengths of 48 inches. Males live about 15 years and can reach 39 inches.
Females attain legal minimum size (26 inches fork length) in about four years, whereas males
require five to six years to reach that size. Fifty percent of male snook reach maturity at about 18
inches total length and about two years of age, whereas 50 percent of females are mature at
about 30 inches total length and five years of age. There are no physical differences between
male and female snook, so anglers cannot tell the difference between the sexes. In fact, snook
are protandric hermaphrodites: meaning the males reverse sex and change into females. This
reversal occurs during the fall after the spawning season, sometimes in a short span of ninety
days. Microscopic observations of specimens from the Atlantic and gulf coast indicate that the
age of individuals at the time of reversal is between one and seven years. Biologists have
documented this phenomenon by placing and holding "ripe and flowing" male snook in a pond
during the summer and then during the fall, finding some females in the group.
Spawning occurs in Florida from April or May through September or October, depending on
annual variations in climate and temperature. Actual release of gametes occurs during the late
afternoon and early evening hours on all tides and during all lunar phases. Individual females
may spawn every two days and release about one and a quarter million eggs per episode. The
mouths of coastal rivers and major inlets to the ocean and Gulf of Mexico have been identified as
spawning locations. Some of these sites include Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets on the Atlantic
coast and John's Pass and Clearwater Pass on the gulf coast. It has been shown that snook
also spawn inside Tampa Bay near the mouth of Terra Ceia and Miguel bays and around the
Port Manatee spoil island. Schools of reproductively active snook may contain as many as four
or five hundred individuals that return to the same location each year to spawn.
Small immature snook are found in a variety of habitats that range from quiet, mangrove-lined
swamps and bayous to freshwater rivers and creeks. Characteristics common to these areas
include good water quality, moderate to slightly sloped banks, minimum currents, overhanging
vegetation that provides the shade that facilitates capture of prey, and some type of structure,
either mangroves, rocks, or pillings, that provides cover. These young-of-the-year snook remain
in this habitat until they are about ten to fourteen inches long, at which time they begin to sexually
mature and migrate toward the higher-salinity areas of the lower estuary. After they become
members of the spawning stocks, they utilize most areas of the estuary over the course of a year.
Migration
Mature snook do not normally migrate great distances, especially those on the gulf coast.
However, in the late spring and early summer they leave their over-wintering locations, which are
usually in the low-salinity portions of the upper estuary, and move onto their spawning grounds,
where they spend the remainder of the summer. Sometime in late summer or early fall they
return to the upper estuary, where they remain during the colder winter months. Because snook
are tropical fishes, they become lethargic in water less than 65° F and the upper estuary
provides sanctuary from some of their major predators—sharks, porpoises, barracudas, and, to
some degree, man. Some Atlantic coast snook make longer migrations than gulf coast snook
do. For example, snook that were tagged in Jupiter and Lake Worth inlets have been recaptured
in the middle Florida Keys. Also, snook that were tagged in Jupiter Inlet have been recaptured in
Lake Okeechobee and in Charlotte Harbor, indicating that they crossed the peninsula. Because
no tagged Atlantic coast snook have been recaptured in Florida Bay or in the Ten Thousand
Islands, it is believed that Atlantic coast snook may use the St Lucie-Caloosahatchee Waterway
to cross Florida.
Fishing for Snook
Angling for snook is always challenging and many times frustrating. They readily take both
artificial and live bait. Generally, it is best to fish with artificial lures in the winter and to fish with
live bait in the spring and summer. Fish for snook when there is current, preferably in the
outgoing tide. Likely locations are in cuts between islands, points adjacent to sandbars, and in
channels through the flats. On the coldest, windy days, find a bar or sandy bank on the northeast
shore of canals or bayous in the upper portions of the bays and work the area well with a Mirror
7-M, Yozuri Crystal Minnow, or plastic grub. Be careful not to disturb the area on approach, but if
you do, move off and return about 30 minutes later. Snook don't move far in the winter and will
return later to the same spot. The deeper holes at the mouths and in channels of coastal rivers
always contain some lunker snook, and they may be enticed with a live sardine fished at the
begining of an outgoing tide. If there is a choice, fish for snook on days when there are four tides;
on two-tide days, the currents are slow and the bite is weak or non-existent. In the summer, if
you prefer to fish at night, find a dock light that is close to the water and soak a shrimp just at the
edge of the light—not in the light, but at the edge of the light. If shrimp are not available, use a
goldeneye or chartreuse bomber. For lunker snook, fish the bridges at night during the first two
to three hours of the outgoing tide. Anchor up-current from the bridge or pilings, and cast a live
ladyfish, pinfish, or grunt to the base of the structure. You could also try using a chartreuse or red
and white Long-A Bomber. Then hang on! To catch the large snook—the large spawning
adults—your chances are best around the bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway and inside
inlets or the Skyway. Smaller snook are found "inside"—on the flats and around near shore
structure. Of course this rule doesn't always hold; some big fish are found in each kind of habitat
in each month of the year.
Fishing with fly rods at the beaches near inlets during the peak spawning months can be
rewarding also. Walk the beach in the late afternoon on a calm day with the sun at your front and
watch for shadows ahead of you in the surf zone. These are probably snook and they will take
flies that resemble shrimp or anchovies. Don't cast over or directly at the fish, but cast near it, in
front of it. All snook are conservative ambush predators, and won't pursue their prey great
distances. When snook fishing, regardless of the terminal tackle, don't hit the fish with your bait,
but don't throw it out of reach either.
When everything else fails, collect ample sardines and lightly crush a few in your hand and toss
them to a likely spot. Then place a nice lively fresh one in the midst. If you can't find sardines or
thread herring, tilapia, mojarras, killifishes, or small grunts will work fine. Sometimes small blue
crabs will also bring a lazy snook to the strike.
Proper Release Procedure
Release any undersized or out-of-season snook. Research shows that only two percent of
released snook die as a result of being caught and released. Releasing your snook with a
minimum of handling practically ensures that the fish will be taken again. Fish with crimped
barbs for reduced injury. Set the hook immediately so that the hook doesn't pierce an internal
organ. Leave the fish in the water while taking the hook out with pliers or a special tool. If you
must handle the fish, wet your hands or wear wet cotton gloves. If the fish is exhausted and has
lost equilibrium, properly orient the fish and hold it lightly into the current, preferably in the shade.
After the fish has gained equilibrium, release him immediately. Do not forcibly move the fish in a
jerky back and forth motion. Gently support the fish into the current and release it as soon as
possible. Nature can revive the fish much faster than any angler can!
Preparing Your Catch
Once you have ole' linesides at home, here are two tried and true recipes for your dining
pleasure. Skin the fillets, bellies included. If you want to get your money's worth, include the
throats and cheeks as well. All of this flesh tastes excellent if the fish is fresh and has been kept
iced. Heat corn oil or peanut oil in a deep fryer to 375° F. Cut the fillets into ¾" X 2" pieces and
dip them in a beaten egg. Roll these pieces into Italian bread crumbs and drop into the hot oil.
Cook until the pieces float. Remove from the oil onto a paper towel and lightly salt. A few drops of
fresh lime juice and you are ready to enjoy. The other recipe involves grilling the fillets. Cut them
into portion sizes and brush them with olive oil. Make a marinade of lime juice, finely chopped
garlic, and olive oil. Place the snook on a medium hot grill in a fish screen. Paint several times
with the marianade while turning and lightly browning on both sides. Served with fresh
mangrove chutney and hushpuppies. Bon appetit!
Fishing Ethic
Always practice a conservative fishing ethic. During the closed seasons—December 15 to
January 31 and the months of June, July, and August—do not keep any snook that you catch.
These closures are meant to protect snook during their most vulnerable times: during cold
periods and during the height of the spawning season. During the open seasons take no more
than your family can eat. If one snook will suffice, then keep your bag at one fish. Any snook you
keep must be between 26 and 34 inches total length. Keep no snook smaller than 26 inches or
larger than 34 inches. Actually, many guides and anglers voluntarily release all snook that are
greater than 30 inches because most of the fish this large are females, and the larger the
female, the more eggs she produces at each spawning event. Plus, the release of large fish
helps to build a "trophy" fishery, which means that your chances of catching a large snook are
greater if anglers release the larger lunkers. If we all take only what we need, then one day
Florida waters may produce a record snook larger than the current world record of 53 lb 10 oz.
Ronald G. Taylor
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
100 Eighth Avenue S. E.
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5095
Phone: 727-896-8626; Fax: 727-823-0166;
e-mail Ron Taylor: ron.taylor@myfwc.com
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