Sight Fishing for Snook on Fly and Light Tackle

I've known many seasoned anglers who've caught their share of bonefish, tarpon, and permit that were attracted to snook as their final sight fishing passion. Maybe it's because of the snooks habitat; this wary predator of the Everglades will find out-of-the-way hideaways void of boat traffic and angling pressure in the most remote, beautiful and seldom seen locations. If it is hard to get to, snook will find it, and getting there is just one of the many things I enjoy as a fishing guide and an angler.

Snook can be 'bonefish like' in their stealth, 'tarpon like' in their acrobatics and toughness, and at times - especially on chilly windless days, seem to have the ability to know what you are thinking - ESP! Snook are around all year in the Everglades, but my favorite time to fish for them is when our weather in South Florida starts to cool off a bit between the months October through March, but not limited to any month of the year.

Fly Fishing for Snook

8 to 9 weight floating or clear floating lines. On some occasions, a clear sink tip or clear floating line can be a better choice for wary fish than a traditional floating line.

Leaders for Snook

I use a variation of the standard IGFA big game leader with 20# class tippet. I generally tie these leaders from 8' to as long as 10' overall. In my opinion, you can increase hookups by lengthening your bite tippet from the standard IGFA 12" to as long as 30". The advantage is less visibility between knots and gives you the ability to cut off a damaged fly or a couple of inches of roughed up leader and re-tie the fly without having to dispose of the entire leader.

Fly Fishing Leader - Materials and Specs

I use a tapered 50# to 40# fluorocarbon 5' to 6' butt section, then an 18" 20# fluorocarbon class tippet. I then use a fluorocarbon 30" bite tippet, ranging from 30# to 40#.

Snook Flies

Recommended fly patterns range from "Deceiver" type streamers, baitfish patterns, toads and poppers, tied on 1/0 or 2/0 hooks. Weed guards are sometimes necessary for areas with lots of trees, deadfall and of course weeds! If you are interested in bringing your own snook flies please call or email for more detailed info... I'll give you an idea of what type of flies, colors and hook sizes will work best.

Spin and Plug Fishing for Snook

Gear - #4 braided line (15# test) on fast action spin or plug rigs are perfect for snook. In my opinion, there's nothing more exciting than a topwater bite by a snook; Zara Spooks, Jumping Minnows, and propeller plugs such as Torpedo's work great. Plastic jerk, swim and paddle tail baits, tubes, plastic jigs, and worms are also part of the arsenal. Traditional bucktail jigs, shallow running plugs, and spoons will work as well.

Types of Line

I was reluctant to use the braided fishing lines until I finally gave it a try many years ago, it only took one use to become a believer when my customer pulled a big snook out of the roots on a gnarly Everglades mangrove shoreline that would have shredded monofilament. #4 diameter. braid (15# test) used with 30" of 30# to 40# test Fluorocarbon leader, in my opinion, is a great way to rig for snook on spin or plug tackle.

For more information on Snook fishing amd regulations visit Snook - FWC