Family Centropomidae, SNOOK

Centropomus undecimalis

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Snook: Everyone's favorite, for it's fight and table fare.A gamefish caught throughout the inlet on live baits, including croaker, pinfish, pigfish, mojarra and mullet, or artificials such as flair jigs, bucktail figs, Bombers, Windcheaters, Snook Slayers, Mirrolures and Mavericks. Daily limit is one per person. Must be between 28 and 32 inches. Caught year-round, with best catches in spring, fall and summers. Seasons closed Dec 15 to Jan. 31st, and June to Aungust.

Description: distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; grows much larger than other snooks; pelvic fin yellow.

Similar Fish: other Centropomus.

Where found: from central Florida south, usually INSHORE in coastal and brackish waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on reefs and pilings NEARSHORE.

Size: most catches 5 to 8 pounds.

Florida Record: 44 lbs., 3 ozs.

Remarks: Spawns primarily in summer; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees F; can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and larrge crustaceans.