Member Article Snook Fishing Discussion On How To Find And Catch Snook

Good input, thanks for sharing!

 

Thanks to all who contributed the great info so far.

From what I've seen it looks like most people use fluoro leaders but I'm not exactly sure why. I know it's supposed to make the line look invisible to the fish and I understand wanting to have the additional security of a heavier test line but doesn't adding an additional knot compromise the integrity of the line?

I'm curious what the advantage is of using 10# test with a 30# leader over using straight 30# braid. I'm the furthest thing from a fishing expert but I never use a leader and it doesn't seem to affect my catch rate. I've also been told that using a fluoro leader is a must in saltwater but I went fishing out of Hillsboro Inlet with a buddy a couple weeks ago and I used my freshwater set up (7' medium rod, shimano 2500 reel, 30# dark green braid) and caught a bunch of grunts and yellow tail snapper using a circle hook and cut pieces of squid. Would using a leader in that scenario have made a difference?

 

Thanks everyone, good stuff!

 

I go a with flouro leader because of visibility as you stated and the extra weight line to have the added strength near the hook. Snook have a very abrasive mouth, the added poundage of the leader helps avoid the fish cutting thru the line. I check my leader after each catch and change/shorten if it has become abraded. The added strength line will also help if they run you in to structure, though 30lb may not be enough if you're around a bridge/pylon.

Yes, the added knot will add a weak spot, that is why proper knot tying ( I use uni-uni for my main to leader) is so important (and why I keep telling my 11 year old son that he can't brag about out-fishing me until he can regularly tie his own knots). I never used to use flouro leaders and while you can get away catching some species, I noticed a significant improvement in my catch after switching to flouro leaders. I have even contemplated switching to a lighter flouro leader to see if that will increase the invisibility factor but I figure if I am going to have that knot (extra weak point) I might as well up the line strength as well. I am curious as to others thoughts on it as well.

Cost comes in to play for me as well as I am a fisherman-on-a-budget.

 

Snook and the lowly ladyfish are both very abrasive on a leader. I believe you need a breaking point somewhere in the event (like me yesterday) where you need to intentionally break your line. I would rather have the line break at my leader knot than 100 yards into the reel. There are a few fish that aren't meant to be landed or getting hung up on structure where you need a breakoff (twice this morning).

 

Very interesting, thanks for the info. In my case, I wonder if it is all mental, a placebic effect maybe. I have heard that confidence in your lure, tackle, etc is important. So maybe that factors in more than the type of line. I "felt" more confident when I switched to flouro so I fished "better"?

 

I feel the same way! I changed the hat I wear fishing a couple weeks ago, haven't caught what I consider a decent fish since. I'm switching back to the old hat the next time I head out. I love the new hat but bad juju is bad juju lol

 

I'm with you with the old hat theory

 

Great report. I have used just about all the methods listed and have caught fish.

 

thx for the info

 

I started getting into this [snook] a couple months ago...have fished fairly-intensively in Spruce Creek (natural) and NSB N Csewy areas (docks, lighted-docks especially) during that time. Not what I'd call 'successful' [ie, getting a slot snook], but I've caught or hooked a few, and plenty of other desirable fish. I fish strictly artificials, and while I do carry a couple of hard baits with me, they pretty much stay in the box, as I prefer the forgiving nature of Tx-rigged single hooks over multiple-exposed barbs, both for presentation and personal-health [much of my fishing done during low-viz]. Just my observations experiences as someone trying to learn this new-to-me style of fishing: I'll say Gilman's post that I copied above is concise and representative...a ton of wisdoms...and it makes all the sense, in the approach and mindsets he lays out above. I've highlighted his salient items, and added some thoughts of my own, again, based on my still-growing observations...maybe just affirming the obvious here.

"OBSERVE...and adjust to specific conditions" (common sense).

This style of fishing has been a LOT of fun! Thanks to all who've contributed to providing some knowledge in general, and for info I've been able to personally use on these outings. Shout out to Nasty Hooker, too, for his insights, public and private. Tight lines.

 

that's great info! thanks for sharing.

 

Very good read thanks

 

I have recently been using a 4 and a 5 size hooks. Don't seem to loose near as many bigger snook. I only use the circle hooks. Have tried the J. Good luck everyone

 

Great thread a snook is still on my fish hit list! Found some small ones by browns bay but can't get them to bite.... my buddy comes in the next day catches 3!

 

What were you using when you saw them, artificial or live bait? What time of day were you fishing? Tide?

If you are serious about catching snook here are some tips:

DOA CAL 3" Shadtail on a 1/8oz jighead is the deadliest snook lure of all time. For shallow water/oyster bars, a shallow Baitbuster or a topwater walk-the-dog plug like a Zara Spook Jr. The Mirrolure Mirrodine (the small one) in gold/redfish color is deadly along mangrove shorelines and shallow areas, just use sharp twitches to make it flash and dart erratically to trigger a strike.

Last but not least, I stand by this technique for a near guarantee snook. Fish a ton of shaded docks during a bright sunny day skipping a weedless soft plastic fluke, jig, or especially the DOA shrimp way back under them...95% of the docks don't hold snook but eventually you'll find one that does. The higher phases of the incoming/outgoing tides are best for dock fishing (You need the water under the docks to hold fish), also look for the docks that are the snaggiest and cast the most shade.

Last bit of advice is to fish many of your favorite spots at night...you'll be surprised how the snook just suddenly show up and start eating after dark. Good luck!