Acrobatic leaps. Long runs. Screaming drags. Beautiful scenery. Go fishing for snook, and you get all of the above in one package.
Light tackle inshore anglers consider the snook one of the most sporting species of all to catch. Snook generally range in size from 3 to 15 pounds and catching giants up to 30 pounds is common during summer when the fish spawn around inlets and passes.
Mangrove shorelines on Southwest Florida and passes and inlets on the opposite coast are classic areas to catch snook in the Sunshine State. On both coasts, you can count on finding snook around bridges and piers, grass flats and nearby deep holes.
The Homosassa River, on the Gulf of Mexico side, is considered their northern range. Find then on the Atlantic side from the Florida Keys to the mid-coast around Daytona.
Current, structure and bait. Remember those three key simple needs of a snook, and you will have eliminated a lot of water.
Snook, like a freshwater largemouth bass, are opportunistic predators. They chase after food that requires the least effort. Current makes that job easier.
Current and structure go together because the latter requirement feeds the predator instinct. Snook like to ambush bait, and current breaks make ideal casting targets.
Bait is the given portion of the three-sided equation for catching snook. Find the bait, add the current, an ambush point and you have the perfect setup for snook.
What makes snook fishing so easy, and appealing is live bait is not a requirement. In fact, big splashy topwater baits spark the predator instinct of a snook. So do popper-shaped topwater plugs, glider baits, and wake baits. Fish them slow or fast until determining the mood of the fish.
A top choice for fishing in shallow water is the JVX Series by Carolina Skiff. A lightweight hull and modified V-hull design combine for a boat that will carry more, go further and faster with less horsepower.
You get excellent maneuverability and handling with the positive tracking keels. Patented splash guards provide the smooth, dry ride that Carolina Skiff has been known for after 30 years and counting in the business.
Fishermen have plenty of options from which to choose from the JVX Series. Nine different models are in the JVX Series lineup, and you can customize the rig to fit angling needs.
Worth a strong look for snook fishing is the 18 JVX CC. This center console boat with a 78” beam and 17’ 9” overall is ideal for running the winding, shallow channels of the back country and mangroves where snook lurk.
The 18 JVX CC gives you an edge for accessing shallow creeks and rivers with it’s modified V-hull design. Carry more weight farther and faster with less horsepower. Add that together, and the sum is a boat that performs better than any other at a cost that can’t be beat.
See the full line of Carolina Skiff and Sea Chaser boats at carolinaskiff.com. With 60 different options and models, you can use the Build A Boat feature. On the website, you can find a dealer, request a catalog and more.
