Snook Season in Florida: The Complete Guide for 2024 Reading Time: 5 minutes

Snook are among the most beloved fish you can come across in Florida. They’re tremendous fighters, delicious to eat, and the fishing spots they hide near typically lie close to shore, making them easily accessible. But as with most fish out there, Snook are subject to different regulations, and the fishing varies based on the time of year.

If you’re eager to find out when’s the best time to target this prized species, read on. We’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the Snook season in Florida. To add to that, we’ll also cover some destinations to visit, as well as basic tips on how to catch these wonderful fish.

Snook Season and Size Limits in Florida

While Snook are a staple species in Florida, they’re also carefully managed to ensure their populations remain healthy. In recent years, the regulations have gotten somewhat stricter, with there now being 9 separate management regions. Not every region is subject to different regulations – there is quite a bit of overlap – but you should still learn the rules before you head out.

Region Season Size Limit Bag Limit
Panhandle Dec 1 – end of Feb, May 1 – Aug 31 28″–33″ 1
Big Bend Dec 1 – end of Feb, May 1 – Aug 31 28″–33″ 1
Tampa Bay Dec 1 – end of Feb, May 1 – Aug 31 28″–33″ 1
Sarasota Bay Dec 1 – end of Feb, May 1 – Sep 30 28″–33″ 1
Charlotte Harbor Dec 1 – end of Feb, May 1 – Sep 30 28″–33″ 1
Southwest Dec 1 – end of Feb, May 1 – Sep 30 28″–33″ 1
Southeast Dec 15 – Jan 31, June 1 – Aug 31 28″–32″ 1
Indian River Lagoon Dec 15 – Jan 31, June 1 – Aug 31 28″–32″ 1
Northeast Dec 15 – Jan 31, June 1 – Aug 31 28″–32″ 1

As you can see from the table above, the Snook fishing season in Florida is generally regulated in three different ways. 

  • In the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay regions, the Snook season runs from December 1 to the end of February and from May 1 to August 31. You can keep one Snook between 28 and 33 inches.
  • In Charlotte Harbor and the Southwest, you can fish for Snook from December 1 to the end of February and from May 1 until September 30. The limit is again one Snook between 28 and 33 inches measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the tail.
  • In the Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, and Northeast regions, the season runs from December 15 to January 31 and then again from June 1 to August 31. While the bag limit is the same – one Snook – the slot limit in these regions is slightly different: 28 to 32 inches.

Snook are currently under a watchful eye, and the new approach to regulations will include annual reviews of their populations. This means that the regulations may again change next year, depending on the FWC’s findings.

When is the best time to fish for Snook?

A woman in sunglasses sitting against the side of the boat, smiling and posing for a photo with a huge Snook she caught near Sebastian Inlet, Florida, in the same waters where the state record fish was landed.

While these fish bite year-round, Snook really love warm waters. So, in Florida, the peak Snook season takes place from May through September. If you’re looking for trophies, the bite is particularly hot in June, July, and August. This is when you’ll find the big sideliners spawning near inlets and passes.

Snook fishing is generally best during lowlight conditions, so time your trip around dawn or dusk. Or, try fishing during the night. At this time, you’ll find Snook congregating around dock lights, often resulting in fantastic action and as many hookups as you can handle.

Besides the time of day, you should also take tides into consideration. The Snook bite is the hottest when the waters are moving. Timing your trip during the first couple of hours of the outgoing tide will often prove the most productive.

Best Snook Fishing Spots in Florida

An aerial view of Sebastian Inlet on a clear day, with the inlet, beaches, and land visible on the left of the image, while the Atlantic Ocean dominates the rest of the photo

Snook are widespread throughout Florida’s coastal waters, so the fishing is good all across the state. However, some parts of the Sunshine State still excel compared to others, simply because they offer the kind of habitats Snook like to hang around. Have a look at some of the top spots to fish for Snook:

  • Sebastian. Situated on its namesake river, right where it joins the larger Indian River, Sebastian is a Snook fishing heaven. Its waters are prolific year-round, but the biggest fish show up during the summer. In fact, Sebastian is where the Florida state record Snook was caught, weighing in at 45.75 pounds.
  • Jupiter. If you’re itching for jumbo fish, head straight to Jupiter. Its inlet is famous as one of the finest trophy Snook spots across Florida, rivaling even Sebastian. You can hit the inlet from a boat, or fish from the nearby Juno Beach Pier. The pier is one of the best places to reel in large Snook from dry land.
  • Captiva and Sanibel. The entirety of Lee County, including all its bridges, docks, and mangroves, is home to excellent angling. However, there’s one spot that’s famous for its abundance of Snook – Blind Pass. This narrow strait runs between Captiva and Sanibel islands, with a bridge connecting the two. Just bring some bait, set up on the beach or near the bridge pilings, and you’ll be wrestling Snook before you know it.
  • Marco Island. Surrounded by coves, bays, tidal creeks, and mangroves, Marco Island features some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the state. And naturally, these waters are also fantastic if you’re looking to catch Snook. Whether you head towards Naples or the Everglades, you’ll find these fish in excellent numbers and trophy sizes.
  • St. Petersburg. Tampa Bay itself offers great Snook fishing. However, the best action in this part of Florida takes places around Fort De Soto Park. You can fish from its beaches or cast around jetties from a boat. Alternatively, head about 10 miles south and fish around Anna Maria Island.

How to Catch Snook in Florida

An underwater image of a Snook fish chasing after a colorful lure with its mouth open

The first step to catching any fish is knowing where to go. Snook are coastal fish that love brackish waters and areas with different structure they can hide around. You’ll find them near mangrove roots, bridge pilings, docks, and grass flats. Big Snook often like to hang around passes and inlets, where it’s easy for them to forage for unsuspecting fish.

When it comes to bait, Snook will bite on a variety of things, although live bait is the go-to for most anglers. You can use mullet, pilchards, shrimp, pinfish, and even crabs. Depending on where you’re fishing and the time of day, you can also use a whole array of artificial lures. Topwater lures, soft plastics, jig heads, bucktail jigs, and twitchbaits all have their applications.

Of course, there’s also the fishing gear to take into consideration. A medium-heavy rod paired with a 4000 spinning reel will serve you well in most situations. Spool it with 20–30 lb braided line and fluorocarbon leader since Snook have good eyesight. Use circle hooks – size 3/0 and up – depending on the size of fish you’re going for.

Snook: Florida’s Inshore Superstar

A man in sunglasses and a hat crouching on a boat and holding a big Snook he caught fishing near Naples, Florida, with mangroves in the background.

When you look at it, it’s so easy to understand why Snook are so beloved. They’re beautiful, strong, readily available, and they even taste delicious. So if you haven’t had your shot at wrestling them yet, now’s the time to plan a trip. Just find a guide you like and you’ll soon have your own sideliner story to brag about!

What’s your favorite season to fish for Snook in Florida? Where do you think the best fishing is? Hit the comments below and let us know!

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