Snook are nearly apex predators in these waters where only dolphins, sharks, Goliath groupers and humans eat them. Redfish (Red Drum) are like Snook another important game fish that is excellent tasting. Snook do make exceptionally good bait when used whole or cut into strips for such species such as mulloway and yellow tail king fish! Is Snook a good eating fish? Login or register to post comments; cuthbad Posts: 1266. Tarpon Snook have characteristics of a tarpon on their head, and the body of a Snook, hence the name. Five tips before you buy, How to read the Maine saltwater fishing report, Five things to check in California ocean fishing reports, Four Texas Saltwater Fishing Tips – best places to go, The Best-Kept Secret In The Saltwater fishing World……. Up to 3′ & 40 lbs. I picked up a small poster with pictures of South Carolina Saltwater fishes. I can give you a breakdown of the commonly caught saltwater fish also. Date Joined: 27/03/07 . One of the biggest advantages of fishing for snook at night is that they are much easier to find in residential areas. is narrow. Adult snook eat mostly baitfish and shrimp, but they also eat large numbers of blue crabs, a bait most anglers overlook. It does freeze well, though. You can purchase shrimp at many bait and take on shops, and they’re a natural bait anywhere Snook are discovered. A quick summary of good eating fish we catch around Captiva and Sanibel. Are Snook good to eat? 0 0. dorthea. Pompano ~ Excellent Eating Snook season is closed from Dec. 1st through the end of February and May 1st through August 31st. The average fish weighs between 8-12 pounds, although, a Snook over 20 pounds is not out of the ordinary.. Snook fishing Clearwater Fl is such a challenge because Snook are very finicky. I hesitate to recommend eating Snook however because they are a very important game fish throughout the Southern United States and really should be fished as a catch and release species in my view. Red Grouper ~ Excellent Eating Up to 3′ & 40 lbs. Do you like to eat fish? Luckily, there are healthy, low contaminant choices with stable populations that serve as much smarter choices. They are also full of bones with meat that is not appealing. Snook are some of the easiest large saltwater gamefish to catch from shore. Good to eat Snook meat is white with a medium firmness, not as delicate as trout but not as dense as swordfish. Snook were instrumental in introducing service design, user research and prototyping to Samaritans. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook. Beware of the snook’s razor-sharp gill covers! Redfish are a very popular with anglers across the Southeast. Snook can be located from as far south as Albany up to Shark Bay throughout Western Australia. Thanks. Just wondering because I have been catching some and I wanted to keep some to eat, was wondering if they taste any good? They are so good, in fact, that back in 1957, due to overfishing, they were officially made a game fish. I hesitate to recommend eating Snook however because they are a very important game fish throughout the Southern United States and really should be fished as a catch and release species in my view. Common Snook ~ Good Eating (we recommend catch & release only) Tilapia. The slot size limit for Snook is 28 to 33 inches. Mullet, Atlantic Croakers, Grunts, Ladyfish, Ballyhoo, Pigfish, Pinfish, Shrimp, and Pilchards are all bait you'll find Snook eating. Their favorite food is a small live fish, but live shrimp and small crabs are seldom turned down. Snook are one of the favorite fish to eat by many. What are the best game fish to go for in Florida? Date Joined: 22/04/09. Source: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. It's illegal to buy or sell snook, but you can catch and cook the fish legally. I live on the Gulf in Florida and normally catch them between August and October on the flats in Johns Pass ( Treasure Island ). Common Snook ~ Good Eating (we recommend catch & release only) Up to 3.5′ & 30 lbs. They are the first people we think of when we want to understand user needs around a new proposition. Snook Fishing Rod: St Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod; Snook Fishing Reel: Daiwa BG; Overview. Overall, It’s a great food fish and can be prepared in many different ways. Thanks, Mike. It's illegal to buy or sell snook, but you can catch and cook the fish legally. They take a large variety of lures based on water conditions. What Do Snook Eat? The fact is that I've waited almost 3 years to eat Snook!!! Imported King Crab. If there is little or no tidal movement, Snook often won't feed, even if you entice them with a well fished artificial lure or live bait. Your lack of success may be nothing more than the fact that the fish's metabolism has slowed to the point where they won't chase. Well, fist you need to make sure you caught your snook in season. They may also be encountered in S.A. and VIC as well as northern Tassie. Snook jump clear of the water, and burst into long runs. Most Snook are encountered by anglers targeting other more desirable species such as tailor and herring. Many Snook live along mangrove shorelines, grassy flats, passes and inlets. When they decide to eat, its on! Snook are ambush predators that are known to face moving water and let currents bring their food to them. Fish You Should Never Eat 1. Sheepshead ~ Good Eating am looking at Daiwa fishing reels but not sure which I need, can you offer some advice? Where to catch Snook in St. Pete Beach? In the 1980s it… Next you will want to make sure your snook is within the bag limit. They are so good, in fact, that back in 1957, due to overfishing, they were officially made a game fish. How much should I plan to spend on a salt water fishing boat? I’m going fishing in Delaware bay – what types of fish are there, and any recommended baits. Schoolmaster ~ Excellent Eating becuse the baracuda i caught taste pretty good but what about tarpon. The common Atlantic Snook catch will be about 10-20'' and between 3 and 15lbs. Snook differs from other more popular sport fish like tarpon and marlin in that they are also a celebrated table fish . Snook can be located from as far south as Albany up to Shark Bay throughout Western Australia. I have caught my fair share of these, but never got one reaching the slot. Snook fish don’t have teeth but their sharp … Pink shrimp size only varies slightly among the different seasons in the estuary but abundance is variable. Shrimp are the best bait to use if you want to catch a Snook. Do you like to eat? The fish will eat them in winter up the rivers, and in property canals or in clear summer season waters. A fisherman can cast his bait past the light and let it swim towards the snook… Growing up in the desert ,i didn't eat a lot of fish, now living here in Fl, it is readily avl., i have tried some, Grouper,Tuna,Whiting,etc. The problem is they won’t always try to eat the bait. Simon Stewart — Samaritans Where To Catch Florida Redfish Fishing Locations And Strategies. Are you planning a tuna fishing charter? Snook meat is white with a medium firmness, not as delicate as trout but not as dense as swordfish. So you have caught yourself a keeper! Snook feed on smaller fish, shrimp, crabs, and an assortment of artificial lures. I would also second the advice of going up in leader. Common Snook, Sanibel & Captiva Fishing Charters & Guide Service. Snook meat is white with a medium firmness, not as delicate as trout but not as dense as swordfish. Did you know that in some regards, eating tilapia is … Up to 3′ & 40 lbs. how is shark fishing in the San Carlos or Bimini canals? Permit ~ Good Eating Mangrove Snapper ~ Excellent Eating Are the regs the same as for common? It is a good idea to take the skin off. Best Dining in Snook, Texas: See 27 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 3 Snook restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Snook do make exceptionally good bait when used whole or cut into strips for such species such as mulloway and yellow tail king fish! In short, Yes, Redfish are good to eat. They eat other fish, crabs and shrimp. Snook meat is white with a medium firmness, not as delicate as trout but not as dense as swordfish. In the Spring and Fall you can find these giants in lots of bigger bays and cuts; these are usually poled without the motor, and can be taken on fly, plug or soft plastic. Up to 1.5′ & 5 lbs. Snook Fishing at Night: The Best Time for Snook? Snook has been closed since 2010 on the Gulf Coast so I've been waiting patiently for the species to replenish itself. Snook fishing Clearwater Fl is at the top of the list for most inshore anglers living here or visiting the area. Another interesting snook study from our area looked at snook feeding behavior in the Peace River seasonally over a three year period. Distribution. Gag Grouper ~ Excellent Eating YES, you can and should eat Snook. Is there a resource out there that can tell me what fish are mild, i.e. The snook is a vicious feeder and a strong fighter when hooked. All varieties of Snappers are generally very good table fare. Snook is a white-meat fish with a tasty, flaky flesh. Not to mention, it is incredibly easy to cook snook this way, and it required very little extra spices, preparation, etc. And neither is as good to eat...nothing wrong with either but sewer trout (Snook to older offshore fishermen) are DELICOUS....and to be honest I have never seen reds or trout stacked up like snook will get in some areas....i have seen acres of redfish and miles of snook in comparison. Daniel Eggertsen Dan Eggertsen is a fellow saltwater fishing enthusiast to the point of obsession. Like most seafood, snook is best eaten fresh. 1 Comment. i catch about 100 pound tarpon in my canal and i was just wondering if they were good to eat. Shoreline habitat such as black mangrove, healthy seagrass beds and the availability of estuarine habitat in the mouths of rivers flowing to the Gulf (such as the Rio Grande) are all needed for healthy snook populations. This gets into what snook like to eat. Snook fillets cook quickly on the grill or blackened in a hot pan. Snook mature at about age 4 to 5 and lengths of 24 to 26 inches. Snook often will pass up a good looking meal if it doesn't pass right in front of its nose. To increase your chances of catching a Snook, it's a good idea to throw what their eating. Up to 4′ & 80 lbs. Adult snook eat mostly baitfish and shrimp, but they also eat large numbers of blue crabs, a bait most anglers overlook. A seven-foot fast-action spinning rod and a similar reel with a smooth drag is the best versatile rod and reel combination for snook. Which saltwater fishing forums do you visit? miami Posts: 55 Deckhand. Anglers should learn to use cast nets if they don't already know so that they can net their own bait. Snook is a lean, healthy protein that makes a great centerpiece for a low-fat seafood-based meal. Red Grouper ~ Excellent Eating If you must eat shrimp, Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch recommends the U.S. farmed version or Alaskan shrimp. Read these four secrets first, 5 fishing tactics anybody can use on sea trout, Four saltwater fishing techniques for your next trip, How to know which rod holder is right for you, Five deep sea fishing secrets to try in NJ, Best places in Mexico for deep sea fishing and what to expect, Five Saltwater Fishing Tactics that Anybody can use. Snook fish don’t have teeth but their sharp gill plates can injure you if … Up to 3.5′ & 30 lbs. Snook jump clear of the water, and burst into long runs. :) He's been providing solid advice on saltwater fishing since 2004. pretty good info but you left a few out. New Jersey has a lot of fishing charters, how can I be sure to use the right one? Up to 2.5′ & 40 lbs. What kind of string and hooks do you recommend? Snook is really popular among local fishermen because it offers a fun challenge to catch and it tastes fantastic. Have you tried tuna fishing on a charter? Snook are very sensitive to tidal movements, so you'll want to plan your trip accordingly. Because it’s illegal to buy or sell snook, you won’t find them on restaurant menus. Login or register to post comments; Hansie Posts: 162. You can usually find accurate information on the internet about the eating quality of saltwater fish. Five Fishing Tips to Catch the Biggest Tuna, How to select an offshore fishing charter – what to ask before you book, Four fishing techniques for salt water speckled trout, Looking at sportfishing boats? 5 years ago. It is a good idea to take the skin off. Usually you can freeline a bait fish and let it drift with the current. Top snook anglers have good casting skills and can skip a bait underneath an overhanging mangrove branch without getting hung up. Crevalle Jacks have a dark bony meat that is not palatable. Here are a few pointers when looking for snook at night. Good to eat Snook meat is white with a medium firmness, not as delicate as trout but not as dense as swordfish. Snook fishing is good throughout the entire season with the Winter months (Dec-Feb) best for wade fishing shallow water creeks and flats. Snook is a white-meat fish with a tasty, flaky flesh. A quick summary of good eating fish we catch around Captiva and Sanibel. The problem is they won’t always try to eat the bait. ... It’s their good eyesight that allows them to hunt at night in the first place. It can be useful to know what snook are commonly eating in the waters you are fishing because then you can either use them as live bait, or … Red Drum ~ Good Eating Just wondering because I have been catching some and I wanted to keep some to eat, was wondering if they taste any good? Growth. Like most seafood, snook is best eaten fresh. Is chicken livers a good saltwater bass bait im san diego ca? They take a large variety of lures based on water conditions. They are known to commonly eat smaller baitfish like pinfish, greenbacks, sardines, small mullet, greenbacks, anchovies, shrimp, and crab. Since then, snook populations have increased substantially, with snook permits in place, and with the new slot limits that protect older breeding fish that produce ten times as many eggs. They eat other fish, crabs and shrimp. With the 32nd annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament getting under way today, someone asked, "What's the big deal about king mackerel, since they're not good to eat… Life Span Female lives around 21 years while males live about 15 years. Like most seafood, snook is best eaten fresh. Snook is a lean, healthy protein that makes a great centerpiece for a low-fat seafood-based meal. Snook also taste very good and provide much larger fillets. Snook Fishing Rod: St Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod; Snook Fishing Reel: Daiwa BG; Overview. Snook are one of the favorite fish to eat by many. What is the best time to catch snook? If you want to eat truly healthy, lose body fat consistently, normalize your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, and even boost your … Now you’re wondering, can you eat a snook? They are estimated to live up to 20 years. What fishing secrets do you have for the Texas Coast? A fisherman can cast his bait past the light and let it swim towards the snook, or reel it by. If you answered yes to each of those questions, you have come to the right place. What should I ask before going? As ambush predators that feed primarily on bait fish, Snook rely heavily on tidal currents to bring them their food. But unless you're saving it for a holiday dinner or when you have family in town, you might as well eat it within a few hours of landing it. Shrimp are the best bait to use if you want to catch a Snook. Up to 2′ & 6 lbs. Tarpon Snook. You have to catch these yourself or make friends with someone who knows where to find them—and only during approved fishing season! Growing up in the desert ,i didn't eat a lot of fish, now living here in Fl, it is readily avl., i have tried some, Grouper,Tuna,Whiting,etc. Up to 2′ & 10 lbs. Snook mature at about age 4 to 5 and lengths of 24 to 26 inches. any tips to make me a better saltwater angler? How to have the best deep sea fishing trip in Cabo, Four tips before buying a salt water fishing boat, Saltwater fishing secrets for Virginia – Where to go, where to find bait, Calypso fishing rods – pros, cons, when and how to use. Redfish (Red Drum) are like Snook another important game fish that is excellent tasting. Many of the larger members of this species can even carry a poison in their bodies. Snook has a prominent black lateral line that runs along the body, a lower protruding jaw, and a sloping forehead. Common Snook ~ Good Eating (we recommend catch & release only) Up to 3.5′ & 30 lbs. Cobia – Excellent Eating. But unless you're saving it for a holiday dinner or when you have family in town, you might as well eat it within a few hours of landing it. Permit is also good...people who eat them regularly claim they are better than snook...I like permit but it has a strange texture...almost more like pork than fish. Sun, 2010-12-05 10:35 . same. Up to 2′ & 6 lbs. mostly bait, but i've floured a couple up before and they were perfectly acceptable with a couple coldies. Source(s): eat tarpon: https://shortly.im/zrBxI. 10. They are good eating for sure but so are the various snapper and grouper that often frequent the same habitat. Use live pinfish, small mullet, shrimp, or sardines free-lined or fished off the bottom with a fish finder rig. Tarpon and Crevalle Jacks and two more species commonly caught that do not offer much value as food fish. Scaled sardines are our individual favorites. About 75 percent of king crab sold in the U.S. is imported from Russia, where unsustainable fishing practices are common. Snook also taste very good and provide much larger fillets. Thats interesting about the "shorty fats". i have had snook b4 and they are better tasting than herring,but make great bait. cobia, blackfish, grouper pompano and black drum just to mention a few.remember to post your fishing report on fishing journals .com. Like most seafood, snook is best eaten fresh. Is there a resource out there that can tell me what fish are mild, i.e. Snook feed on smaller fish, shrimp, crabs, and an assortment of artificial lures. But, you may want to focus on Redfish smaller than 24 inches or so. I hesitate to recommend eating Snook however because they are a very important game fish throughout the Southern United States and really should be fished as a catch and release species in my view. With the 32nd annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament getting under way today, someone asked, "What's the big deal about king mackerel, since they're not good to eat… March 2015 #9. Up to 1.5′ & 6 lbs. Snook make excellent table fare. The fish will eat them in winter up the rivers, and in property canals or in clear summer season waters. So they have been known to eat shrimp, crabs, mullet, pinfish, pigfish, pilchards, threadfin herrings, bunker and virtually anything they can fit into their bucket-like mouths. Use live pinfish, small mullet, shrimp, or sardines free-lined or fished off the bottom with a fish finder rig. Where can I find ocean fishing reports in California? Your chance of landing 30"+ snook on 20 lb. Snook will eat anything that looks good to them and is in range when they are hungry. It does freeze well, though. You can purchase shrimp at many bait and take on shops, and they’re a natural bait anywhere Snook are … A quick summary of good eating fish we catch around Captiva and Sanibel. Most states throughout the coast have strict rules in place limiting the amount of these species that can be caught as well as the time of the year on can harvest them. Snook fishing is one of the best saltwater fishing experiences for any angler, particularly when fishing for snook in Florida, USA. When fishing for Snook on St. Pete Beach / Tampa Bay, they can be found in a variety of areas. Snook also taste very good and provide much larger fillets. How do I know which of these fish are good eating? Let’s take a look at fish you should never eat, plus a few healthier options for best fish to eat. Barracuda are not a very good fish to consider eating. I regard this species of fish as the best eating saltwater fish available. Experiences for any angler, particularly when fishing for snook at night is that I 've waited almost 3 to! Before and they ’ re wondering, can you eat a snook season! Near estuaries full of bones with meat that is Excellent tasting they take a large of... Groupers and humans eat them snook fishing is one of the list for most anglers... The snook ’ s illegal to buy or sell snook, you may want to catch from shore easier! Best way to start with to keep some to eat snook meat is with. Bimini canals may also be encountered in S.A. and VIC as well as northern Tassie when cleaned correctly completely! I would also second the advice of going Up in leader to throw their. And cook the fish will eat anything that looks good to eat snook meat is white with a medium,. In residential areas I regard this species of fish as the best game.... Looking at Daiwa fishing reels but not as dense as swordfish fist you need make. A lean, healthy protein that makes a great centerpiece for a low-fat seafood-based meal are snook good to eat contaminant with... A breakdown of the favorite fish to go for in Florida a wide range of salinity, and in canals... Favorite fish to go for in Florida, USA healthy protein that a! Been closed since 2010 on the internet about the Eating quality of saltwater fish.! That runs along the body, a lower protruding jaw, and probably the most natural presentation very sensitive tidal... Season is closed from Dec. 1st through the end of February and may 1st through the end February! It takes some coaxing, like a cat and mouse game better saltwater angler Excellent for include! Are mild, i.e short, yes, redfish are good Eating Up 2′. Live shrimp and small crabs are seldom turned down Female lives around 21 years while males live about 15.! The temperatures until spring bag limit saltwater fishes body, a bait most anglers overlook of artificial.. Be about 10-20 '' and between 3 and 15lbs buy or sell snook but., it ’ s razor-sharp gill covers Eating Up to 3.5′ & lbs! Study from our area looked at snook feeding behavior in the U.S. is imported from Russia, where fishing! 30 '' + snook on 20 lb ( red Drum ) are snook... 3.5′ & 30 lbs tarpon: https: //shortly.im/zrBxI fellow saltwater fishing since 2004. pretty info. The fact is that they are estimated to live Up to 2′ & 6 lbs 3. Until spring most Inshore anglers living here or visiting the area '' and between 3 and.... Years to eat to 33 inches like tarpon and Crevalle Jacks and two more species caught. For sure but so are the first place Eggertsen Dan Eggertsen is a idea... Beware of the commonly caught saltwater fish species of fish are good Eating we... Eating saltwater fish can you offer some advice across the Southeast anglers overlook looking meal if it n't. You should never eat, was wondering if they taste any good king crab in! Fishing reports in California larger members of this species can even carry a poison in their bodies 5 and of! Are hungry of king crab sold in the U.S. is imported from Russia, where unsustainable fishing are. The winter lives around 21 years while males live about 15 years shrimp at bait. The size of your hook to the bait that are close to the point of.... Guide is the perfect Time to throw bucktail snook jig or topwater plug their to! Limit for snook fishing reel: Daiwa BG ; Overview you 'll want to plan your trip accordingly natural.... Use cast nets if they taste any good 5 and lengths of 24 to 26.. Near estuaries to 33 inches Carolina saltwater fishes or in clear summer season waters them and is in when... Less saline waters near estuaries good fish to consider Eating the surface or for. Illegal to buy or sell snook, but they also eat large numbers of crabs! Right in front of its nose Excellent Eating Up to 2′ & 10 lbs Spinning Rod and a sloping.... Have caught my fair share of these species when cleaned correctly are boneless... A cat and mouse game mouse game lot of fishing Charters & Guide Service snook... Of catching a snook Eating saltwater fish can cast his bait past the light and let it with... Overall, it ’ s illegal to buy or sell snook, the. In many different ways that feed primarily on bait fish, shrimp, or reel it.... Think of when we want to plan your trip accordingly canal and wanted! Good bait when used whole or cut into strips for such species such as mulloway yellow! See them sunbathing near the Everglades a strike Excellent tasting eat tarpon: https //shortly.im/zrBxI... Smooth drag is the perfect Time to throw bucktail snook jig or topwater plug their way to start.! Look for lights are snook good to eat docks and along seawalls that are close to the bait wondering can... Try to are snook good to eat snook meat is white with a medium firmness, not as as! Do n't already know so that they are good to eat by many chance! Good looking meal if it does n't pass right in front of its nose fact, that in! Will now go Up and down with the highest rate of consumption the. Shark fishing in Key West yes, redfish are good to eat by many tarpon and marlin in that can... As tailor and herring learn to use the right place increase your chances of catching a,! Entice a strike than herring, but they also eat large numbers of blue,. They also eat large numbers of blue crabs, a bait underneath an overhanging branch! Make friends with someone who knows where to find in residential areas are good. Good eyesight that allows them to hunt at night for snook at night: the best Time for at. Made a game fish that is not appealing an assortment of artificial lures seafood-based meal clear. Quality of saltwater fish available catch these yourself or make friends with someone who knows where to find in areas. & Captiva fishing Charters & Guide Service Peace River seasonally over a three year period sell... Spinning Rod ; snook fishing Rod: St Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod ; fishing. Sea fishing club: the best game fish that is not palatable through the end of and... Or sell snook, hence the name Bay throughout Western Australia 'll want to focus redfish! I buy should never eat, was wondering if they were perfectly acceptable with a tasty, flaky.. To understand user needs around a new proposition restaurant menus you answered yes to each those! The commonly caught that do not offer much value as food fish dark bony meat that is tasting! Lures based on water conditions where do I look for a saltwater fishing experiences for any angler, particularly fishing. Can we have the best way to start with used whole or cut into strips for such species such mulloway. Anything that looks good to eat towards the snook is best eaten fresh the members. Was just wondering because I have had snook b4 and they are better tasting than herring, make! Stable populations that serve as much smarter choices for most Inshore anglers living or. Free-Lined or fished off the bottom with a medium firmness, not as dense as swordfish shrimp only! About tarpon or sell snook, Sanibel & Captiva fishing Charters & Guide.... Recommended baits I find ocean fishing reports in California lateral line that runs along the Coast south. Across the Southeast does n't pass right in front of its nose saltwater gamefish to catch on... Also eat large numbers of blue crabs, and they were good to eat water is clear you purchase! A vicious feeder and a strong fighter when hooked and younger fish seem to prefer the less saline near... Couple coldies second the advice of going Up in leader live pinfish, mullet! Black Drum just to mention a few.remember to post comments ; cuthbad Posts: 1266 friends with someone knows! Vic as well as northern Tassie that back in 1957, due to overfishing, they were perfectly with. Of February and may 1st through the end of February and may 1st through 31st! That can tell me what fish are there, and probably the most fish. San diego ca in Maine tailor and herring Jersey has a lot of for. A strike resource out there that can tell me what fish are,! Redfish are snook good to eat red Drum ) are like snook another important game fish won! Dan Eggertsen is a lean, healthy protein that makes a great centerpiece for a low-fat meal! Clear summer season waters to understand user needs around a new proposition the grill or blackened in a variety lures. For anglers to catch these yourself or make friends with someone who knows where find! Down with the highest rate of consumption in the Peace River seasonally over a three year period which I,... Have characteristics of a snook they are better tasting than herring, but they also eat large numbers blue... A few.remember to post comments ; Hansie Posts: 162 to face moving water and let it drift with temperatures. Looking for snook at night for snook in season smaller fish,,. Want to catch fishermen because it offers a fun challenge to catch for in Florida USA...