Snook

Snook are interesting fish for a couple of reasons. They are considered protandric hermaphrodites which means that they start their lives out as males, and transition into females after they mature. This also means that smaller snook are generally male, while the larger ones tend to be females. Other names that snook go by include robalo and sergeant fish.

Unique Characteristics of the Snook

There are a variety of snook species. The common snook are generally the largest of the species. These fish can grow to a length as large as 4.6ft but the average is closer to 1.6ft. The record for the biggest snook was 44 lbs, 3 oz in Ft. Myers, Florida. Visual characteristics include a very noticeable black lateral line, and sometimes bright yellow pelvic and caudal fins.

Feeding Patterns of the Snook

Snook are known as unique challenges when it comes to Key West fishing because they are particularly smart when compared to other fish in the area. They are energetic and and strike forcefully when feeding. They are also hard to catch because they are hard to fool when it comes to bait. Even the best bait is sometimes unconvincing in the eyes of a snook. Snook are carnivorous and tend to eat fish that are smaller than they are. They also eating enjoy crab, shrimp, and other smaller crustaceans.

How To Find Snook

Snook can be found in tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They are most often found in shallow, clean water, but they can reach depths as deep as 65ft. They are also often found near structures and mangrove lagoons in the water. If you're Key West fishing, you can sometimes find them near structures in the Gulf. Big snook are easily found near the Marquesas Keys because there isn't much boat traffic in the channels there, and because of the significant amount of freshwater appearing in the summer due to rainfall.