Snook are the most sought after gamefish in Florida and they are found in abundance in the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park. The mangrove estuaries of Southwest Florida provide an ideal habitat for snook them to thrive. Naples, Marco Island, Goodland, and Everglades City all have access points to major snook haunts. They are targeted year round in with fly or light tackle.

Snook make excellent fly targets. Due to their preference to ambush prey, the majority of fly fishing for snook is done by casting along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars in the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park. Accurate casts under and around the mangrove islands are a must. In shallow water, they are found lying motionless which makes a well placed fly the ideal bait for this situation.

Catching snook with artificials is a true test of angling ability. They are aggressive feeders that will smash a noisy topwater lure worked around the mangroves. Jigs are the most productive artificial with bucktails or soft plastics both taking their share of snook in Southwest Florida. Plugs and spoons also work well along the mangrove shorelines for snook.

Live bait fishing for snook with minnows or shrimp can be outstanding. If catching snook in numbers is the main objective, then live bait is the way to go. Scaled sardines, thread herring, and mullet are plentiful and are at the top of the list on the snook menu. Live baiting is a great way to maximize the action on the boat and when carrying kids along, it is my preferred way to target snook. The type of tackle I prefer for snook fishing is 6 ½ to 7 foot, medium action rods with reels lined with 8-15 pound test braided line. A 3 foot section of 40 pound fluorocarbon leader would finish off the setup.