Juvenile Snook (Catch & Release Story)

Here's the full breakdown of how I hooked and safely released a juvenile Snook using a free-lined live shrimp. This page covers the exact gear, rig, and the subtle presentation that got the bite, plus the video so you can see the entire fight.

Video

Video best video on a mobile device.

Exact Gear I Used

Rod
7'0" Falcon Coastal Clear Water - Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Moderate Fast
Reel
Penn Slammer III 3500
Main Line
Sufix 832, 30 lb white braid
Leader
30 lb monofilament (2-3 ft)
Hook
#2 Owner Mutu Light circle hook
Bait
Live shrimp free-lined (no weight)

Rig & Presentation

  1. Free-line: Tie braid to mono leader (FG or double-uni), then leader to the #2 Mutu Light. No weight.
  2. Hook the shrimp: Horn-hook just ahead of the dark spot between the eyes for a natural swim.
  3. Culvert Drifting: Used the current from the water to drift into a culvert where Snook like to hide out to ambush food that get pushed in on a semi-slack line.
  4. Set & fight: With a circle hook, just wind and lift. Keep steady pressure and angle the rod to steer the fish away from snags.

The Moment

I eased the shrimp into a culvert using the current for drifting to where the Snook were at inside. I wasn't sure at first what I had on however I had thought it was a maybe a small tarpon while in the hype moment. As for the Slammer III's drag was smooth; I kept the rod low and applied side pressure. After a short but stubborn run, the juvenile snook surfaced. As for the hook set was pretty good managed to capture it all with the Meta Glasses with the releasing of the Snook.

Quick Tips

  • Quiet entries: Snook live tight to cover. Land the shrimp softly and let it swim.
  • Check leader: Check for abrasion after every fish or rub against structure; retie if rough.
  • Tide windows: Best action around moving water beginning or end of tide when bait drifts naturally.

Ethics & Regulations

Snook are a Regulated Fish. Treat them as catch and release only: Make sure you've a saltwater license includes keeping of a Snook if they're in season and are legal size, keep the fish in the water if possible, use circle hooks, minimize handling time, in case the snook isn't in season and legal size and support the body horizontally. Always verify current local regulations before targeting or handling this species.

  • Keep the fish in the water when possible; minimize air exposure.
  • Use circle hooks and support the body horizontally.
  • Minimize handling time; have pliers and camera ready.

Always verify current local regulations before targeting or handling this species.