Oh, that Yummy Snook!

There is no better rush to a Florida fisherman or fisherwoman, than the sound of a big ol snook pounding your bait and launching themselves out of the water and in Indian River County it is our theme song! This prized game fish can be found in the inshore waters of the Indian River Lagoon and Sebastian Inlet, and catching one is considered a badge of honor among anglers. However, it is important to follow certain regulations and best practices to ensure the sustainability of the Snook population and maintain the health of the ecosystem. In this blog post, we will discuss some fishing tips and regulations for Snook in Indian River County, Florida.

Fishing Tips:

1. Know the Habitat: Snook are a type of inshore fish, meaning they prefer shallow waters such as mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats. The Indian River Lagoon provides an abundance of snooky habitat to find these guys.  They are also found around structures such as bridges, docks, and piers. Understanding their preferred habitat can help you locate them more easily.
2. Use Live Bait: Snook are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything that crosses their path. However, they prefer live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, and mullet. Live bait can be more effective than artificial lures, especially if the fish are not actively feeding. While they are voracious when they choose to be, they are elusive.
3. Fish during Tidal Changes: Snook are more active during tidal changes, especially during the incoming tide. During this time, baitfish are pushed into the inlets and estuaries, which attracts Snook. Fishing during these times can increase your chances of catching one. Night and just before dawn have been especially productive for me this year.
4. Use Light Tackle: Snook are known for their hard-fighting nature, and using light tackle can make the fight even more thrilling. However, it is important to use the appropriate gear for the size of the fish you are targeting. Light tackle can also help you cast more accurately and cover more ground.

Fishing Regulations:

1. Size Limit: In Indian River County, Snook must be between 28 and 32 inches in total length to be harvested. Fish outside of this range must be released immediately.
2. Bag Limit: The bag limit for Snook in Indian River County is one fish per person per day. It is illegal to possess more than one Snook at any time.
3. Closed Season: There is a closed season for Snook in Indian River County from May 1 to August 31 and from December 15 to January 31. During this time, it is illegal to harvest or possess Snook.
4. Gear Restrictions: In Indian River County, Snook can only be caught using hook and line gear. The use of spears, gigs, snatch hooks, or any other similar gear is prohibited.

It is important to follow these regulations to ensure the sustainability of the Snook population and maintain the health of the ecosystem. Violating these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and the loss of your fishing license.

In conclusion, fishing for Snook in Indian River County can be a thrilling experience for anglers, but it is important to follow certain regulations and best practices. By understanding their habitat, using the appropriate gear, and following the regulations, you can increase your chances of catching one while also helping to protect this important game fish.