Snook are one of the most popular fish to catch in Florida. They are fast and strong fighters, they aggressively strike lures and if you are lucky enough to catch one that is in the slot, they are DELICIOUS! Catching a snook from a kayak is extremely fun, here are a few tips:
Go Where the Fish Are
This seems like the most obvious of the tips, and it is, but some have a hard time finding snook.
Snook are warm water fish. They are found year round in the southern parts of Florida and in the warmer months in the central part of the state.
Snook relate to cover, and the single best place to find them is mangrove shorelines. Mangrove shorelines that are 2′ and close to deeper water will almost always have a snook on the prowl.
Maximize Kayak Stealth
One advantage kayak fishing has over other types of fishing is stealth. Kayaks are low profile and quiet. Maximizing these qualities will lead to more fish.
When approaching areas that may hold snook be sure to stay seated and keep as low of a profile as possible. The shadow cast by a standing angler can travel very far under water and spook a potential trophy fish.
Anything thing to consider is sound. Sound travels fast and far in water, so keeping the noise level down is important. Avoid banging paddles, rods and other items on the kayak, that sound will spook a fish very quickly! Also keep the paddling motion smooth and slow, avoid splashing the water unnecessarily.
Make Them an Offer They Cant Refuse
Snook like to hide under the mangrove overhangs and ambush prey as it swims by. Making a presentation that mimics prey swimming by will lead to a violent strike!
Cast parallel to the mangroves as close to the shore line as possible. Using a slow, but steady retrieve, bring the lure in with a random jerk on the rod to simulate an injured bait fish or a fleeing shrimp.
Lures that work well include top water plugs, curl tail soft plastics, paddle tail soft plastics and shrimp imitations.
Use the Kayak to Help Fight the Snook
Once hooked it is time to use the kayak as a tool to fight the Snook. Most snook will initially run for cover, to prevent them from getting tangled up in the cover, turn the kayak perpendicular to the fish and use as much power as the equipment being used will allow to bring the fish away from danger.
Once in the open water, a kayak can be pulled rather easily by a large snook. Allowing the fish to pull the weight of the kayak will wear them out quickly, allowing for a shorter fight and quick catch and release for non-slot snook!
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