Photo: Bob Care - Florida Keys NMS / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Centropomus undecimalis
Common Snook
Brackish
About this species
A sleek, ambush predator of tropical American estuaries, instantly recognized by its black lateral line. It stacks up around mangroves, docks and passes, exploding on bait in current. Live baitfish and twitchbaits worked along structure at night are deadly.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 5 m
Habitat Spots
EstuaryNearshoreRiver
Fishing Methods
LureBaitFloat
Bait & Rig
Live pilchards, pinfish, or white bait and soft-plastic jerkbaits worked along mangrove edges and under dock lights at night.
Edibility & Taste
Outstanding mild, flaky white flesh; considered among the finest-tasting inshore fish in Florida and Central America.
Similar Species
A bold black lateral line running from the head to the tail tip and a concave forehead profile instantly identify snook among estuarine species.
Record Weight
24.3 kg