Snook
|
Scientific
Name |
Centropomus
Undecimalis |
| |
| Other
Names |
Sergeant
Fish |
| |
| World
Record |
53lb
100z Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica |
| |
Description
Snook have a long, concave snout and
a lower jaw that juts out beyond the
upper jaw. The large mouth is filled
with brush-like teeth. Although snook
feed primarily on other fish, their
carnivorous diet also includes shrimp,
crabs, and a variety of other organisms.
Snook lie in wait while currents funnel
the food to their vicinity, and then
they ambush their prey with lightning
quickness. Snook is a streamlined,
extremely powerful fish. It is silvery
green, and a distinctive black lateral
line runs from the top of its gills
to the end of its tail. The fins are
sometimes a bright canary yellow.
Habitat
While snook are occasionally
reported on reefs offshore they are
usually an inshore fish, and they like fast-moving tides and
tend to "roam the shores"
of inlets and estuaries. Snook may
be found in salt or fresh water, and
are tolerant of wide ranges of salinity.
They have a strong preference for
mangrove shorelines and swamps and
are known to be very habitat-dependent.
Snook are object-oriented as well,
and are ambushing predators. They
tend to be found near piers, docks,
submerged cover, or other features,
which allow concealment from prey.
Feeding Habits
Snook are carnivores and
their prey is mainly a wide range
of species of fish, crabs, and shrimp.
Pinfish, Pigfish, Croakers, sardines,
finger mullet, and other inshore fish.
Age and Growth
Common snook are fairly long-lived
and fast-growing fish, females might
live 20 years and can grow up to a
length of 48 inches. Males live around
15 years and can reach 39 inches.
Tackle and Methods
People have their own preferences
to artificial baits, and snook can
be taken on a wide range, from top
waters, spoons, grubs, jigs, and other
lures. Snook have strong jaws, and
are capable of breaking artificial
lures made of balsa and even plastic
on occasion. Snook are most fun like
most fish if fished for on balanced
tackle. Small to mid size snook provide
great sport on light bait caster outfits
and fly outfits.
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