Surf Snook Fishing: Tips & Techniques for Catching Snook in the Surf

Question
Hi , Im a South Texan Surf fisherman . I've been catching very nice reds in the surf and although I know big schools of snook swim in our beaches I have never caught one in the surf.  Is there a special rig o way to catch big snook in the surf? Thanks

Horacio

Answer
Hi Horacio,

Yes, there are plenty of snook in the surf.  They usually swim in the sloughs which are the deeper areas between sandbars that run parallel to the shoreline.  Which gives us one very important clue: fish the sloughs by wading out and cast along the slough, parallel to the beach, and your bait will remain longer in the feeding area than if you cast straight out as most people do.  If your bait is live such as small fishes or shrimp, use a fish finder rig which has the weight above the bait in such a way that the bait can run free.  If you use artificials, try plastic worms colored like the fish around where you fish; usually dark tops and light-colored bellies work.  If you fish plugs, try either floating ones colored as above, ones that make a lot of noise in the water.  Or you can use those that swim  under the surface.  They all work.  Pick a tide that is moving well, either the incoming or top of the ebb.  Good luck.  Boris Arnov (see my book FISH FLORIDA: SALTWATER for more info)