Snook are warm-water ambush predators on the northern edge of their range in NE FL. When water stays above 70°F (May through October), find them tight to mangrove edges, dock pilings under lights, jetty rocks at Mayport and St. Augustine, and the drop-offs in the lower SJR. They hold to structure and explode out to crush bait. December through March they're scarce here — gone south or in deep thermal refuge.
Long silvery body with a distinctive black lateral line running tail to gill plate. Can hit 30+ inches in NE FL. Florida Atlantic slot is 28 to 32 inches, season is March-April and September-November, daily bag of 1. Cold-sensitive — anything below 60°F kills them, so the local population is fragile and worth handling carefully.
Peak in 904 water is May through October when temps stay above 75°F. May-June the post-spawn fish are aggressive on the inlets. July-August the heat pushes them to dock-light feeding overnight. September-October is your best shot at trophies during the fall feed-up. November cools fast — cold fronts can shut them down for days. December through March: largely absent, moved south or into thermal refuge.
A 5-inch live finger mullet hooked through the lips on a 4/0 circle hook, free-lined (no weight) on 30 lb leader near a dock-light at night during warm months. Or work jetty rocks on incoming tide with a popping cork and live shrimp. The strike is unforgettable — they crash bait so hard the whole pier hears it.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.