Snook Handling

Now that all snook have to be released, we should go over some of the does and don'ts of snook release techniques. First knowing that all snook must be released, you should be prepared for the release. Don't be shocked when you hook and land that lunker Have these items on standby: your camera, a bridge net, pliers and/or hook outs. If fishing from a boat or low elevation land fishing, you should also consider having a lip gripper for revival purposes only. Don't ever hang a snook with a boga grip or other lip gripper, as this can streach out their jaw ligaments causing them to die later on from starvation. Also when photographing or handling a snook, make sure to support the belly while holding the mouth with a thumb.

Keep the snook out of the water as brief as possible. Remember the fish just struggled with all its might to get away. So it is already in need of oxygen. So the quicker you get it back in the water, the better. Once you do have it back in the water, don't push it forward and back. If possible hold it into a current and let the water naturally flow through the gills. If you are in a boat, put the boat in and out of gear. Wait for the snook to start moving its tail on its own before releasing. If the water is hot and the fight was long you will need to spend more time reviving the fish. Try not to release the fish in an area where you have seen sharks, goliath groupers or dolphins. As they will take advantage of this situation and eat your worn out snook. While snook have a fairly high survival rate when released, we all need to do our best to protect them. Especially, the large breeding females. The 34" and larger fish are almost always females. These females beat the odds to make it to this size. They are most likely at least 5 years old. Spending some time reviving them is our duty as sportsman and to ensure the future of snook fishing remains strong.