Choosing the right bait is crucial to catching snook, and there are many different options to choose from. So which one should you use? This blog post will go over some of the most popular types of fishing bait for snook and give a few examples of each type. When choosing your fishing bait for snook it’s important that you take into consideration what other fish are in the area, what time of day it is, and how deep your line will be going in.
How To Choose Fishing Bait For Snook
The right bait for snook is sometimes difficult, however, it doesn’t need to be. If you know what to look for in your bait and how to properly use it then you’ll find catching snook is much easier than it seems. There are two main types of bait that anglers like to use for snook: natural bait and artificials.
Natural Baits
Natural baits are the most common type of bait that anglers use for snook. Snook seems to be attracted to these types of baits, for some reason. They are typically live or very lively bait that the snook just loves. The most common types of natural baits used for snook include shrimp, crabs, mullet, and squid; however, there are many more types of natural baits you can use for your fishing trip.
Natural baits are very simple to us. However, they do require some additional equipment. This equipment includes a live well to keep your bait alive and fresh as it swims around in the water. The live well is exactly what it sounds like: a special tank or water container where you can keep your natural bait alive for an extended period of time. In addition to a live well, you need to make sure you have some weights and a hook with your natural bait. A good weight will ensure that your bait is close to the bottom where snooks usually hang out in wait for prey. The hook isn’t too difficult either; however, it’s important to place it on the right side of the natural bait. Finally, you’ll want to make sure you have a fishing rod and reel to allow for your easy catch.
Natural baits are very popular with snook because they provide a good alternative from what the snook would eat in their native environment. They aren’t too difficult to use either which makes them all that much better. If you are looking for a simple way to catch snook, then I would definitely recommend natural baits.
Artificials Baits
Artificial baits are also known as lures or artificial flies. These types of baits are used to attract fish in the same way that natural bait is. However, they do not provide any type of sustenance for the fish. For this reason, artificial baits are used primarily on species of fish that are not able to get their food from bait in the water. One example of a species of fish that uses artificial bait is bass. However, there are many others that use artificials as well including snook.
Artificial baits are typically much more difficult to use than natural baits because they require much more equipment. The equipment needed for artificials includes a rod, reel, line, and artificial bait. It’s also helpful if you have some weights and bobbers with your artificial bait. For the sake of this article, I’m going to provide an in-depth example of how to use artificials for snook.
To begin, you’ll need a rod that is both sturdy and flexible. This is important because when you set the hook it must be able to stand up with ease or else your artificial bait will fall off and into the water where the snook cannot reach it. The reel should also be durable and of good quality so that it does not wear down easily. The line should be at least 20 lbs because this will ensure your hook is secure to the line while also making sure you can pull in the snook with no problem when you set the hook. If possible, I recommend a braided fishing line because it is both strong and durable; however, a monofilament line will work just as well.
The weights are used to ensure your artificials are near the bottom of the water where snook typically lie in wait for their prey. It’s also important to use a bobber because this will let you know when you’ve gotten a bite; however, it is possible to skip out on the bobber if you are skilled enough. Artificial bait is the last thing on our list, but it’s also one of the most important things to have. There are tons of artificials available for purchase that can be used for snook including grubs, jigs, bucktails, and many more. A good jack lure will work just as well; however, I recommend sticking with artificials designed specifically for snook.
What size lures do snook like?
Snook like much other game fish, will feed in the open water or near structures when there is no mangrove cover available. They can grow to just under 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, so it’s important not to go too big when fishing for snook.
The size of lures that are most successful can generally range from 6 inches to 6 inches long depending on the conditions and time of year, but if you have plenty of mangroves or other covers to work with, small 4” lures will be your best bet. The lighter weight, the better, since snook is very active and fast swimmers.
What color lures do snook like?
Though some claim that snook does not have a preferred color preference during any given season, many anglers believe that red/pink and white lures such as DOA CAL jerk baits or DOA shrimp are the best snook lures. I have been fishing from South Beach to Key West for years, and have yet to find a time that these colors don’t work well. In the early months of springtime, I typically use red/pink lures because they mimic shrimp which are common in Florida waters during this season. Larger snook will also take advantage of these larger prey items, and therefore it is important to use a color that imitates this large, preferred meal.
During the most active months of snook fishing (summertime), most anglers change to white lures such as DOA shrimp or DOA CAL jerk baits because these colors imitate baitfish, which are snook’s favorite food during the summer months. By using a color that mimics baitfish, you can increase your chances of catching more and bigger snook due to the fact that these fish will be feeding on their preferred food source.
In my opinion, there is no time when snook cannot be caught with these two colors. If you want to be very effective, try using a white lure early in the morning and late at night because this is when snooks are resting and feeding near the surface. Then change to a red/pink color during the day as snook tend to feed on shrimp that homes into shaded grassy areas close to shore.
Conclusion
If you’ve been struggling to find the perfect bait for your fishing experience, this post should have helped narrow down your options. We hope that this guide has equipped you with knowledge on what snook baits are best and how to use them effectively. There might still be a few questions or concerns left unanswered so please comment below if there is anything else we can help with!