Snook
Centropomus undecimalis
Explosive Ambush Predators of the Mangrove Coastline
- Average size
- 5–15 lb · trophies 20–40 lb
- Peak season
- September–November (Costa Rica Caribbean) · April–June (Florida) · Year-round (Mexico)
- World record
- 53 lb 10 oz — Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica (1978)
- Experiences
- 11
Snook are ambush predators — they sit in mangrove shadow lines, under docks, along beach troughs, and in river-mouth currents, and when they eat it's with violent surface blow-ups. On fly or conventional gear they're among the most rewarding inshore species in the Americas.
The Pacific and Atlantic produce distinct populations. Pacific snook (Centropomus viridis and related) grow to larger sizes in Costa Rica's Caribbean Rio Colorado and Rio Parismina — the all-tackle 53-pound record came from Parismina. Atlantic snook dominate Florida and the Yucatán, with heavy Ambergris Caye (Belize) presence.
Best Methods
- ● Topwater plugs along mangrove lines at sunrise/sunset
- ● Beach-casting during summer spawning aggregations
- ● Live-bait fishing around structure
- ● Fly-fishing with baitfish patterns near drop-offs
Gear Notes
8–10 weight fly rod. Medium-heavy spinning rod with 20–30 lb braid for conventional. 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader (snook have abrasive gill plates that will shred lighter leaders).
Where to Catch Snook
11 vetted experiences across 4 countries.
Boca Paila Lodge, Mexico
Boca Paila Lodge is a relaxing hideaway far from today´s busy world. It was founded by the Gonzalez family in 1964 and has earned a reputation as one of the finest fishing lodges in the world.
Casa Blanca, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Casa Blanca is on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and is as close to an angler paradise as you will find. The lodge sits on the northern tip of a small coastal island in the western Caribbean called Isla Punta Pajaros.
Costa De Cocos Lodge, Xcalak, Mexico
Costa De Cocos is set among Coconut Palms; there is a rich Mayan cultural charm. It is located at the 'end-of-the-road'.
El Pescador, Ambergris Caye, Belize
El Pescador is for you, whether you’re dreaming of the angler’s Grand Slam, diving in and around our world famous barrier reef, or just relaxing in a tropical paradise. The atmosphere is congenial oriented to service for the guests in this family owned and operated lodge.
Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge, Mexico
Grand Slam Fly Fishing is located in Ascension Bay, one of the most pristine fisheries in this hemisphere. It is just a 1 1/2 hour drive south of Tulum, part of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Los Roques & El Chico, Venezuela
An angler's paradise for bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook among others — Venezuela's two premier fishing destinations with pristine flats and lagoons.
Machaca Hill Lodge, Belize
Machaca Hill Lodge in southern Belize is renowned for one of the healthiest permit fisheries in the world, offering luxury accommodations and the chance at a grand slam.
Rio Colorado Lodge, Costa Rica – Caribbean side
Rio Colorado Lodge is built on the banks of the Colorado River on Costa Rica's Caribbean side, right at its mouth where fishing is frequently the best. The average tarpon taken is around 80 pounds, with fish to 207 pounds recorded.
Rio Parismina, Costa Rica
Rio Parismina is a resort lodge built on 50 acres of lush jungle to beach on the banks of the famous Parismina River in Costa Rica. The Parismina River is where 4 World Record Snook have been caught.
Silver King Lodge, Costa Rica
Silver King Lodge is located in Barra del Colorado within Costa Rica's second largest rainforest preserve, specializing in tarpon (6+ feet, up to 350 lbs). All-inclusive with gourmet dining and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Victoria House, Belize
Victoria House on Ambergris Caye, Belize is a gorgeous, small and exclusive resort offering excellent saltwater fly fishing in a top Caribbean location.
Explore Other Species
Browse our full species catalog.