Florida Sportfishing Species
Snook
Family Centropomidae
COMMON SNOOK
Description: distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; grows much larger than other snooks; pelvic fin yellow.
Similar Fish: Other Centropomus.
Where found: from central Florida south, usually INSHORE in coastal and brackish waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on reefs and pilings NEARSHORE.
Size: most catches 5 to 8 pounds.
Remarks: spawns primarily in summer; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees F; can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and larrge crustaceans.
FAT SNOOK
Description: Deeper body than other snooks; color yellow-brown to green-brown above, silvery on sides; black lateral line extends onto tail; mouth reaches to or beyond center of eye; usually no dusky outer edge on pelvic fin, as in other snooks; smallest scales of all snooks.
Similar Fish: Other Centropomus.
Where found: INSHORE spcies found in mangrove habitat; found commonly in fresh waters; occurs more in interior waters (as opposed to estuarine waters) than other snook.
Size: A small species, rarely more than 20 inches.
Remarks: Usually found in fresh water; mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young.
SWORDSPINE SNOOK
Description: Smallest of the snooks; profile slightly concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black (not solid), extends through caudal fin; color yellow-green to brown-green above, silvery below; giant second anal spine, hence the name; largest scales of all snook.
Similar Fish: Other Centropomus.
Where found: occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida to as far north on east coast as St. Lucie River.
Size: Usually less than 1 pound (12 inches).
Remarks: Full-grown adults are less than 12 inches long; mangrove shoreline habitat serves as nursery area for young; rare on Florida's west coast; prefers only slightly brackish or fresh water.
TARPON SNOOK
Description: Only snook with 7 anal fin rays (others have 6); lower jaw curves upward; compressed body; prominent black lateral line extends through tail; tips of pelvic fin reach beyond anus.
Similar Fish: Other Centropomus.
Where found: INSHORE in south Florida; frequently in fresh water.
Size: Usually less than 1 pound (12 inches).
Remarks: Maximum size of 16 to 18 inches; feeds on small fish and larger crustaceans; young are nurtured along mangrove shorelines; rare on Florida's west coast.
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