documented fish kill followed by an emergency State mandated closure, the summer snook bite has been overall solid.

What’s ideal about the snook is that it can be caught employing a broad range of baits/methods. Tossing a variety of live baits, artificial lures and well-placed flies, anglers can achieve snook catching success only if their presentation is natural and lifelike.

Remember, snook especially larger brood stock, can at times be quite savvy snubbing any and all offerings. However, there are a few tricks that can be implemented allowing you to turn a fish or two!

During summertime clear water conditions, scaling down the overall size of your tackle will be beneficial, as stealth tactics will reign supreme. Liberal lengths (3-5-feet) of fluorocarbon leader in the 20-40# class should always be considered whether fishing the passes, beaches or around significant structure. Virtually invisible when submerged below the water’s surface, fluorocarbons leader material additionally posses’ abrasion resistant attributes not found in standard monofilament leaders.

Minimizing above the water noises such as dropping items on the deck, banging/clanking of anchor and chain, heavy closing of deck hatches and general engine noise will additionally add to a stealthy approach. Keep in mind, snook scurrying for the safety of cover and deeper water will be off the feed for some time!

For the live bait angler, it will be best to match your hook size to the bait being employed. This will allow for a natural presentation, thus, garnering more strikes. Here in the inshore arena, circle hooks are common practice when plying for snook. Not only does this reduce gut hooking, but it also allows for a safe and healthy release.

While not for everyone, fooling a snook employing an artificial offering is challenging and exciting. Today’s tackle market teems with innovative hard and soft plastic lures, holographic swimbaits and creatively crafted flies capable of yielding rod-bending results. Designed for situational specific angling scenarios, it is best to seek some advice from your local outfitter before making a large investment in artificial lures and flies.

Anglers need to look no further than our areas beaches to encounter great “snookin”! Location, hydrology and topography often determine how active a beach will be. Top producing beaches are typically within close proximity of a passes and posses features to include: downed deadwood, rock jetties, deep troughs and moderate to swift current.

If the beaches are not to your liking, look for snook to be prowling virtually anywhere within the coastal ecosystem. From the shallow backcountry bays, fertile mangrove islands, residential canals, Gulf passes to area golf course lakes there is a snook catching opportunity just waiting to happen!

Savvy, hard-charging and fickle, the snook is guaranteed to test both skills and wills. Anglers, now is the time to get out there and sample some of the best snook fishing of the year but don’t forget, there is a solid chance you will be snookered by the snook!

- Captain Will Geraghty is a professional fishing guide and freelance writer living in Naples. An International Game Fish Association (IGFA) certified guide, Captain Will owns and operates a complete guide service. Specializing in both inshore and offshore light tackle sportfishing, Captain Geraghty offers trips aboard “The Grand Slam,” a custom 25-foot Privateer. Contact him at grandslmcharter@aol.com or call (239) 793-0969.