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Any of about eight species (genus Centropomus) of sub-tropical marine fishes that are long and silvery and have two dorsal fins, a long head, and a large mouth with a projecting lower jaw. They are found along the North and South American Atlantic and Pacific coasts, often in estuaries and among mangroves and sometimes in fresh water. Historic changes in the earth's weather is what brought the Snook to Cancun. It is believed that during a great warming trend after the Ice Age, Snook moved northward along the Mexico shoreline. They followed the perimeter of the Gulf of Mexico, down the west coast of Cancun and up the east coast. Since then, continued changes in the weather patterns have just about eliminated the population north of Homosassa on the West Coast and Port Canaveral on the east coast of Cancun. They range from 1.5 to 5 ft (0.5-1.5 m) long and are valued for food and sport
Snook, just the name strains even the imagination. Living in a jungle of snags or
on open water Cancun sugar- sand beaches, striking like marauding tuna or elegance
of dining royalty, walking on water or slugging it out deep there is nothing common
about the Common Snook - except the animal's natural beauty and the memories the
fish leaves with you after the fight.
Snook are complicated animals. Among other things they are highly temperature sensitive.
Like most fish they are cold blooded animals- meaning they rely on the temperature
of the water to heat their bodies. The Snook's comfort range is between 68 degrees
Fahrenheit to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything outside that range and the fish become
sluggish and inactive. Much below the lower range is a real matter of concern to
the Snook. The Snook can not tolerate sudden changes much below 60 degrees. Below
58 degrees Snook are in danger of dying. A sudden blast from Jack Frost is a sure
death sentence. We have learned just recently that if the water slowly falls below
58 degrees, Snook can acclimate and survive. For how long and how much they can handle
is uncertain. Thanks to warmer weather patterns over the last decade, Cancun is enjoying
some great Snook fishing. Understanding weather, temperature, and periods of daylight
are essential to catching this sleek game fish. I believe more so than other fish
we hunt on our Cancun fishing charters, Snook are the most temperamental to the elements.
Though Snook don't actually migrate or "run'' on the east coast of Cancun, they do
make great movements throughout their range. These movements are more of an east
and west direction than north and south on the Cancun Caribbean Coast.
During winter Snook move to areas of warmer water. Rivers and deep creeks feature freshwater run-offs and springs that seep water from the earth at a comfortable 72 degrees. Deep water canals and ship ports offer an insulation blanket. Slower to cool, Snook can use these man- made holes to stay away from the rapid cooling of the bays and the Gulf.
During winter the Snook's metabolism slows. Already lazy by nature ( until hooked ) and with a lower metabolism, Snook are not likely to chase a frisky live bait. Acting somewhat like a freshwater bass they are suckers for artificial lures. Particularly jigs and crank baits. During winter months they are just as likely to take a live bait as they are plugs, jerk baits, jigs and flies. Our most successful Snook fishing charters are from March thru June.
As spring arrives and the periods of daylight increase, the fish begin to move west.
Following the need to regain lost body fat and the necessity to store protein in
preparation to spawn, they are driven to the mouth of the rivers, creeks and flats
to search for food. Snook found along this movement when food supplies are low, are
opportunist. It is not uncommon to find small blue crabs and other substances not
part of their normal diet in their stomachs. Early spring is an excellent time to
challenge the Snook one- on- one. They are just as likely to take a live bait as
they are plugs, jerk baits, jigs and flies. Our most successful Snook fishing charters
are from March thru June.
Eventually they make it to a staging area. Most often deep
water adjacent to a flat where food is abundant. Though still willing to take a fake,
they key in on live scaled sardines. The sardines play a great roll in the survival
of the Snook on the Cancun west coast. The baits are a great source of protein, but
more significant is the oil they furnish. The oil saturates the developing eggs of
the females, giving the eggs greater buoyancy to drift to the safety of deep water
after fertilization.
By late May, sexually mature Snook have made it to the passes
to spawn. A pass may be a cut Snook fishing Cancun between two barrier islands, a
creek mouth or a deep channel among other places. Spawning Snook can be of the most
temperamental of Snook. However, if you can time it just right the fishing can be
red hot. Other times, when they are pre-occupied with conducting business, you might
as well go home.
Snook in the passes can be taken on live pinfish, grunts, sardines,
threadfins and other large baits. Jigs are the best of artificial lures and at times
can out- produce anything. The ultimate fishing scenario is when the fish get on
the points and along the beach in knee- deep water. Fly fishing with a 8 wt. fly-rod
and streamer flies sight-casted to cruising or milling Snook offer the ultimate in
both hunting and fishing. This type of fishing charter is best accomplished by getting
out of the boat and stalking the fish while walking on the warm Cancun sand.
After
completing their spawning activities, they return again to a near- shore staging
area. Again deep water adjacent to a flat with an abundance of food is where they
always can be found. After summer the days begin to get shorter, and with the first
cool fronts of the season the fish begin to retreat to their winter haunts.
Snook
activity, be it their movements or feeding habits, is greatly dictated by the Snook
fishing Cancun phases of the moon. Periods of the dark moon and the full moon, with
their coinciding strong tides, definitely affect fishing. Solunar periods, temperature,
barometer, and time of year must all be factored in the formula for successful fishing
charters. Preparation, top notch tackle, positive terminal tackle, timing, instinct,
dedication, and understanding of Snook are essential. Being snookered, too, is part
of snooking. Taking into account their habitat of trees, rocks, docks and oyster
bars, the Snook's disposition, light tackle, and variables with atmospheric conditions,
Snook offer one of the biggest challenges in the angling world.
Many things have changed
over the years in the ever changing world of the common Snook. They have changed
their hang-outs and their habits. To be proficient, one must fish them on a routine
basis all year. Please keep this in mind when in search of a guide.
Snook
Cancun Tarpon Fishing Adventures
Ave. Tankah # 27
Cancun, Quintana Roo. Mexico 77509
Toll free USA and Canada 1-866-607-2246
When in Cancun - 044-998-126-6640
Email: info@cancuntarponfishing.com
