Fly Fishing for Snook in the Summertime

For snook sight fishing, sun is essential. You want the sun high for best visibility, so don’t rush out the door before the rooster crows. Ten a.m. is usually when I like to hit the beach. Typical shots will be fish cruising the trough, no more than 20 yards out. It’s a close game, and these fish have great eyesight. Keep your profile low once the fish are spotted, even crouching if they’re close.

You want to lead these fish as much as possible, reducing the angle of your presentation. Ideally you want to be casting parallel with the trough. This makes for the most natural presentation, mimicking a baitfish swimming away from a predator. I like to drop my fly or jig six feet in front of the fish, let it sink for a second and then proceed with a quick retrieval. Short, fast strips seem to work best with a fly.

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