Snook Season is Upon Us

We mentioned in our post on our other Casey Key Blog: http://caseykey-real-estate.blogspot.com/ about the fantastic fishing opportunities in the Sarasota area being one of the many reasons to relocate here. Well one of those opportunities has just begun: Snook season just started on Tuesday, September 1st.

Snook are one of Florida’s most sought after game fish. Also known as “linesiders”, they are easily identified by their distinct lateral line along their sides. They can reach lengths up to 4 feet and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Snook are highly regarded as one of the top eating fish in Florida. But you will not find them on restaurant menus…it is illegal to buy and sell Snook.

If you want to eat Snook, you have to catch it yourself, or have a good neighbor. My former neighbor on Casey Key Kenny Reutlinger (who has now passed away) would go fishing off his dock at two or three in the AM. He would be knocking on my door the next morning with plate in hand with a Snook all prepared and ready to go in the oven. Now that is the way I like to fish for Snook.

Snook can be a hard fish to catch. You need to use a long leader, because once hooked they will turn fast and cut your line. Snook prefer shrimp and come around the docks looking for shrimp especially when your Snook light is attracting shrimp and other bait fish at night. The Herron Group has two listings for wonderful Snook fishing. One is 2108 Casey Key it is a Gulf to Bay property on Casey Key with good boating water. The other is 7785 Manasota Key which is a Bay Front on Manasota Key. It has a large covered dock and open slip. Both properties have a Snook light.

The Snook Foundation, founded by William R. Mote of Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, provides excellent information on regulations, conservation, and events in the area, including the Kids Fishing Clinic and The Snook Shindig.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Lido Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, and Island of Venice, or mainland Country Club. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream