I have had numerous requests for more night snook fishing information. Especially from anglers without a boat. Not because I am a professional Captain and take anglers fishing but because the facts are from shore it can be challenging. Let me start by saying safety is first and foremost. Tampa Bay and the ICW (intercostals waterway) have ample bridges that at night come alive with snook on the lights below. As I said be careful beside the snook looking to give you are hard time you now have cars in the mix. Some local bridges have access to the water where you can cast to the lights. I recommend you scout out locations during the day to get the lay of the land.
I recommend heavy action 7' spinning rods with series 5000 or larger spinning reels filled with at least 30 pound braided line. Power Pro braid is on all Captain Steven's reels. Leaders should be made of fluorocarbon and be a minimum of 40 pound test 3' long. Being on land is a distinct disadvantage from a boat and keeping the snook out of all the obstacles and sharp objects is not an easy task. A tight drag and lots of backbone on your rod is a must.
From shore I prefer using pinfish on a 2/0-4/0 circle hook. Pinfish are easily obtained and local bait shops keeping them alive in another story. A quality bait bucket with aerator is a must have and this to can be obtained at your local bait shop or tackle dealer. While you are getting your bait bucket or bait ask where the hot snook lights are. Local dealers know what's going on and where, just another advantage from supporting your local bait / tackle shop.
You will see snook coming and going in through the area lit up. Cast up current into the shadows and left the bait drift naturally through the shadow, into the light and into the darkness again. Most strikes will occur in the shadows. Snook are a valuable resource and need to be handled with care; it's critical you unhook your catch quickly and get the snook back in the water. If you have no action in 15 minutes move on.
Artificials like the DOA Terror EYZ and the MirrOdine MirrOdine and 65M sinking bait will catch many snook. Your angle to the water will dictate which lures will work.
Snook regulations vary from area check www.myfwc.com for rules on harvesting snook in your region. Capt. Steven strongly practices and encourages catch and release. Let me know if this helps. Take a picture of your great snook catch and I will post it on a snook article.
Capt. Steven
