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Many anglers are unaware that snook can be found in the Pacific Ocean. In fact, some of the biggest, even record-size catches, including the IGFA all-tackle-record for snook, have been caught in Pacific locales. Snook are a coastal fish, found inshore and in the surf. They are a very wary game fish and can be temperamental at times. There are six Pacific species but really only two caught on a regular basis in Mexico and Costa Rica. These are the Black and White snook.

Description: The Black and White snook are almost identical in appearance. They share the same personalities, feeding characteristics and locales, which make it difficult to differentiate between the two. They are both long and slender, large robust inshore fish with somewhat compressed bodies. Both vary in color from a pale flat maroon to brown to gray color along the back, with silver to platinum sides and a prominent black lateral line, running right through to the tail. The lower part of the sides and belly are almost cream colored and their fins can be tinged in yellow especially those of large specimens. The lower jaw projecting beyond the upper jaw, is slender when closed but can open to large proportions when inhaling prey. The IGFA all-tackle-record for Black snook is 57lbs, 12 ozs. The all-tackle-record for White snook is 39lbs, 8 ozs.

Fishing Techniques: Snook frequent the shallows along Pacific side beaches in as little as three feet of water as well as mouths of tidal rivers and up the rivers themselves. By Boat: Along the shoreline you must get in close to shore in no more than 10 feet of water. You can cast typical snook lures such as Rapalas, Mirrolures, Rattletraps and Krocodile spoons along with assorted top waters and plastics, or troll live bait such as mullet, cabillito or blue runners. In tidal rivers cast 3-4 inch assorted plastic swim baits, Mirrolures, Rattletraps or smaller live baits such as sardines along the mangroves. Surf fishing: In Costa Rica you want to be surf fishing within 50 yards or so on either side of a tidal river mouth. Use the same kind of lures as you would fishing the river. You can also flat-line live mullet or other bait fish caught fresh on the spot. In Los Cabos, where there are no tidal rivers, fish along sandy beaches with 1 1/2 oz. Krocodile spoons and larger shallow diving minnow-type lures such as Rapalas. Cast these lures towards the mushroom-like clouds of dirty water caused by receding swells. In all cases, other than when using spoons, lures should be retrieved slowly and jerked along near the bottom.

Edibility & Cleaning: Snook are among the finest eating fish available on the planet and is actually one of the most expensive to buy in these areas. Fillet as you would any snapper or grouper.

 * The abbreviated text on this page is taken from the upcoming book "Fishing - Mexican Style" by Jeff Klassen, is copyrighted and may not be used for purposes other than personal use without the written permission from the publisher.

If you want to go catch your own Snook in Barra De Navidad, Melaque or anywhere in the Costalegre Mexico area please check out our Fishing Rates and Packages