Snook Fishing in Puerto Rico

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico offers exceptional opportunities for snook fishing, with the common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) being abundant in the island's coastal waters. Snook are highly prized by anglers for their fighting capabilities and excellent table fare.

Puerto Rico Snook Fishing Regions

Snook can be found in various regions across Puerto Rico, with some of the top spots including:

• San Juan Bay: The waters around San Juan are known for consistently productive snook fishing, especially during the summer spawning season. Anglers have a high chance of catching trophy-sized snook in this area.

• Lagoons and Estuaries: Snook thrive in the brackish waters of Puerto Rico's lagoons and estuaries. The Torrecilla and San José Lagoons near San Juan are particularly popular for targeting snook.

• Inshore and Nearshore Waters: Snook can also be caught in Puerto Rico's inshore and nearshore waters, often around mangroves, flats, and changes in depth.

Snook Fishing Techniques

Some of the most effective techniques for catching snook in Puerto Rico include:

• Live Bait Fishing: Using live bait such as pilchards, mojarras, and greenies can be highly effective for enticing snook to strike.

• Artificial Lures: Topwater lures and soft plastics casted into mangroves or along edges can also produce good results. A slow retrieval is often best.

• Fly Fishing: Fly fishing for snook can be challenging but rewarding. Large, flashy flies presented in feeding areas or travel routes can entice aggressive strikes.

Snook Sizes and Records

The common snook in Puerto Rico typically ranges from 10 to 30 pounds, with larger specimens reaching up to 50 pounds or more. The IGFA world record for common snook is 53 pounds 10 ounces, caught in Costa Rica.

Snook as Table Fare

Unlike tarpon, snook are considered excellent eating. They have firm, white flesh that is highly regarded by anglers and seafood enthusiasts. However, proper handling is important, as the skin must be removed before cooking to avoid an unpleasant soapy taste.

Comparison with Tarpon Fishing

While both snook and tarpon are popular gamefish in Puerto Rico, there are some key differences:

Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Puerto Rico's productive snook fishery offers exciting opportunities to target this prized gamefish in a beautiful Caribbean setting. Book a charter with a knowledgeable guide to experience the thrill of battling feisty snook in the island's scenic coastal waters.