Snook Fishing in Miami
Centropomus undecimalis
Snook are Florida’s favourite inshore gamefish. With a black lateral line and a sloped head, they ambush bait around bridges, docks, mangroves and inlets. They hit hard and jump, then try to run into cover. Miami’s bridges and Biscayne Bay give anglers a real chance at a big one.
Quick facts
Most are 20 to 30 inches long.
Large females gather around the inlets.
A dark line runs along the side.
They wait in the current for bait.
Bridges, docks, mangroves and inlets.
Where to catch them off Miami
Bridges and causeways
Snook hold in the shadows of Miami’s bridges, especially at night.
Mangrove shorelines
Biscayne Bay’s mangroves hold fish all year.
Inlets
Haulover and Government Cut see big fish in summer.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Snook are caught all year. Harvest is closed from December 15 to January 31 and from June 1 to August 31.
Key events
Fall mullet run
The first real cold fronts of fall, nearshore water cooling toward the upper 60s °F, and days of northeast to east wind that push the schools against the beach.
Usually builds in Miami-Dade in October, with the peak around mid-October to early November. A warm fall can push it into November; a strong early front or storm can bring it in September.
Winter shrimp runs (Biscayne Bay and Government Cut)
Shrimp drift out of the bay at night on the outgoing tide, often best from the top of the falling tide. Strong tides help; tarpon stack up at bridges, shadow lines and the Cut.
Very hard to predict night to night. Runs often start in January or February and peak in March and April. Local reports disagree on the moon: some favor the strong tides around full and new moons, others the nights about 10 days either side of the full moon.
Summer shrimp run
A second, smaller run of shrimp on night outgoing tides in Biscayne Bay.
Generally June to mid-August, with smaller tarpon at the bridges.
Snook harvest closures
Atlantic snook harvest is closed December 15 to January 31 and June 1 to August 31. Catch-and-release stays open.
Fixed by rule.
AffectsSnook
Best time and conditions
Moving tide
A strong outgoing tide gets snook feeding.
Night
Bridges and lights are best after dark.
Techniques and baits
Live bait
Live shrimp or pilchards drifted in the current.
Artificial lures
Jigs and swimbaits around structure.
Heavy leader
They rub line on structure.
Quick release
Fish outside the slot go back fast.
Top baits and lures
- Live shrimp
- Pilchards
- Pinfish
- Jigs
- Swimbaits
Florida regulations
These are the Southeast Florida rules. Biscayne National Park has its own rules. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Snook rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Snook are good to eat, but most anglers release them.
Which charter is best?
Saltwater Inshore
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Tarpon, Barracuda, Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Grunt, Amberjack and Almaco Jack
Peacock Bass (Miami)
- $350 per trip
- 2 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 2 guests
- Also targets Peacock Bass, Largemouth bass, Tarpon and Florida Gar
Peacock Bass (Everglades)
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 2 guests
- Also targets Peacock Bass, Largemouth bass, Tarpon and Florida Gar
Fishing Lesson
- $50 per trip
- 1 hours, By arrangement start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snapper, Barracuda and Peacock Bass
Snook FAQ
When is snook season in Miami?
They are caught all year. Harvest is closed Dec 15 to Jan 31 and Jun 1 to Aug 31.
What is the snook slot limit?
28 to 32 inches total length, 1 per person, with a snook permit.
Where do you catch snook in Miami?
Bridges, mangroves, docks and inlets.
When is the best time to fish for snook?
On a moving tide, and often at night around lit bridges.
Which charter is best for snook?
The Inshore trip.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.