Snook

Populations of snook can be found in most locations around Cuba, some of them very large. They are often found in many of the same areas where you might be targeting bonefish & juvenile tarpon. But most of the guides have special areas where they know snook lurk. Red and white fly patterns are, by far, the number choice for snook.

Must Have Fly Selection for Tarpon

EP BAY ANCHOVY

Size: 1/0, 2/0 Red + White

SNOOK-A-ROO

Size: 1/0, 2/0 Black + Red

SNOOK SLIDER

Size: 2/0 , 3/0 Red + White

CLOUSER VARIATIONS

Size: 1/0, 2/0 Red + White

Deceiver Variations

Size: 2/0, 3/0 Red + White

Gear Overview

Flyrod

9 ft. 9-10wt Medium-Fast Action

(Our Pick) LOOP 7X

Reel

Large arbor saltwater reel

(Our Pick) Hatch 7-9 Plus

Lines

Weight forward, warm water saltwater line

(Our Pick) SA Saltwater Taper

Leaders

9 ft. 120lb. fluorocarbon tarpon leaders w/ 30-40lb shock tippet

Note: You'll typically only need to bring 3 leaders for a week's fishing

Tippet

30-40lb. fluorocarbon tippet spools

Note: You'll only need 1 spool each for a week's fishing

How to Fish Them:

Snook are ambush predators. Flies are cast as close as possible to structure and presented as a wounded and terrified baitfish! The strip is aggressive with a hard hook set. The key is NOT to allow the snook to retreat to the protection of the mangrove roots. If he makes it, you're finished!

Where and When:

Snook are often found tucked under the safety of mangrove shorelines. Therefore, the means of which we present a fly are much different. Flies are presented as close as possible to the structure, underneath if possible. Occasionally, snook are found patrolling the sandy shorelines. If this scenario presents itself, the presentation is much like teasing a tarpon into eating.