Snook

Boca Grande Pass is legendary for its snook fishing, and for good reason. The pass funnels baitfish in and out of Charlotte Harbor with the tides, creating a feeding frenzy for these ambush predators. Spring and fall are prime times, as snook migrate in and out of their spawning grounds. Focus your efforts around docks, mangroves, and the deeper edges of the pass. Live bait like pilchards or threadfin herring are tough to beat, but artificials like swimbaits and topwater lures can also be effective. Pay close attention to the tide – snook often stage on the down-current side of structure. A local tip: the Gasparilla Marina provides easy access to the pass, but be prepared for heavy boat traffic, especially on weekends. Boca Grande snook are known for their size and fighting ability, so be sure to bring your A-game and tackle that can handle a big fish.