Snook

Snook fishing near Fort Myers Beach can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you understand the local nuances. The backwaters and mangrove-lined canals are prime snook habitat, offering plenty of ambush points. Spring and fall are typically considered the best times, as snook transition between their summer spawning grounds and winter refuges. During these periods, they're actively feeding and more aggressive. Focus your efforts around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines, especially during periods of strong tidal flow. A local's secret: try fishing around the Sanibel Causeway bridges at night with live shrimp or small jigs. The lights attract baitfish, which in turn attract snook. Also, pay close attention to water clarity. If the water is murky, opt for lures with rattles or bright colors to help the snook locate them. Remember that snook are highly sensitive to temperature changes, so adjust your depth accordingly.