Anglers can begin catching snook again today on the Atlantic coast and inland waters along the east coast, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River.
The snook season remains closed on the Gulf Coast, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County, until Aug. 31, said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
This Gulf closure went into effect Dec. 15, 2010, after the population was impacted by prolonged cold weather. The closure will give the Gulf snook population time to rebound. A stock assessment completed by the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is due to the Commission in 2012.
Atlantic fishermen may keep one snook between 28 and 32 inches total length per day in the allowable harvest areas only. Fishermen targeting snook must have a snook permit as well as a saltwater license unless they are exempt from having a license. Using snatch hooks and spears is prohibited.
It is illegal to buy or sell snook.
