Atlantic Snook Harvest Season Closed June 1 In State and Federal Waters

By  //  June 2, 2016

Snook Season Reopens September 1

ABOVE VIDEO: Throughout its 8,500 miles of marine coastline and more than 2,500 artificial reefs, Florida boasts an abundance and diversity of fish species. Every fish that swims in our waters ranks as a vital and valuable resource. With more anglers and better equipment available, catch-and-release fishing has become essential to insuring there will always be adequate stocks of fish to catch. Each of us must take a hands-on approach every day we are on the water to help conserve our fisheries by practicing catch-and-release fishing whenever possible. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Video)

The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closed on June 1.

Snook will reopen for harvest in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, on Sept. 1. Snook is also closed for harvest in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County, through Aug. 31, reopening Sept. 1.

Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. Seasonal harvest closures help conserve Florida’s valuable snook populations and improve the fishery for the future.

Snook can be caught and released during the closed season, but anglers should use proper handling methods to ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come.

Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website at Snookfoundation.org by clicking on the “Angler Action” link in the bar at the top of the page.

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Snook will reopen for harvest in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, on Sept. 1. (FWC Image)