Snook can show up almost anywhere with fairly decent water. Extremely adaptable, this inshore game fish thrives in saltwater and is right at home in most brackish water canals, creeks, rivers and sometimes lakes. Accomplished ambush feeders, they are usually found staging around natural or manmade objects. Preferring ambush points supplying plenty of food, especially during an tidal movements, any small creek emptying into larger one or river is worthy of a few cast. Also, on cold, windy, winter days oyster bars, fallen trees, river or creek bends are like ambush points.

Not a cold-hardy fish, snook look for wintertime areas providing a degree of protection from the cold. As evidence by last year’s extreme low temperatures that wreaked havoc on our snook populations; killing hundreds of thousands. Over many years in Florida, I’ve seen tremendous fish kills associated with cold water temperatures. When water temperatures drop into the low 50’s or below and stay there for several days or weeks snook and many other tropical species simply cannot survive.

Our best winter scenario is a slow transition into low water temperatures. By early December and provided we’ve already had some cooler weather, you’ll find them moving to more protected areas. As the sun’s rays penetrate the water it warms the soft muddy bottoms of creeks, rivers, and residential canals. It also warms structure like docks, bridges, and boats. These structures absorb the sun’s heat radiating that warmth through the water like natural heaters.

Also, many dead-end canals have deeper holes somewhere toward the end. This is usually a warm spot, which attracts fish. When fishing canals, rivers or creeks, remember, the rising sun will heat the west side first, so fish there early in the morning and work into the deeper water and across to the east side as the day progresses. Also, look for bends in the waterway where tidal flows have cut deep troughs.

Finally, anywhere a creek or canal empties into a main waterway it creates a natural feeding station and if the flow is significant, that moving water will generate heat, making that area a little warmer than surrounding water.

Wherever you fish, don’t rush an area, especially in cold weather. Give the spot a chance to produce. The fish might be there, but it could take a little longer for them to respond because of the cold water. Instead of a couple of casts, work a dock or a deep hole for 30 minutes before moving on.