Do Snook Bite In The Rain? The Perfect Snook Fishing Moment

Many anglers believe that Snook will only bite when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it’s been proven that rainy days can be an excellent time to target Snook and other fish species.

While rainstorms might cause some inconvenience and in some cases a safety hazard, that doesn’t mean you can’t go on your fishing trip. As long as you’re well prepared with the right kind of gear, you should have no problem fishing for Snook in the rain.

So, do Snook bite in the rain? Snook do bite in the rain, especially if the weather is warm. That is because Snook will become more active during and after rain due to the changes in the water conditions such as the increase of oxygen levels in the water and the drop in barometric pressure.

Keep reading to learn more about how rain affects Snook’s behavior and how to fish for Snook in the rain.

How Does Rain Affect Snook Fishing?

Snook are highly sensitive to any changes in the weather or water conditions.

Storms and rain usually bring some significant changes to water conditions such as temperature changes, increased levels of oxygen, and reduction of barometric pressure.

These factors can alter Snook’s normal behavioral patterns, most importantly their feeding behavior.

If the water was already warm when it rains, Snook tend to become more active because of the change in temperature and pressure. The increase in oxygen levels will also make Snook hungrier. That’s why rainy conditions are often ideal for catching Snook.

However, if the water was cold when it rains, it might not be ideal for Snook fishing. That is because Snook cannot tolerate cold temperatures and the water will become less favorable for them to swim which means they will become less active.

How to Fish for Snook in The Rain?

As Snook becomes more active in the rain, you’re likely to have an easier time catching them. They will not be as picky when it comes to food and will spook less.

In order to get the best results when targeting Snook in the rain, you need to be well prepared. You need to know where to find Snook and the best time to target them. You also need to know what kind of gear to use as well as the best lures and baits.

Where to Fish for Snook in The Rain?

Snook can generally be found in open water, however, during the rain, they tend to move to deeper waters. You can target them near areas with dense cover. You can also target them in areas with structures such as docks, piers, sea walls, and submerged ledges and rocks

What Is the Best Time to Fish for Snook in The Rain?

The best time to fish for Snook in the rain would be right after a rainfall instead. During this time the boat traffic would be minimal and Snook would be more active due to the change in water conditions such as the increase of oxygen levels in the water and the drop in barometric pressure.

What Kind of Gear Do You Need to Fish for Snook in The Rain?

Having the right gear on a day with rain can have a big impact on your chances of successfully catching Snook.

The most important thing you need to bring on rainy fishing days is dry gear which includes a waterproof jacket and pants.

Dry gear will ensure you stay as dry as possible even in the heaviest rain. This will help increase your endurance while you’re fishing and you will be much more comfortable.

When it comes to your fishing tackle, it’s recommended to use a 7-foot medium-heavy, fast action fishing rod along with a spinning reel that’s spooled with a 20-pound braided fishing line. It’s also recommended to attach a 30-inch fluorocarbon leader with a 30 to 40-pound line test.

Check out my favorite budget spinning reels here, and the best fluorocarbon lines here.

For the hook, it’s recommended to use a 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook. You can also match the size of the hook to the size of the bait you’re using.

What Is the Best Lure for Snook Fishing in The Rain?

Another important aspect to consider when targeting Snook in the rain is your choice of lure.

Rain stirs up the water and causes it to become murkier, which can make it difficult for Snook to detect lures. So, it’s recommended to use lures that create string action such as vibrating jigs or spinning lures to grab the attention of Snook.

The increase in oxygen levels also increases the Snook’s sensitivity to smell, so it’s recommended to use a scent attractant with your lure.

What Is the Best Bait for Snook Fishing in The Rain?

The changes in water conditions after rain can cause Snook to actively search for live food. So, the best bait to target Snook in the rain would be live bait such as pilchards, sand perch, threadfin herring, shrimp, pinfish, grunts, mullets, ladyfish, shiners, bluegills, and shad.

Related Questions

What Temperature Is Too Cold for Snook?

Snook are a sub-tropical species which means they cannot tolerate temperatures cooler than 58 degrees for long periods of time. They mostly prefer warm temperatures and you’re likely to find them in areas with warm water such as the southern half of Florida, the southern coast of Texas.

How to Chum for Snook?

To chum for Snook, you need to throw a large amount of live bait into the water then aim a casting net at the center of the area you chummed. Make sure to allow the net to fully sink to the bottom. This technique allows you to cover more water and increases your chances of catching Snook.

How to Preserve Snook’s Flavor?

To preserve Snook’s flavor, you need to keep it iced by using an insulated cooler. It’s best to leave the drain plug open so that the water in the cooler can run out to keep it from spoiling the flavor of the fish. You can preserve Snook by refrigerating it. It’s best to clean the Snook first then wrap it in aluminum foil.

Will Snook Bite On Dead Bait?

Snook will bite on dead bait if it’s rigged to look alive and healthy, otherwise, it will not be as effective as live bait. That’s because dead bait won’t be attractive to most Snook if it doesn’t have the same wiggling action of live bait and it won’t grab the Snook’s attention

What Do Snook Feed On?

Snook are ambush predators which means they’re not usually picky when it comes to what they eat. They will feed on most small baitfish such as pilchards, sand perch, pinfish, grunts, mullets, ladyfish, shiners, bluegills, and shad.  They will also feed on crustaceans like shrimp.

When Is Snook Season?

Snook season typically opens during March and April, then again during September and November. During this period of time anglers are allowed to recreationally harvest Snook, however, it’s still illegal to buy or sell them in fish markets or grocery stores.

Helpful Resources 

Snook Fishing