Snook caught at Lakes Regional Park!

Late this summer, a park patron caught and released an 11-pound snook at Lakes Regional Park.  What?!? There are SNOOK in that lake?  Yes, there are!  Here are some “Fun Facts” –

• Snook can be thought of as a saltwater species, but they are tolerant of freshwater, too.

• They are “estuarine-dependent”. An estuary is a safe place for the juvenile fish to grow to adulthood.  An estuary is the mouth of a river where saltwater and freshwater meet.

• Their diet consists of other fish as well as crustaceans.  They will wait open-mouthed in the face of moving waters, and grab prey as the current carries it by.

• Although this specimen looks large for our lake, it is only 11 pounds; snook can actually grow up to 50 pounds!

• Snook all start out in life as males; as they approach full size, some become females. For spawning season, snook form schools.

Lee County Parks and Recreation provides the following information and guidelines regarding fishing in County parks and preserves:

FISHING: This recreational opportunity refers to preserves with bodies of water that are more appropriate for fishing from the shore. These water bodies hold water all year long and are relatively easy to access from the preserve’s designated access point. All applicable freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses are required. Fishing for turtles or other reptiles is strictly prohibited. For more information on state fishing license requirements please see the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing Regulations.

FISHING RESOURCES: 

CLICK for more facts about snook, from My FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) 

Is it snook season? CLICK to find out when, where, and how you can fish for snook 

What Lee County Parks & Rec properties allow fishing?  CLICK to search the Lee County Parks Program Guide