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How I Learned to Love the Snook
If you asked my father, who is a seasoned, lifelong fisherman, what his favorite fish is to catch, no doubt his answer would be the snook. Since the first time I watched my dad battle and land a big snook, I’ve been infatuated with them. I can remember, clear as day, my own initial encounter with the legendary linesider.
I would describe the snook (centropomus undecimalis) as a saltwater version of the largemouth bass. They are extremely aggressive, very quick, and have a mouth the size of a garbage can. In other words, they’ve got 99 problems, but eating ain’t one. This fish is sought after and pursued by the saltiest of the salty captains and serious fishermen. This is reflected in the lengths that the state has gone to since 1997 to protect this valuable, irreplaceable species. With our strict regulations on bag limits, slot sizes, and closed seasons, catching and bringing home a snook means being much more of an angler than a poacher. Due to a 2010 cold snap that not only killed but negatively impacted a substantial amount of the snook fishery across the state, the harvest season was closed in the gulf waters to allow the population some “breeding room”, so to speak. Commissioners voted at the June 2013 FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to reopen the recreational harvest season on September 1st. And reports have been steadily coming in that Florida’s snook fishery is back on track and looks even better than it has in years.
I think the majority of us have some trust issues with the government lately. I myself have often wonder, “Why do they care what I catch/kill and when? Can’t they just stay out of it?” However, this is clear evidence, for me anyway, that the state has made some serious strides in protecting our aquatic habitats for future generations. I certainly want my grandchildren and their children to have the same chance to enjoy the thrill of battling one of Florida’s wonders.
I would describe the snook (centropomus undecimalis) as a saltwater version of the largemouth bass. They are extremely aggressive, very quick, and have a mouth the size of a garbage can. In other words, they’ve got 99 problems, but eating ain’t one. This fish is sought after and pursued by the saltiest of the salty captains and serious fishermen. This is reflected in the lengths that the state has gone to since 1997 to protect this valuable, irreplaceable species. With our strict regulations on bag limits, slot sizes, and closed seasons, catching and bringing home a snook means being much more of an angler than a poacher. Due to a 2010 cold snap that not only killed but negatively impacted a substantial amount of the snook fishery across the state, the harvest season was closed in the gulf waters to allow the population some “breeding room”, so to speak. Commissioners voted at the June 2013 FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to reopen the recreational harvest season on September 1st. And reports have been steadily coming in that Florida’s snook fishery is back on track and looks even better than it has in years.
I think the majority of us have some trust issues with the government lately. I myself have often wonder, “Why do they care what I catch/kill and when? Can’t they just stay out of it?” However, this is clear evidence, for me anyway, that the state has made some serious strides in protecting our aquatic habitats for future generations. I certainly want my grandchildren and their children to have the same chance to enjoy the thrill of battling one of Florida’s wonders.
About the Host/Creator
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As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today.
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Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.” His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.
Want Chad to speak at your event?
Check out Chad’s blog
Want Chad to speak at your event?
Check out Chad’s blog