Snook Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Snook, scientifically known as Sphyraena novaehollandiae, is a streamlined, torpedo-shaped fish with a distinctive protruding lower jaw and sharp teeth. They typically have a silvery-green to blue-grey coloration on their back, fading to silver on the sides and belly, with a prominent dark lateral line. Snook can grow up to 1 meter in length, though most caught specimens are around 40-60cm. These fish are found in coastal waters around southern Australia, including Victoria. They prefer areas with structure such as reefs, rocky outcrops, and areas with strong currents. Snook are voracious predators, feeding mainly on small schooling fish. They are known for their speed and agility, making them an exciting target for anglers. When fishing for Snook, light tackle and lures that imitate small baitfish can be highly effective. They are often more active during warmer months but can be caught year-round in Victorian waters.

What restrictions are in place for Snook fishing in Melbourne?

Fishing for Snook in Victorian waters is regulated to maintain sustainable populations. The minimum legal size for Snook is 30cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Anglers are allowed a combined total bag limit of 10 Snook or Longfin Pike per person per day. It’s crucial to stay informed about any changes to these regulations before fishing. Always handle fish responsibly and quickly release any undersized specimens.

How to catch Snook

To catch Snook in Victorian waters, use light to medium spinning gear with 6-12lb line. Focus on areas with structure and strong currents, such as rocky headlands, reef edges, and deep channels. Casting metal lures, soft plastics, or small hard-bodied lures and retrieving them at a fast pace can be effective. Trolling can also be productive when covering larger areas. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best bite times. When using bait, try live or dead small fish like pilchards or whitebait.

What should you fish with for Snook?

When it comes to fishing for Snook, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with lures when fishing for Snook, but bait fishing is common too.

For the best chances of success, try using Pilchards as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for Snook

Bait fishing for Snook offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Pilchards
• Whitebait
• Small Fish
• Squid

The Top 5 Lures to Use for Snook

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Snook:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Minnow Lures
• Trolling Lures

Where to catch Snook in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Snook. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Snook can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Snook, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Snook fishing in Melbourne