More Snook Caught on This Irresistible Bait Than Any in 40 Years

In 40 years of Snook fishing I've caught more on this one bait than any other. It's irresistible when they are feeding and catches all different sized Snook, big, medium and small. Shrimp is the longstanding winner when it comes to catching these amazing game fish on live bait or lures.
I was seventeen years old when a good friend and co-worker took me out to a local bridge to target catching Snook on live shrimp. He taught me to rig with thirty pound test mainline and fifty pound test leader. We were also using 5/0 hooks. That was forty years ago. The free-lining technique has proved to be the very best way to catch these game fish through the years.
The main reason I used shrimp more often than other types of baits is because every saltwater bait shop in town sells shrimp. It's rare to find a tackle shop that keeps a consistent stock of pinfish. If you don't fish at least three times per week, you aren't going to know where to catch your own bait in a cast net or with a hook either.
I understand that not every place that holds a decent Snook population is going to be suited for fishing with shrimp. What I am saying is that in the majority of locations where you will find these fish a shrimp will be hard for one to pass up when hungry.
Your story may be different than mine. For me, where I live and fish for Snook, live shrimp is an excellent choice bait to use.

[@jshall1000]

Been going through some of the older vids again. I love them.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I've had some amazing fishing trips for sure.

[@markhanson6880]

Another great night of fishing. Appreciate the tackle review as well as how to hook the shrimp.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I'm so glad I've been persistent in trying to succeed in that area. It's really starting to payoff during this change of season. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@fishinnjiggin1014]

JC, your so amazing, the environment for your channel is amazing too, you teach me so much about fishing and I'm happy that you do. Thanks for all these vids, keep it up man!!!

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching and the complements, greatly appreciated.

[@billwall2764]

Great video, I learned alot too! I have freelined greenbacks at night under lit docks but not with shrimp, definitely going to do that soon, thanks for quality in your videos and I like the humorous content, so funny. Rad snooker would fit you well... tight lines!

[@floridasaltlife]

Late comer to your channel but really enjoying going back through all your videos, fun seeing someone from my area doing it and having fun. I'd imaging I about your age and digging retired life every day.

[@RalphBarton-fishing]

Love rhem snook and hearing that drag pealing.. nice job

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yeah, I'd like to get a reel where the drag volume is even greater, love that sound. Thanks for watching.

[@KyleForAwhile]

Awesome pile of fish JC

[@RadReelingFishing]

It's always great to find where the fish are hanging out, especially when the red tide has been so devastating.

[@JETTIEROCKSFISHINGwithMIKED]

Nice snook buddy...shrimp somtimes is the absolutely the best bait..great adventure buddy..keep them comming

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching. Yeah, I think I'll stick with the shrimp in that spot. I would have tried some pinfish already, but the bait shop's been out of them. I'm having a blast with the 2500 reel though.

[@stevehogan8829]

Nice slot Snook. Look at the yellow colors in that fish.

[@JupiterGeorgeFishing]

Shrimplife! Yessir! Everything eats a shrimp! Great night JC and great lit up place to film. Gotta love that!

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yeah, there's a lot of lights in that park. So many Snook moving into this area, loads of fun!

[@JupiterGeorgeFishing]

Got to love a set up like that. Just got back from wading. Caught over a dozen snook. Was a great morning.

[@Fishing_Addiction_Miami]

Great work!!! Awesome video!!!

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching. I'm amazed at how many Snook are piling up in the river right now.

[@Fishing_Addiction_Miami]

@@RadReelingFishing nice

[@trouthunters4743]

I like your videos God bless you

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching and the blessing.

[@mikepound9808]

Great video! Just curious, what model headlamp are you using? thanks...

[@RadReelingFishing]

Here's the link, great headlamp for sure. www.wish.com/product/565896503a698c0c7b6ac32c When you get it take the battery cover off and take the plastic wrap off the batteries.

[@gonzogonzales2758]

Snook Master

[@UrbanFisherman]

Awesome video 😎😎😎

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for the complement. It's always good to catch a couple of quality fish.

[@jshall1000]

Jc i use long leader also between 4 and 6 ft. Id lime to go longer but wonder how u keep the leader nice and straight. Im a nut when it comes to the leader not being all curly lol

[@RadReelingFishing]

I use mono all the time. When I rig at home the line has time to yield to the straight memory when I hook it on to the rod and tighten things up. Sometimes when I get to the bottom of a spool the mono is really curly on heavier leader that's when I use a small piece of leather to run up and down the mono when it is hooked onto the rod in a straight position. The friction of the leather places some heat on the mono so it will conform. When I'm out there fishing and have to change the leader it is what it is...Thanks for watching.

[@mikev3956]

Love you videos! Did you make the bridge net or buy it? I really need one of those.

[@RadReelingFishing]

This is the one: amzn.to/3iV8zcM (paid link)

[@brocktnorman]

Man, I used about every artificial lure imaginable for snook, but none are consistent. I guess I better start using shrimp! Great video!

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yeah, I've been thinking about throwing some lures long that seawall again, but then I think why do that when they are hitting live shrimp so good!

[@dannypeace9053]

Caught a couple that size tonight, fun on a 3k reel. The river is loaded with em right now. Thanks for the vid.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for sharing. Lures or live bait?

[@dannypeace9053]

Rad Reeling Fishing mirrodine 17mr

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for the tip. You're the third person in a couple weeks who has mentioned the Mirrodine. Looks like it's time to try one.

[@jimhall2255]

Man I wish we had Snook along the shore line here where I live, there are Snook but caught from boats which I don't have. I bought a Kayak this fall and can't wait till warmer weather. Lots of Reds and Specks that are caught near the shore. Will not mention what City but live here in Florida.

[@RadReelingFishing]

The red tide forced me to start looking for places to saltwater fish further inland. I kept being persistent in fishing this river and discovered there's some good fishing there. Some of the locals said that the winter months would be really good, I believe them now.

[@Grantdaryn]

We need to go fishing!

[@BusyBee11226]

Aka , you need to show me your spots. 😑😑

[@steveng.c.8524]

What river are u fishing? I’m from the Texas gulf coast Galveston... Great video!

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for asking. I'm in south west Florida, but don't reveal locations. If I name the river it's pretty obvious where I'm fishing. You guys catch Snook in Texas too and giant red fish. I watch Thresher Fishing on KZbin. He's always catching something good over there in Texas.

[@victorlani11]

Nice video. Which bridge are you fishing? I never caught a snook before. I would love to get started.

[@RadReelingFishing]

You'll find good info to help you catch snook here" kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJetnYiAlsSljtU

[@dirks.9040]

Nice Video, i am from Germany and will be in Cape Coral for Vacation from 24.05.22 - 09.06.22 ....Do you have a good Spot for me for Baitfish like Big Mullets or Snook or others....we will go offshore later with the Baits for Goliath Groupers

[@MarkFL98]

Looks like you found a pile of hungry fish, good for you JC. I've never used shrimp in that part of the river, but have caught hundreds over 20 lb on crank baits right in the same area. Lots of work but the pay off comes in big fish. I will never forget the first time I fished Big Carlos Pass in Ft. Myers, I brought my geniol kerosene lantern and bought some shrimp on the way since I didn't know the area and where to cast net some pilchards. Anyway, when I lit up the geniol I could hear the other fisherman saying what the hell is that, as they were all fishing under coleman propane lanterns, which are very dim compared to a geniol. I dropped it down anyway and never got any bait under it, however I could see big snook going around the outside shadow. So I figured what the hell, I put on a 2" shrimp and casted out to the shadow of my lantern. Bam within 20 seconds I had on a nice fish, turned out to be a 43" 26lb snook. I quickly made friends and they said to put out my bright porch light and come fish under their coleman. I was amazed that the dim light drew in lots of pilchards and ballyhoo, at the Skyway the brightest light always won and you would attract more bait and more fish, its amazing how 80 miles makes a difference. Didn't take long and I caught 3 more over 20 lbs. So sometimes big fish like a little snack just like us humans. But by far I've caught the most snook on pilchards. Thanks for a great video, I hope those fish stay stacked up there for you.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Crank bait huh, what brand and model works? I like the idea of dropping a lantern to attract bait. That just might work for cast netting a few lively bait fish. When I was a kid that was the popular thing to do. I remember seeing massive snook cursing around those lanterns the old timers would hang from the bridges, and nice schools of greenbacks shiners as well. Thanks for adding a quality comment, greatly appreciate you sharing your wisdom.

[@MarkFL98]

When the old bridge was there before they turned into a fishing pier. The rapala cd 18 and 14 was all you needed. However, that was fishing near the channel those plugs run pretty deep. Where you are we would use Maverick golden eye's, long A bombers, the long A's are about 6" long, they make a shorter version about 4" long. I would start with black top white belly. Sometimes other colors work but mullet colors seemed to always work best. Unfortunately, the original bomber company got bought out by a company called Bradco, they cheapened the lure after a few lunkers are caught they will leak. But it's still the original mold. Bomber used to make Long A with a chartreuse top and a white belly I caught 100's of big snook on it. Bradco quit making that color so I had to paint the bellies white myself. There is a lot of fish held up in that part of river probably more than usual due to the red tide that hit the river earlier in the week. Thank God they were able to out run it. Best of luck!

[@MarkFL98]

Rad Reeling Fishing britelyt.com/product/sp3-1/ there is the link for lantern I use 500 candle power, you also need a hood and the case to protect your investment. Also, I tried many times to use the lantern in the river without a lot of success. My rule of thumb was if the water is green use a lantern. The bridge in distance has fender lights you would be surprised at the big fish that go to those lights every night.

[@RadReelingFishing]

@@MarkFL98 Thanks for the details Mark. Very informative.

[@stevehogan8829]

I'm so happy to hear it is shrimp. That's what I always use. Easy for me to get although a little expensive. No where near as expensive as if I were a golfer paying greens fees every week. Love it. can't wait to see what I hook i into this coming Friday. Thanks JC. Starting to realize that the small shrimp work as well as the big ones.

[@davidraguse2106]

Hi you have probably been asked this a hundred times...What rod line class and leader do you use to fish jigs for snook around bridges...and what assortment of jig head weights do you use please?

[@RadReelingFishing]

50 pound Braid, 80 pound mono, 1 to 2 ounce jigs depending on Swift the current is

[@davidraguse2106]

@@RadReelingFishing thanks

[@gmanmule6931]

Great stuff like always what else can I say lol

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching. Catching is always better than fishing.

[@WilliamHowardAlloway]

Where are you fishing at? Titusville Fl? Let us know please

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for asking. I don't reveal exact locations or the city I'm fishing in 99% of the time. This video is loaded with Snook fishing info though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJetnYiAlsSljtU

[@TigrisdeGallia]

Do you always fish them weightless? What if the tide is strong? Do you use fish finder rigs? Thanks.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I almost always fish the shrimp weightless. I usually tie the leader directly to the main line as well. If the tide is really ripping I'll attach the leader to the main line with a swivel to add a little extra weight. If I want a shrimp to sink deeper in the current, I'll cast further away from where I think the snook are in order to allow the shrimp to sink enough by the time it reaches the snook zone. Thanks for asking.

[@TigrisdeGallia]

@@RadReelingFishing Thanks for the detailed responses. I recently bought a light rod and definitely will try this out near the Fort Pierce inlet/Indian River Lagoon.

[@RadReelingFishing]

@@TigrisdeGallia Sounds good. You have amazing fishing in your area.

[@ljelect]

JC curious as to why you don't just leave the net in the water tied off so you can walk to it and retrieve? As usual, great video but that question came to me a few times in this one

[@RadReelingFishing]

Good idea for sure John. I'll put some thought into that method. Those Snook should me moving in there right now. I tried the other night and hooked up with one little guy.

[@ljelect]

@@RadReelingFishing Use the Rachetting straps so you can apply some torque and I think it will work.

[@jakewkayakfishing8457]

Couple of good ones there, nice job. Keep 'em coming.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks, yeah I'm really enjoying fighting these fish in mostly open water with the 4000 spinning reel.

[@Higuys23344]

I’m here now fishing waiting for the tide to be right

[@RadReelingFishing]

That sounds like an absolute blast. Please come back and post how you did.

[@LeirArieL73]

Have you ever try DAO shrimp? It's working for me I caught a lot snook with it and I think it will work for you

[@RadReelingFishing]

I haven't tried it in that area. The live shrimp are producing such good results...I have used the DOA before in other places where there were plenty of snook, only hooked one snook on a DOA, lost it. What color do you like?

[@LeirArieL73]

@@RadReelingFishing they have a lot color but the snook killer is 308 Glow/Holographic Flk Belly... Check it out, don't loose nothing

[@RadReelingFishing]

What color?

[@LeirArieL73]

@@RadReelingFishing 308 Glow /Holographic Flk Belly

[@scottmichael3745]

You my friend have never heard of rubber band rigging!! Double or triple a rubber band and run it up the bottom (remove reel) and put it in front of your reel. Than cast, make a loop of line and put it in the rubber band and open the bail. That way your line won't tangle on your spool but when a fish takes it the loop will pull out of the rubber band and you won't loose your pole. :-)

[@jacklee7196]

Or you could use a reel with a bait feeder/free line option which is what I use.....cast out flip the lever adjust the tension on the bait feeder depending on current type of bait.....fish hits let him run as long as you like pick up rod crank handle disengage baitfeeder fight the fish.....

[@jamesbear3794]

It’s a good bait but I prefer to throw jigs for the big girls

[@fishonkayakadventure]

please dont leave your cut off tag ends of fishing line laying around

[@RadReelingFishing]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@1010degrees]

I agree. I just throw them in my backpack and throw it away at home. Leave your fishing spot better than when you arrived!

[@PierRat420]

Dude get out my snook hole