One of the most productive and rewarding saltwater fly fishing experiences can be found on the beaches of South Florida every summer. Snook congregate along the sand to feed and spawn and provide a phenomenal sightfishing experience to the land bound fly fisher that is much like bonefishing. Despite the fact that you are casting your fly into the gulf, this is extremely shallow-water angling with fish commonly caughton fly in the ankle deep wash right on the beach! This is one of those situations where the fly angler has many advantages ofer the conventional fisherman, the most important being stealth.

Those who pursue snook on the fly along coastal beaches will commonly choose much lighter tackle than what is commonly used for this hard fighting gamefish. Noted for their tractor-like pulling power

If their is one person who could be called the leading expert of catching snook on the beach with a fly rod, it would without a doubt be noted outdoor journalist Norm Zeigler. Residing a short walk from the beaches of Sanibel Island, fly fishing for snook in the surf is part of Norm's daily routine and, accordingly, he has gotten very good at it. His Chrystal Schminnow fly is without a doubt the best fly for these finicky snook and anyone taking a stroll down down the gulf beaches with a fly rod in his hand should have one tied to the end of his tippet and a few extras in his pocket. Norm's Chrystal Schminnow is simple to tie, durable, easy to cast, and most importantly, effective on a wide variety of species in a wide variety of situations.

A schoolie snook on a 7wt fly rod.

Ian Slack hooks up with a bigger fish on the
beaches of Sanibel Island

Although all white is the best color for the beach, the Chrystal Schminnow can be tied in an infinite variety of colors. Click on the image for a close up.

Fly Tackle for Beach Fishing

Unlike fly fishing for snook on mangrove shorelines and around docks, you don't have to worry so much about structure, so a larger fly rod is not needed for even the biggest fish. 7 and 8 wt rods are the best choice and the lighter weight helps when the waters are gin clear and the fish become spooky. Longer leaders tapering to 20# with a 25# to 30# flourocarbon bite tippet are the ideal choice for snookin' the beach with a fly rod. If you are going to near any Southwest Florida Gulf beach from May to September, give us a call at 239-549-7555 and we will help you get outfitted for this great fishery!

Coming Soon: More great information on fly fishing for snook on the beach!
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