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Beche De Mer
(Sea Cucumber - Trepang)

Angling for Pike | Snook:

Pike are also known as Snoek or Snook.

This southern saltwater species, which is distantly related to the northern barracuda, is also known as the short-finned pike or short-fin sea pike, although snook is the most common name throughout much of its range. There is occasional confusion between this fish and the unrelated long-finned pike (Dinolestes lewini), which is found in many of the same southern waters as the snook, as well as further north.

The snook is characterised by its elongated, almost cylindrical body, sharp teeth and widely separated, short-based dorsal fins. Colouration is greenish to bluish purple or brown on the back, silvery on the flanks, often with two or three darker green or brown longitudinal stripes along each side. The fins are lightly coloured, the tail sometimes yellowish, but never as bright yellow as that of the long-finned pike.

They are distributed in temperate waters from southern Queensland to southern Western Australia.  They are also found off South Africa and New Zealand.  They are a highly migratory pelagic fish that occur in schools of 50 or more individuals.

Spawning probably takes place from October to January.

Most snook are taken on lightly-weighted or un-weighted baits of whitebait, anchovy or pilchards on ganged hooks or single, long-shanked hooks. They also fall to fish flesh strips, small live baits and pieces of squid. These baits should be a lightly weighted and kept moving. A gentle jigging motion will often attract snook. Snook are also keen lure-takers and fall to slow-trolled spoons, jigs, feathers and minnows, particularly on weighted lines or behind paravanes.

The snook is a very good to excellent table fish, much prized in southern waters. The fish's flesh is white, moist and sweet, although a little soft. Care should be taken not to bruise the meat, and all snook should be cleaned promptly after capture. See: Cooking Pike & Snook

The largest fish landed in Australia was 109 cm long, weighing 5.6 kg.  Growth studies on South Australian fish have estimated the maximum age at about 20 years.  Most snook taken by anglers weigh between 0.8 and 1.5 kg, although fish in excess of 3 kg are not unknown, and the species may have a maximum growth potential in excess of 4 kg.

Saltwater Fish - What bait to use for fishing - a list of saltwater baits with the main "diners" who will be tempted.

See Also:
Pike (Sphyraena) Photographs and Information
Catching Pike | Fishing for Snook
Cooking Pike | Recipes using Pike or Snook
Commercial Fishery for Pike (Sphyraena) | Buy Sell Snook