What live bait for brackish water snook in Miami?

Question

I am fishing in the Miami canals about 1 mile off of the bay, where the water is more fresh than it is salty. Having read that the best is to get the bait where you fish the snook, I was wondering what I should go for. I brifely tried mayan cichlid with not success, should I persist or is there anything better? Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

I swear by live shrimp and fish them 90% of the time, but for where you are, try pin fish or any other white bait. They will entice the snook to strike by their movement and it's the snook's natural food. You have a better chance of catching that snook if fishing after dark. If you do go with shrimp, get big uns. I've caught snook on shrimp when I've used a fast retrieve. They seem to like to chase down bait. Tight lines.

Answer 2

I concur.......live shrimp

Answer 3

live shrimp.  works for everything.

Answer 4

A good friend of mine is a guide down in that area and we use pilchards (sardines) that we catch on sabiki rigs and keep in the livewell. However, if you are not hung up on live bait you can use lures with good results and you don't have to worry about keeping the bait alive. Personally, I prefer lures over bait and have caught more snook on the doa shrimp, zoom fluke and the good ole roostertail inline spinners than I ever have using bait. Will be down there this weekend and I'll be using the lures. Good luck and tight lines!!!