Unless you have been living under a rock somewhere, you have probably heard of a beautiful Tropical Gamefish called the Snook. The Common Snook is a big (up to 40+ pounds) Marine Fish, found throughout Tropical America, in Salt, Brackish and even Fresh Water Habitats. Sure you know about Snook....almost everyone who ever picked up a Rod knows (at least something) about them. But I'd be willing to bet Cold Hard Cash, that precious few of you have ever heard of the Feisty Little FRESHWATER Scrapper we have here in Belize called the "Bay Snook".
The Bay Snook (Petenia splendida) is no "Snook"at all.....it is a Cichlid; just like it's Famous and MUCH BIGGER Cousin, the "Peacock Bass", which (by the way) is no "Bass" either!
No, it is not a big fish. A Five Pounder is a Real Trophy.... most weigh a pound or so, at best! But just like Dynamite, this small package has Explosive Power, and is a challenging adversary on Ultra-Light Spinning or Fly Fishing Tackle. The "Bay" Strikes with ferocity, Runs Hard and Jumps High....in short, everything you would expect from a great gamefish. So if the big "Peacock" is the Bass of the Tropics, I suppose the "Bay Snook" should fill the position of the "Smalley" of the Tropics; small, but great fun on the appropriate tackle.
So how do you catch a Bay Snook? Well first, find yourself a slow-moving Jungle River...Belize is Positively Best! Preferably your River will be lazily flowing with Dark and Tannin-Stained Water, with beds of Water Lillies along the sides; the preferred habitat of this secretive "Ambush" hunter. I would suggest a five foot Graphite Rod, and a Lightning Quick Reel spooled with 4lb test line. Tiny Crank-baits like the Bill Norman, or Rebel Craw are EXCELLENT in Yellow, Chartreuse or Fire Tiger. "Bays" have a Huge Mouth and an Appetite to Match, so don't be afraid to throw your 3-4" Rapala or other Jerk Baits a well.....anything you can effectively work with your Ultra-Light Tackle. Rooster Tail and other (in line) Spinners work well too. The key is to keep it moving fast! As an ambush feeder, Bays are genetically programmed to react to sudden movements.
So you say you're a Fly Fisherman? Well the Bay Snook was made for you! Your favorite Rod....you know the one you use for "Brookies and Rainbows" back home, will work just fine. Though the "Bay Snook" will strike surface Poppers and such, a Flashy Streamer is Guaranteed to put high-flying "Bays" on your line!
Drifting down a primordial Jungle Stream, with Gaudy Parrots and Toucans flying overhead, while Casting your Fly or Ultra Light Lure to a "Mean" Little Tropical Gamester. No better way to get your "Caribbean MoJo" working!
If you would like to know more about Ultra-Light and Fly Fishing the Rivers of Belize; or any of the other GREAT Fishing Adventures we offer, check our website www.spearfishbelize.com or simply email mayakingdom@yahoo.com. Tight Lines!!
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