Stuart and Jupiter area beaches
Most of the time the west coast beaches get all of attention, but the east coast can offer phenominal Snook fishing! While many beaches there can be crowded and offer poor fishing, I have found a few areas in the Stuart and Jupiter regions where you can avoid the crowds and experience sometimes amazing action! What's best about the east coast is that the fish on average are much larger....most of them are in the mid to upper 20 inch range and very thick bodied. This is one area where you have a legitimate shot at a Snook in the high teens or larger. Don't let anyone tell you there is "no sightfishing" on the east coast...there is, and it can be great! Prime time here for a guide trip is from June through August, when the Snook are feeding and spawning outside of the rivers and the water is at its calmest. Beginners are welcome here, but some experience may be helpful as the use of sinking lines and larger flies may be necessary!
Naples beaches
The beaches around Naples, Florida are often mentioned when talking about beach Snook fishing. They offer easy access, abundant fish, and often very calm surf. While the Snook do not average as large as those found on the east coast, the sheer numbers of fish encountered at times can amaze first-timers. The calm surf and smaller fish make for great sight fishing using 5 to 7 weight fly tackle or light spinning gear. When conditions are optimal, it's nothing to see 200 fish in a morning. These fish are often both spooky and shy, so precise and quiet presentations, as well as patience are important! Fishing here can last much of the year depending on the weather. The range generally is March thru November, but the best time lies between May thru October. This is a great guide trip if you are new to saltwater flyfishing, or just simply want to learn some local hot spots. The gear is light, and casts are generally between 10 and 30 feet. It also provides a more comfortable and bug-free experience rather than fishing the backcountry during the hot months!