Species
Snook
Sphyraena novaehollandiae
Also known as Australian barracuda · arrow barracuda · Australian sea pike · sea pike · shortfin barracuda
Tier 4Eating6/10light tackleNSWVICSAWATAS
39 waypoints40–70 cm (max 110 cm) typical
Regulations
SA45 cm min · bag 20
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| SA | 45 cm min | 20 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about snook
Southern Australian inshore barracuda — common in SA, VIC, TAS and southern WA seagrass flats and bays. Targeted with small hardbodies, soft plastics and trolled lures around weed beds. Sharp teeth demand a wire or heavy fluoro trace.
Biology: Snook size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary, Inshore, Reef
- Typical size
- 40–70 cm (max 110 cm)
- Weight
- 0.5–2 kg (max 6 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–50 m
- Diet
- small baitfish, squid, garfish
- Most active
- crepuscular
- Global range
- Southern Australia and NZ (Sphyraena novaehollandiae) — note: AU snook ≠ Florida snook
How to target: Snook angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small metal slugs and jerk-shad plastics fast-retrieved over weedy inshore bottom
- live garfish trolled slowly behind a dinghy at dusk in SA gulfs
- small surface stickbaits in low light
Best season: when to catch snook in Australia
- VIC
- year-round
- SA
- Apr-Nov (gulfs)
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Safety & handling
Razor teeth — use a wire trace and long pliers.
Conservation
IUCN: Least Concern
Vernacular collision with Florida snook (Centropomus) — flag for editorial clarity.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught snook
No snook catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch: snook fishing spots in Australia
South Australia37
- Adelaide Artificial Reef (North Haven)Reef · SA-34.77°
- Aldinga BeachBeach · SA-35.28°
- Aldinga Reef EdgeReef · SA-35.29°
- Ardrossan JettyJetty · SA-34.42°
- Backy PointHeadland · SA-33.03°
- Boatswain PointHeadland · SA-37.06°
- Cabbage Patch (Spencer Gulf)Reef · SA-34.09°
- Cape BauerHeadland · SA-32.72°
- Cape Jervis BreakwallBreakwall · SA-35.61°
- Cowell JettyJetty · SA-33.69°
- D'Estrees BayBeach · SA-35.92°
- Daly HeadHeadland · SA-34.93°
- Foul Bay YorkeBeach · SA-35.21°
- Glenelg Artificial ReefReef · SA-34.98°
- Granite Island CausewayBreakwall · SA-35.56°
- Hallett Cove Drop-offShoal · SA-35.07°
- Marino RocksRock Platform · SA-35.05°
- Marion Bay JettyJetty · SA-35.23°
- Marion Reef (Yorke)Reef · SA-35.05°
- Moonta Bay JettyJetty · SA-34.06°
- Nora CreinaRock Platform · SA-37.31°
- Northern Power Station Outlet (Port Augusta)Shoreline · SA-32.50°
- Point DavenportHeadland · SA-35.25°
- Port Augusta DeepsShoreline · SA-32.55°
- Port Hughes JettyJetty · SA-34.07°
- Port Vincent JettyJetty · SA-34.78°
- Robe BreakwallBreakwall · SA-37.16°
- Royston HeadHeadland · SA-35.04°
- Seal Rock (Port Lincoln)Reef · SA-34.75°
- Smoky Bay JettyJetty · SA-32.38°
- Snapper Point (Pelican Point Power Station)Shoreline · SA-34.77°
- Stansbury JettyJetty · SA-34.91°
- Stenhouse Bay JettyJetty · SA-35.28°
- The BluffHeadland · SA-34.07°
- Troubridge HillHeadland · SA-35.17°
- Tumby Bay JettyJetty · SA-34.37°
- Whyalla Shipping Channel EdgesShoreline · SA-33.05°
Western Australia1
Victoria1
More information: snook references & sources
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