How to catch Snoek
Thyrsites atun
Snoek are fast, toothy pelagics of the Southern Hemisphere, a hugely popular target off South Africa on handlines and light tackle.
🏆 World record: The IGFA tracks an all-tackle world record for snoek, a fast snake mackerel of the southern hemisphere prized off South Africa. IGFA records can change over time, so verify the current mark at igfa.org. All records →
Where to find them
Nearshore and offshore cold-water zones
Season
Austral winter and spring
Best baits & lures for Snoek
Troll or drift spoons and feathers through the schools. Wire or long-shank hooks handle their sharp teeth.
Timing matters as much as tackle. Baitful reads the tide stage, pressure trend, solunar windows and weather at your spot and scores the bite, so you fish Snoek when conditions line up.
Catch to table: Snoek
A popular Southern Hemisphere fish, especially in South Africa, that is excellent smoked or grilled. Keep legal fish and enjoy the rich fillets.
Taste: Firm, oily, full-flavored flesh with a fair number of bones. Bold and delicious, a natural for smoking and braaing.
Cleaning: Fillet and be mindful of the bones; the oily flesh is well suited to smoking and grilling.
How to cook it
- • Braai or grill fillets with an apricot glaze.
- • Smoke and flake into a snoek pate.
- • Make a traditional smoked snoek and potato dish.
Tip: Bleed and ice immediately; the oily flesh is best eaten fresh, smoked, or grilled soon after the catch.
Ikejime this fish for firmer, cleaner-tasting fillets and longer shelf life.
Where to catch Snoek
Book a Snoek charter
Guides and charter boats that target Snoek, by destination:
Catching Snoek: FAQ
What's the best bait for Snoek?
Proven options include spoons, feathers, live bait. Troll or drift spoons and feathers through the schools. Wire or long-shank hooks handle their sharp teeth.
When is the best time to catch Snoek?
Austral winter and spring. Day to day, moving water and low-light periods around dawn and dusk usually fish best.
Where do you find Snoek?
Look for Nearshore and offshore cold-water zones. Anglers target them at spots like Cape Town.