Moon Phases & Jigging for Snook in Florida Inlets and Passes

When it comes to landing big snook in Florida’s legendary inlets and passes, timing isn’t just about the tide—it’s about the moon. If you want to stack the odds in your favor, understanding how moon phases impact water movement, bait activity, and snook feeding windows is a game-changer.

Why Moon Phases Matter

Snook are notorious for feeding hardest when water is moving. The new moon and full moon phases generate the strongest tidal currents—moving more water, displacing more bait, and triggering intense feeding windows. On these big moon tides, snook instinctively know to hunt, especially in choke points like inlets and passes.

Stronger tides = more bait = more active snook.

Best Windows During the Tide

• First two hours of an incoming or outgoing tide are prime time—especially on those stronger moon phases.
• Ebb tides (the first push of outgoing after a big high) often concentrate bait and feeding snook.
• Arrive early—get to your spot before your target window so you can watch the tide slow, turn, and fire up.

Example: If high tide is at 1:00 a.m. and you want to fish the first two hours of outgoing, show up a little before the turn. Watch as the water slows, then starts to flow out. That transition is when snook go on the feed.

Don’t ignore the little things. Water movement is everything—if the tide is ripping, bait is moving and so are big snook.

Beyond New and Full Moon

While the new and full moon phases are famous for powerful tides, don’t sleep on the waxing and waning gibbous periods. Some of the best nights can be 2–3 days before a full or new moon, when the tides are strong but a bit more manageable than the extremes.

Hot Take: Don’t Just Fish—Track Everything

The best snook anglers keep a log. Take notes on moon phase, tide, bait activity, and feeding windows. You’ll spot patterns—maybe you’ll find your own “secret moon” when other anglers stay home.

• Always try new phases: Sometimes, an overlooked moon phase creates the perfect storm for a bite.
• But concentrate on the big tides: New and full moons are proven producers for a reason.

Quick Tips for Jigging Snook by Moon Phase

Final Word

If you want to consistently catch big snook on jigs, pay attention to the moon. The best in the game plan trips around it, not just the weather. Learn the details, experiment, and log every trip—so you know exactly when and where your next personal best is likely to happen.