Beachsnooker.com
This site is dedicated to the common snook or "beach snook" by sight-fishing for them with conventional or fly fishing gear while walking the beautiful beaches of Florida which are publicly accessible per Florida Statue FS Section 163.035.
Please also refer to any local laws or ordinances regarding beach access and have the appropriate fishing license where applicable.
This site will also contain photos and information on other fishes that can be caught from the beach or by kayak, boat or pier/jetty fishing.
Win, lose, or draw, I live in the moment and take on every day with discipline, passion, and the courage to push myself to unknown limits. Champion, leader, all star, hall of famer; there are many titles I am striving for in my career as a fisherman but the most important one will always be difference maker.
Get to Know Me
Ken Taylor is a true native born Floridian! He is a former International Game Fish Association (IGFA) line class record holder for snook. He is also a Member of the prestigious IGFA Trophy Snook Club as well as a Member of Club 40 for the Snook Foundation by catching and releasing a common snook of more than 40" in length. Ken is a family man and a girl Dad #GirlDad with two daughters, Kailey and Kelsey who he taught to fish and hunt! He has been married to his wife Tami for over 30 years! Ken is currently the Lodge Lead / Fishing Department Manager for Dick’s Sporting Goods in his hometown of North Port, Florida. He also is on the Kayak Fishing Pro-Staff for DOA Lures. He has been beach snook fishing in Florida for over 30 years and when he isn't walking the beach looking for a catch, you can find him fishing from his Native Watercraft Slayer 13 Propel Kayak or rooting for his favorite Tampa Bay Area sports teams!
"Imitate the Bait" is a trademark slogan currently on file with the USTPO for www.Beachsnooker.com
My first ever Radio Show!
With Captain Blair Wiggins and WAMR Smells Like Fish Radio Host, Joe Mercurio!
Saturday, April 27th, 2002
In honor of the late, Capt. Mel Berman
a Tampa Bay Area Fishing Legend and Radio / TV Personality! Photo from November 9, 2009 - The Inaugural Capt. Mel Berman Fishing Tournament held at Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg, Florida
Capt. Mel used to have his radio show on 970 WFLA in Tampa that I listened to every Saturday morning. I also won a prize pack as the Catch of the Week when he was on tv for a weekly fishing segment on now,
NewsChannel 8 Tampa!
Capt. Mel published my first beach fishing article and subsequent ones on his website which was www.capmel.com
I also called in to his radio show several times while beach fishing and even won a DOA Lures kit when guide and friend, Captain Rick Grassett was on! Got my name drawn from the hopper to win!
Beachsnooker.com
A BIG Female Beach Snook!
For My Dad, Jim Taylor! He successfully raised three sons (Ken, Mike (1965-2017) and Jamie) and a daughter (Christy) and taught them all to hunt, fish, respect the outdoors and to be responsible stewards of our natural and wildlife resources!
We miss and love you Dad!
Jim Taylor (1939-2017)
Mike Taylor hooked up!
For my late brother, Michael James Taylor (1965-2017) I'll keep hunting and fishing until we meet again bro! Miss and Love you and the adventures we had! KT
Steve Gibson Quote:
"To be a good fly fisherman, you've got to be a good fly caster!"
STEVE GIBSON ON SIGHTFISHING:
"If you want to catch a fish, you've first got to see the fish!" "Your most important piece of equipment in order to do this, is a pair of high quality polarized sunglasses"
Steve Gibson (1949-2022)
In honor of my flyfishing mentor and friend, the late Steve Gibson
Steve Gibson's Youtube Video Channel Link Below:
Teach Your Kids to Fish and Hunt!
Proper Stewardship of our Environmental Resources is Critical!
"Take a Kid Fishing.....Because Someday They May Take You!" - Captain Johnnie Walker
An early snook photo circa 1994 when I kept some of the snook I caught to eat. I haven't harvested a snook for the table in a long time. I prefer to release them so they can grow BIG!
Beachsnooker.com
I began my quest at sight-fishing for snook along our Southwest Florida beaches in the early 90's when I walked into Venice Quality Tackle located then in Bird Bay Plaza in Venice, Florida and the owner, the late Louis Villamonte (Lucky Louie) said to me....."You do know that there are snook on the beach....don't you"?
That simple statement lit the fire in me to pursue this great gamefish!
Weekly newspaper articles published in the Sarasota Herald Tribune by Outdoors Editor, Steve Gibson further fueled my fire! Steve is a great fisherman, friend, guide, fishing tournament winner, and an accomplished now retired outdoor writer and my fly fishing mentor! I know I know.....rod tip down! LOL
Must See: Incredible Beachsnooker.com Highlight
Ken Taylor is now a Life Member of CCA-Florida!
https://ccaflorida.org/product/life-member/
DOA Lures Knot Page and the Canoeman
Simple and easy to tie knots from DOA Lures, Inc
I use these knots all the time! I was even taught how to tie the Canoeman's Loop knot which is actually a bowline, by the legendary, Merrill "The Canoeman" Chandler when he worked for DOA Lures, Inc
A Good Snook!
A Nice Beach Snook Safely Caught and Released!
Huge snook like this are usually BIG females and can be caught along our SW Florida beaches usually from April through early November. A key is a surf temperature of 75 degrees and the apperance of bait!
PROPER FISH HANDLING TECHNIQUES FOR CATCH AND RELEASE
Click on this link:
Don't hang a fish or hold a snook like this!
An early snook photo before we all knew about proper fish handling!
Please hold a snook or any fish (especially a large (older) fish horizontally and support their belly and weight like this:
If you can keep them in the water for a quick release that's even better!
NEVER DRAG THEM THROUGH THE SAND! They need to be released with proper care so they can breed and be caught again! KT
My Sponsors and Friends
I support these great business and friends!
DOA Lures.com
Thank you to my sponsor, DOA Lures for all the support over the years!
Captain Ted's Tackle - Port Charlotte, Florida
A full service tackle shop run by a great friend and fisherman, Mr. Jeff Kincaid. Stop in and say Hi to Jax the wonder dog!
Cook's Sportland Inc
http://www.cookssportlandinc.com/
Thank you to Cook's Sportland for their support and advice over the years! From Fishing, Hunting, Archery, and Camping they are your local source in the Venice area! I got my first baseball glove here at the tender age of 8! Made the Little League All-Star team with it too! Check out their website to learn more.
Florida Inshore Xtream Guide Service
Contact Captain Jesse or Kelly McDowall at 941-698-0323 for some HOT Fishing action from BOCA GRANDE, ENGLEWOOD, PINE ISLAND SOUND … INSHORE, NEARSHORE, TARPON, GOLIATH GROUPER FISHING CHARTERS! Highly recommended!
Making the Inside Cover for the State of Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Beach Snook Photo of Ken Taylor
Photo Credit: Michael J. Taylor
Online Beach Snook Fishing Articles
Written by Ken "Beachsnooker" Taylor
Beach and Fishing Related Links
Helpful Links to Use When Planning Your Fishing Trips
The Importance of Quality Polarized Sunglasses
For Successful Sight-fishing and Safe Driving in Thunderstorms!