Some among us actually avoid catching snook during this three month closure. Their motivation is simply that they do not want to present a hazard to these popular gamefish during this spawning season closure. But we'll talk here about measures you can take to insure their safety and survival. Also see Dr. Ron Taylor's excellent suggestions on this web site for the best ways to release snook. First and foremost, try to use minimal handling.
Biologists say that leaving the fish in the water is the optimal way to go.
If you want to take it out of the water for a picture, use a device like the Boga Grip, which permits grabbing the fish by the lip. Then hold it up briefly for a photo, get its weight etc., and then quickly and safely release it. You can also grab the snook's lower lip by hand, like a bass. Gently lift it out of the water for a photo, measuring, etc. and then put the linesider back as quickly as possible, minimizing its time out of the water. When you release the snook, do not rock it back and forth, trying to work water through its gills.