Alabama teenager Gardner Love went solo fishing to relax after his final exams and ended up catching a pending state record of a 7-pound snook, a species that is new to the area. Love, who has been fishing since he was very young and works as a deckhand on a sport fishing boat, caught the snook in the brackish waters along Soldier Creek in Alabama. He was initially fishing for trout or redfish when he accidentally hooked the snook while casting towards the grass in a spot he normally doesn’t fish.
Love, who grew up on the Gulf Coast, was surprised by the size of the snook he caught, noting that he had never caught a state record before. After realizing the significance of his catch, Love immediately called his dad, who was waiting for him at the dock. Together, they brought the fish to Zeke’s Marina to weigh it on certified scales. The snook tipped the scales at 7.04 pounds, potentially breaking the current official state record of a 5-pound, 2.6-ounce snook caught in 2023 by another angler.
The catch is particularly interesting because the snook is not native to Alabama and is typically found in Florida. Love’s fish is only the second record-setting snook in Alabama, indicating a recent increase in snook sightings in the area, mostly juveniles. Scott Bannon, director of the Marine Resources division of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, explained that as water levels change and water temperatures increase, snook are becoming more prevalent in Alabama. The influx of snook provides additional fishing opportunities for anglers in the area.
Bannon also mentioned that discussions are underway to potentially implement regulations for snook fishing in Alabama, as currently there are no specific rules regarding size limits or possession limits for the species. He emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy fish stocks and providing access to the public for quality fishing opportunities. Love expressed his love for fishing and his desire to catch another record fish in the future. The fact that several record-holders are kids in Alabama reflects the strong tradition of fishing as a family sport in the state.
Overall, Gardner Love’s unexpected catch of a pending state record snook highlights the changing fish populations in Alabama and the potential for increased fishing opportunities in the area. His experience serves as a testament to the thrill of fishing and the joy of potentially setting new records in the sport. As discussions continue regarding regulations for snook fishing and environmental changes impact fish populations, it is clear that fishing remains a beloved pastime for many individuals, especially in coastal regions like the Gulf Coast.
