Top Snooks Robalos Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Top Snooks, also known as Robalos Not Elsewhere Included, refer to several species within the Centropomidae family, most notably the common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). These fish are prized for their fighting ability and delicate, flavorful flesh, making them a favorite among both commercial and recreational anglers. Snook are primarily found in warm coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and along the coasts of Central and South America. The leading countries harvesting snook include Mexico, Brazil, and several Central American nations such as Costa Rica and Panama. In these regions, snook fishing supports local economies through both commercial harvests—often sold fresh in local markets—and a thriving sport fishing industry that attracts anglers from around the world. Due to their popularity and vulnerability to overfishing, many countries have implemented regulations such as seasonal closures and size limits to ensure the sustainability of snook populations.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Brazil3,450
2Mexico2,472
3Nicaragua856
4French Guiana32
5Colombia25
6Dominican Republic5

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.