Snoek
Snoek is a fast, toothy pelagic fish from the snake mackerel family that ranges through Southern Hemisphere coastal waters — including Chile's Pacific coast.
It's primarily a commercial species here, but anglers do encounter it, with catches reported around Valparaíso. Long, slender, and built for speed, it chases small schooling fish hard and makes for lively sport on light saltwater gear.
Scientific Name: Thyrsites atun
Also known as Sierra, Snoek
- Long, compressed body with a pointed snout and prominent, sharp teeth — unmistakable once you've seen one; looks like a cross between a barracuda and a mackerel.
- Dark blue-grey or brownish on the back, fading to silver on the sides and belly; no bold markings but the lateral line is distinct.
- Typical fish run 60–90 cm; larger individuals can exceed 1 m and several kilograms.
- The first dorsal fin is long and spiny; small finlets run behind both dorsal and anal fins, similar to a tuna or mackerel.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A native Southern Hemisphere species found in cool-to-temperate coastal and offshore waters; present along Chile's Pacific coast as part of its natural range.
- Pelagic by habit — spends most of its time in the water column rather than near the bottom, often following schools of anchovies and other small baitfish.
- Reported in the waters around Valparaíso, suggesting it frequents the central Chilean coast; likely present along a broader stretch of the Chilean Pacific.
Key Locations
- Puerto de Valparaíso — the central Chilean port is the most documented location for snoek catches by recreational anglers in Chile.
Specific Spots
- Around port structures, breakwaters, and rocky headlands where baitfish schools concentrate — snoek follow the food.
- Open water over depth changes and upwelling zones, where cold, nutrient-rich water pushes baitfish to the surface.
- Near the surface during active feeding, especially when anchovies or sardines are being pushed up by currents or larger predators below.
Snoek FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Snoek?
Metal jigs in silver or blue-silver are the standard, cast into feeding fish or let them sink and retrieve fast to imitate fleeing anchovies. Slender hard-bodied minnow lures (like a Rapala-style stick bait) worked at speed through the surface or just below it work well when fish are visibly chasing bait.
How do you catch Snoek?
Shore and boat anglers around Valparaíso and the central Chilean coast encounter snoek while targeting other pelagic species. Casting metal jigs or trolling slender lures near baitfish schools is the most practical approach.
What do Snoek eat?
Anchovies and small sardines are the primary forage, when you see birds working bait on the surface, snoek are often underneath. Metal jigs and slender silver lures that mimic these baitfish are the go-to choice. Also takes euphausiids (krill) and small squid, particularly offshore.
Where do Snoek live?
A native Southern Hemisphere species found in cool-to-temperate coastal and offshore waters; present along Chile's Pacific coast as part of its natural range. Pelagic by habit, spends most of its time in the water column rather than near the bottom, often following schools of anchovies and other small baitfish.
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