They Found Snakehead

[DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only]

IMO the snakehead population on the POTOMAC RIVER has not been studied closely enough.  If you think about it it has been somewhere close to 10 years since they have been introduced to River here.  In that, roughly, 10-15 years span the snakehead can be found from Washington D.C to the BAY.  Stop and think about that.  If you released a 5 bass in a creek by your house and waited 10-15 years will those bass take over that much water?  I know research has been done and now they are saying that snakeheads are hitting there equal medium and that the numbers have stop increasing and are more balanced, but are they?  Think about it?  I think IMO that the effects of this foriegn fish have yet to peek.  10 years from now we are going to notice a real impact. 

There is going to be a time when the big bass are going to start being caught more often, and people are going to start thinking that bass fishing is getting good.  But, the reason will be because all the littler bass are going to be eaten up.  Then once the big ole bass start dying of old age the snakehead will remain.  This will happen to all the fish.  With reproduction rates the way these snakeheads reproduce it's only a matter of time.

 

This is coming from someone that loves to catch snakeheads.  Do your part catch, kill and eat some, or better yet give it to someone else that will eat some.  Lord knows a crap ton of people around here love eating them. 

 

 

JAY-

[J Francho]

I'd be more concerned about bowfin population than bass.  Snakehead and bowfin occupy the same niche.

[Bluebasser86]

I'd be more concerned about bowfin population than bass.  Snakehead and bowfin occupy the same niche.

This is more my understanding. We don't have either here but from what I've read snakehead seem to like extremely shallow water that often has low oxygen levels and cover too heavy for most bass to occupy. 

While I'll admit that snakehead sound like they would be a blast to catch, I have no desire to have them in our lakes. 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I'd be more concerned about bowfin population than bass.  Snakehead and bowfin occupy the same niche.

The Potomac river doesn't have a bowfin population (not sure about the canals in Florida or the area of PA where the OP says they were found.) 

[B@ssCrzy]

Sounds like snakeheads present an excellent bowfishing opportunity when spawning. 

 

Yeah I think you are right.  Would be an easy target in a clear lake. 

[J Francho]

The Potomac river doesn't have a bowfin population (not sure about the canals in Florida or the area of PA where the OP says they were found.) 

 

That isn't true.The Potamac has bowfin.  Or, had....

 

http://www.serc.si.edu/labs/marine_invasions/databases/daily_invader_archives_cbfishes.aspx

[DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only]

A buddy I work with caught a bowfin last year across from Leesylvania last spring.  He catches snakeheads with me all the time and knows the difference.

 

 

Just saying-

 

That isn't true.The Potamac has bowfin.  Or, had....

 

http://www.serc.si.edu/labs/marine_invasions/databases/daily_invader_archives_cbfishes.aspx

 

 

Jay-

[bassguytom]

Already then it looks like I will be catching snakehead soon. There seems to be a mixed reaction and I still think the jury is out on them. I also think a lot of fisheries management spokesman and biologist know they can't be controlled so they leane towards the (it's not such a bad thing after all) side. I guess we will see what happens in this lake. Only time will tell and time is the one thing ou can't get back. So I'm going fishing. Thanks for all the info. everyone.

[Traveler2586]

Already then it looks like I will be catching snakehead soon. There seems to be a mixed reaction and I still think the jury is out on them. I also think a lot of fisheries management spokesman and biologist know they can't be controlled so they leane towards the (it's not such a bad thing after all) side. I guess we will see what happens in this lake. Only time will tell and time is the one thing ou can't get back. So I'm going fishing. Thanks for all the info. everyone.

 

I think you nailed it.  Enjoy fishing; if it takes your bait, set the hook......  

[DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only]

I think you nailed it.  Enjoy fishing; if it takes your bait, set the hook......  

Once you catch it eat it they are delicious!

Jay

[Snakehead Whisperer]

That isn't true.The Potamac has bowfin.  Or, had....

 

http://www.serc.si.edu/labs/marine_invasions/databases/daily_invader_archives_cbfishes.aspx

Ok, fair enough. I do realize that there are some bowfin in the Potomac river. The point that I was trying to make is that the likelihood of catching a snakehead is far greater than the likelihood of catching a bowfin in the tidal Potomac. The bowfin population in the Potomac is marginal at best, and the chance of catching one is very slim.

 

As for bowfishing for snakehead... the guys who do it fair much better than rod and reel anglers as far as numbers, and also as far as size so far.

[Hannock]

 

Here on the Potomac we are more negatively impacted by the presence of the blue and flathead catfish than we are the snakehead. There are numerous factors that come into play (like water quality, etc.) but the bass fishing has been better here on the Potomac than it has in many years... and this is after the introduction of the northern snakehead. 

I second this, if anything the bass fishing has been phenomenally better. Maybe because of more competition for food, but I have caught more and bigger bass than ever since the snakehead have been introduced.

[Shane Procell]

I once believed the snakehead invasion was a serious problem for our fishery in South Florida. I guess everyone did at one time. I thought the snakehead would eat all the bass. It just isn't happening. On the contrary, the snakehead fry is being eaten by the bass. The head of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Invasive Species Team, Kelly Gestring has also confirmed this in a recent interview. While the snakehead still has a negative reputation down here, the fish is here to stay. I made up my mind that I would just enjoy the snakehead for what it was: hard fighting, aggressive and a tasty fish. 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I second this, if anything the bass fishing has been phenomenally better. Maybe because of more competition for food, but I have caught more and bigger bass than ever since the snakehead have been introduced.

Before northern snakeheads were in the river 5lb. lmb were a rarity. They're pretty common nowadays, but like I said water quality and other factors are also relevant. One sure thing is that the snakeheads have not had the devastating impact that was dreadfully feared 10 years ago. But like Delfi said the snakeheads still need to be studied more extensively for a conclusive answer, and they are still relatively new here. The northern snakeheads in the Potomac are already diverging from the predictable behavior and migration that they exhibit in their native Amur river drainage, so it's still hard to say where it will all lead. 

[Hannock]

But like Delfi said the snakeheads still need to be studied more extensively for a conclusive answer, and they are still relatively new here. The northern snakeheads in the Potomac are already diverging from the predictable behavior and migration that they exhibit in their native Amur river drainage, so it's still hard to say where it will all lead. 

 

We know what and where they like to eat and I know I need some heavy duty braided to reel 'em in.. so I guess we're doing our part

[Hannock]

Heck, I might just ditch you guys and join snakeheadresource.com when that happens lol!!!! 

Jk about that last one, of course. 

 

Carlos

I'm actually a little embarrassed that I did a google search for this.......... *facepalm*

[snakehead39]

I'm so glad that I found this site regarding this thread about Snakehead. Snakehead Whisperer I saw one of your videos on you tube, very cool. I really feel as though that bass fishing is better than ever on the Potomac. That being said, when I go fishing now on the Potomac all I want is Snakehead. I'm not certain that I will kill as many as I did last year. I really have started to respect them a bit too much. They are hard to catch, difficult to land and tough to get in the boat.  Case in point. I caught a large one about 8 or 9lb or so and put her on ice. Caught the Snakehead on a topwater plug and it was all that I could hope for. Thrilling fight, jumps and nice runs. Got her in the boat, I didn't kill her right the and there and then 5 hours later, I open the cooler and the snakehead makes a go to jump out. Wow. I had trouble killing the fish. Mind you the fish was really good to eat and others enjoyed it as well. I'm just now rethinking what I have learned  and from the studies I've read from DNR and other states that have snakehead. It remains to be seen if this threat of the sankehead is as dire as DNR makes it out to be. 

 

See you on the river. 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I'm so glad that I found this site regarding this thread about Snakehead. Snakehead Whisperer I saw one of your videos on you tube, very cool. I really feel as though that bass fishing is better than ever on the Potomac. That being said, when I go fishing now on the Potomac all I want is Snakehead. I'm not certain that I will kill as many as I did last year. I really have started to respect them a bit too much. They are hard to catch, difficult to land and tough to get in the boat.  Case in point. I caught a large one about 8 or 9lb or so and put her on ice. Caught the Snakehead on a topwater plug and it was all that I could hope for. Thrilling fight, jumps and nice runs. Got her in the boat, I didn't kill her right the and there and then 5 hours later, I open the cooler and the snakehead makes a go to jump out. Wow. I had trouble killing the fish. Mind you the fish was really good to eat and others enjoyed it as well. I'm just now rethinking what I have learned  and from the studies I've read from DNR and other states that have snakehead. It remains to be seen if this threat of the sankehead is as dire as DNR makes it out to be. 

 

See you on the river. 

Thanks. 

 

I too have a great deal of respect for these fish and I too have mixed feelings about killing them. I carry a sharp machete on my boat and sever the spine in one good whack. I don't want the fish to suffer, and I make sure that the meat is consumed if I kill the fish (snakehead jaw is good stuff too, don't overlook this cut.)

 

I'd be a liar if I said that I hadn't C&R'd snakehead. And for those who have any questions as to the legality of this, please see this page VA Snakehead Info. When fishing in Maryland waters I always dispatch the fish in accordance with the law (and I usually do in VA too, but there's only so much space in my freezer )

 

It's illegal to possess a live snakehead no matter what state you are in so I would advise either dispatching/releasing the fish immediately if fishing in VA or the district, or promptly dispatching the fish in MD (they will cite for this and the fines are hefty.) Of course, I would always advise for people to read the regulations themselves and not take my word for it.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

We know what and where they like to eat and I know I need some heavy duty braided to reel 'em in.. so I guess we're doing our part

The line sure helps. Last fall I caught a 10lber on my 9' ultra light crappie rig with 2lb. mono. The fight was epic, but I eventually boated the fish.

[snakehead39]

Thanks for the heads up Whisperer regarding the laws in VA and MD. Keep up the good work, thanks again. 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Thanks for the heads up Whisperer regarding the laws in VA and MD. Keep up the good work, thanks again. 

No prob. Welcome to the site.

[Silas]

We have lots of "Bowfin" down here in South Louisiana....but if you called them that name, few would recognize what you are talking about.

 

We call it the "CHOUPIQUE" (pronounced Shoe Pick) and it usually is found in shallow water in the bayous.  It puts up a great fight.  Very few people actually go out fishing for them.  They just get caught as we are fishing for bass.

 

As for eating them, many consider them poor table fare.  One "could" eat them, but they are somewhat difficult to clean.  One method is to split them with a machete and scrape the meat from the bones with a sharpened large spoon for they are a very bony fish. Lots of work.  Once the meat is scraped off, it is mixed with many spices and then fried and called "Choupique Boulet"

 

    A Cajun dish for sure.....maybe even an "acquired taste.."   I personally dont like the taste. 

 

Very similar are "Garfish Boulet" where the garfish are cleaned and cooked exactly the same way.  Put both in a brown "roux" and spoon over rice and you have yourself a true Cajun Feast.

 

At least, from what you guys are saying, the Snakehead is pretty tasty. 

 

Does it taste better than sac-a-lait?  (Crappie?"

[DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only]

Yeah they do taste better than sac a lait. They are very meaty and it pure white meat, not very bony either. Its the best tasting fresh water fish IMO and others in this area.

Jay

[Traveler2586]

Yeah they do taste better than sac a lait. They are very meaty and it pure white meat, not very bony either. Its the best tasting fresh water fish IMO and others in this area.

Jay

 

I am looking forward to trying some at the VA Meet & greet this year; it'll probably be my only chance to do so.  I just had a stranger in a local store tell me he fixes SH using all the standard methods, even fish balls (round balls of fish meat deep fried) for TV snacks.  If I can find people that want them I'll do what I can to meet their request, but I'm not looking forward to worrying about keeping ice on the boat.  How long do you think I can go between the catch and the fridge; and how do you properly freeze the fish?

[DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only]

A guy at work kept one 3 days in a utility sink in his garage, to his surprise it was still alive. By law they have to be dead to transport. I fillet mine and cut it into fish nuggets. Then took 1/3 flour and 2/3 corn bread mix then deep fried. My 12 yr old daughter is a picky eater and she love it. On the boat just throw them in a cooler with a little water freeze a bottle and leave it in there. Anyone that likes fish will love snakehead.

Jay